Miglustat is used for the long-term treatment of a
certain rare genetic problem (Gaucher's disease). It works by decreasing
the amount of a certain natural fatty substance (glucosylceramide) that
builds up due to this condition. This can help improve symptoms of
Gaucher's disease, such as tiredness, pain in the joints/bones, and a
swollen liver or spleen.
This section contains uses of this drug that are not
listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be
prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition
that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your
health care professional.
Miglustat is also available in another strength and
other brands for a certain inherited condition (Pompe disease). Do not take
this medication with any other product that contains
miglustat.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start taking miglustat and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with or without food as
directed by your doctor, usually 3 times a day. The dosage is based on your
medical condition and response to treatment.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Nausea, vomiting, stomach/abdominal pain, gas, diarrhea,
weight loss, headache, muscle cramps, dizziness, or weakness may occur. If
any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
To reduce diarrhea, your doctor may tell you to take
miglustat between meals, recommend that you change your diet to avoid
high-carbohydrate foods, or prescribe a drug (such as loperamide) to treat
diarrhea. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- numbness/tingling/weakness/pain of the hands or feet
- new/worsening shaking or tremor of the hands
- vision changes
- new/worsening bruising/bleeding
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before taking miglustat, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- kidney disease
- numbness/tingling of the hands/feet
- stomach/intestinal problems (such as inflammatory bowel
disease)
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication. Consult your doctor before
breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as nerve function, kidney
function, liver/spleen measurements, complete blood count including
platelets) should be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all
medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store at room temperature away from light and moisture.
Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and
pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.