This medication is used to treat certain inherited
disorders (long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders- LC-FAOD). People with
LC-FAOD cannot break down certain nutrients (fatty acids) to use as energy
due to the lack of certain enzymes. Triheptanoin is not a cure for LC-FAOD
but is a medium-chain triglyceride that works by providing fatty acids and
energy to the body.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start taking
this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are taking any other medium-chain triglycerides,
your doctor will direct you to stop that medication before starting
triheptanoin. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more
details.
Take this medication with food by mouth or through a
feeding tube as directed by your doctor, usually four times daily. This
medication should be taken at 3- or 4-hour intervals, with meals or
snacks.
Carefully measure the dose using a special measuring
device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the
correct dose. Use only cups, containers, spoons, or oral syringes that are
safe to use with triheptanoin as described in the Instructions for Use
leaflet. Add the measured dose to a container and mix with soft food or
liquid (such as whole-grain hot cereal, fat-free
yogurt/milk/formula/cottage cheese, or fat-free low-carbohydrate
pudding/smoothies/applesauce/baby food) as directed by your doctor. Take
all of the mixture right away. If not taken right away, the mixture may be
stored in the refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
If you are giving this medication through a feeding
tube, ask your health care professional which feeding tubes are safe to use
with triheptanoin, and for detailed instructions on how to properly mix and
give it.
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 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.
It is very important to continue to follow your doctor's
advice about diet while using this medication.
Stomach/abdominal pain, diarrhea, nausea, 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.
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 triheptanoin, 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:
- intestinal disease (such as pancreatic insufficiency)
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.
A product that may interact with this drug
is:
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.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember and
take the following doses at 3- or 4-hour intervals. Skip the missed dose if
you cannot take all the prescribed doses in the same day. Do not double the
dose to catch up.
Store at room temperature. Do not freeze. Keep the
bottle upright. Do not store in containers made of polystyrene or polyvinyl
chloride (PVC). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Once the
bottle is opened, this medication expires after 9 months. 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.