This medication is used to treat a certain type of nerve
disease called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also commonly called Lou
Gehrig's disease). This medication contains 2 drugs: sodium phenylbutyrate
and taurursodiol (also known as ursodoxicoltaurine). It helps slow down
loss of physical function due to this disease. However, it is not a cure
for ALS, and it does not reverse nerve damage or muscle
weakness.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you
get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth or through a feeding tube
before a meal or a snack as directed by your doctor, usually once a day for
the first 3 weeks, then twice a day from then on. This medication must be
mixed before taking. Open 1 sachet and mix all of the contents in a cup (8
ounces or 250 milliliters) of room temperature water. Stir well, and take
the mixture within 1 hour after mixing.
The dosage is based on your medical condition 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.
Nausea, diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomach/abdominal
pain, dizziness, drowsiness, or tiredness 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.
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 this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to sodium phenylbutyrate or taurursodiol
(ursodoxicoltaurine); or to bile salts; 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:
- heart problems (such as heart failure)
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- swelling (edema)
- digestive problems
- problems with your pancreas
- a certain inherited condition (glucose-galactose
malabsorption)
This medication contains salt (sodium). Before taking
this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a low-salt
diet.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or
marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. 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. 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- aluminum-containing antacids
- bile acid-binding resins (such as cholestyramine, colestipol,
colesevelam)
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 may be done while you are
taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next
dose at the regular time. Do not take more or 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.