This medication is used along with diet changes for
long-term treatment of a certain inherited disorder (phenylketonuria-PKU).
It helps remove a certain chemical (phenylalanine) from the body. Too much
phenylalanine in the body can cause brain damage.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking
sapropterin and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with a meal as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily. The dosage is based on your medical
condition, age, weight, lab tests, and response to
treatment.
Open the packet and pour its contents into 120 to 240
milliliters (4 to 8 ounces) of water or apple juice. Stir well until the
powder dissolves completely (2 to 3 minutes). Drink all of the mixture
within 30 minutes of mixing. You may also mix the powder in a small amount
of soft food (such as apple sauce or pudding). Eat all of the mixture right
away. Do not prepare a supply in advance.
If the dose is less than a full packet, ask your doctor
or pharmacist how much water or apple juice you should use to mix with the
dose. Mix the entire contents of the packet in water or apple juice as
directed by your doctor. Mix well and measure the dose using a special
measuring device. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the
correct dose. Take the dose within 30 minutes of mixing. Discard any unused
medication.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if you do not get better or if you get
worse.
Runny/stuffy nose or sore throat may occur. If any of
these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
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:
- trouble swallowing
- pain in the throat
- stomach/abdominal pain that doesn't go away
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- black stools
- blood in your vomit
- signs of hyperactivity (such as not being able to sit
still)
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 sapropterin, 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:
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. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. 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 phenylalanine blood
levels) 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, take it as soon as you remember if
it is on the same day. If you do not remember until the next day, 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.