This medication is used to treat skin itching caused by
certain inherited liver conditions (progressive familial intrahepatic
cholestasis-PFIC, Alagille syndrome-ALGS). In these conditions, a substance
that your body normally makes (bilirubin) builds up in the liver and causes
jaundice. Maralixibat belongs to a class of drugs known as ileal bile acid
transporter inhibitors. It helps to lessen symptoms of jaundice such as
itching, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine, and pale-colored
stools.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using maralixibat and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth 30 minutes before a meal
as directed by your doctor, usually either once daily (in the morning) or
twice daily (once in the morning and once in the evening). The dosage is
based on your medical condition, weight, and response to
treatment.
To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may
direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) 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.
If you are also taking bile acid-binding resins such as
cholestyramine, colesevelam, or colestipol, take this medication at least 4
hours before or at least 4 hours after taking these medications. These
medications can bind to maralixibat, preventing your body from fully
absorbing the drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Diarrhea, vomiting, or abdominal pain 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.
Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in
dehydration. Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of
dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst,
fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.
This medication may lower your fat-soluble vitamin
levels, and that may increase your risk for bone fractures and bleeding.
Talk to your doctor for more details.
Although this medication is used to treat liver
problems, it may sometimes cause liver tests to worsen. Tell your doctor
right away if you have symptoms of worsening liver problems such as
nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin,
or dark urine.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- abdominal pain that won't go away
- blood/mucus in stools
- fever
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 maralixibat, 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:
- other liver problems (such as ascites, encephalopathy)
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. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
See also How to Use section.
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 liver function,
fat-soluble vitamin levels) should be done before starting this medication
and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you are taking this medication once daily and you
miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 12 hours
after the missed dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the
regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.
If you are taking this medication twice daily and you
miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is more than 6 hours
after the missed 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.