Depending on your brand, this medication is used to
treat skin itching caused by certain inherited liver conditions
(progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis-PFIC or Alagille
syndrome-ALGS). In PFIC and ALGS, a substance that your body normally makes
(bilirubin) builds up in the liver and results in jaundice. Odevixibat
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 Instructions for Use leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using odevixibat and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth with food as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily with the morning meal. This medication
comes in 2 dosage forms: a capsule to swallow or a capsule that contains
pellets to sprinkle on food or liquid.
If you are using the capsules that contain pellets, you
must open the capsules and sprinkle the pellets onto soft food or liquid as
directed. Do not swallow these capsules whole. For mixing in soft food,
place up to 2 tablespoonsful (30 milliliters) of soft food in a container.
Keep food at or below room temperature. Some recommended soft foods
include: apple sauce, oatmeal, banana or carrot puree, or chocolate or rice
pudding. Gently mix the prescribed dose in the soft food (the pellets will
not dissolve) and give all of the dose right away. Do not store the mixture
for later use. Drink some liquid after the dose is taken. For mixing in
liquid (such as water, breast milk, formula), empty the pellets in a mixing
cup. Place 1 teaspoonful (5 milliliters) of liquid into the cup and let the
pellets sit in the liquid for about 5 minutes (the pellets will not
dissolve). Follow instructions on how to mix and give the liquid mixture
using the oral syringe. Drink some liquid after the dose is taken. Throw
away the empty capsule shell(s) in the trash.
If you are using the capsules to swallow, swallow the
capsule(s) with a glass of water. Do not chew or crush the capsules. If you
have trouble swallowing the capsule(s), you may open the capsule and
sprinkle the contents onto soft food or liquid as directed, using the same
instructions as the capsules that contain pellets.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
and response to treatment. Use this medication regularly to get the most
benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each
day.
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 odevixibat, preventing your body from fully
absorbing the drug.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Diarrhea, abdominal pain, or vomiting 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.
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, stomach/abdominal
pain, yellowing eyes/skin, or dark urine.
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 odevixibat, 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.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using odevixibat. Odevixibat
may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right
away about the risks and benefits of this medication.
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 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.
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.