This medication is used to help treat certain inherited
disorders that cause high levels of a certain substance (ammonia) to build
up in your body. Carglumic acid works by helping your body remove ammonia.
Too much ammonia in the body can cause brain damage and sometimes
death.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start taking carglumic
acid and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your
doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth right before meals or
feedings as directed by your doctor, usually 2 to 4 times daily. The dosage
is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to
treatment.
This medication must be mixed in water before taking.
Use at least one-half teaspoonful/2.5 milliliters water to mix with each
tablet of carglumic acid. Place the water and tablet(s) in a cup and stir
well until the tablet(s) break into small pieces. The tablet(s) will not
completely dissolve. Drink all of the mixture right away. Add more water to
the cup and drink all of the mixture to make sure you are getting all of
the drug. Use only water for mixing, and do not prepare a supply ahead of
time. Do not crush the tablets or swallow them whole.
The mixture may also be given with an oral syringe or
through a tube into the stomach. If you are using either of these, ask your
health care professional for detailed instructions on how to give
it.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each
day.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Upset stomach or vomiting may occur. If either of these
effects lasts or gets 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.
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 carglumic acid, 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 ammonia blood levels,
kidney function, complete blood count) should be done while you are taking
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. 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.