Type of medicine: enzyme inhibitor
Generic and brand names: nitisinone, oral; Orfadin
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (a disease caused by too much tyrosine in the blood.) It is used along with a special diet.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Do not breast-feed while taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
Take this medicine at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after meals. If you have trouble swallowing, the capsule may be opened and the powder sprinkled in a small amount of water or formula, or on soft food such as applesauce. Take the medicine right away after mixing it.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: skin rash, yellowing of the eyes or skin, unusual bleeding, eye or vision problems.
While taking this medicine, it is important to follow your provider's instructions about diet.
You will need to have lab tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.
Your eyes may be more sensitive to light. Wear sunglasses when outdoors and avoid bright lights. Also, your healthcare provider may want you to have your eyes checked regularly while you are taking this medicine.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away). If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; chest pain or tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual tiredness or weakness; hallucinations; trouble urinating; vomiting; confusion; redness, burning, or swelling of the eyes; vision problems; rash or scaly skin; yellowish eyes or skin; dark urine; light colored bowel movements.
Other: Dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, constipation, nausea, sensitivity to light, mild rash, dry skin, hair loss, itching.
No significant drug interactions have been reported. It is very important to follow the diet prescribed by your healthcare provider.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine in the refrigerator. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
