Nitisinone



OrfadinŽ







Nitisinone

(ni TIS i known)

U.S. Brand Names
OrfadinŽ
Pharmacologic Category
4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate Dioxygenase Inhibitor
What key warnings should I know about before taking this medicine?
  • Nitisinone must be used with a special diet that is low in tyrosine and phenylalanine.
Reasons not to take this medicine
  • If you have an allergy to nitisinone or any other part of this medicine.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat; or any other symptoms involved.
What is this medicine used for?
  • This medicine is used to treat hereditary tyrosinemia type 1 (HT-1).
How does it work?
  • Nitisinone prevents the breakdown of tyrosine. In people with HT-1, harmful chemicals are formed from tyrosine.
How is it best taken?
  • To gain the most benefit, do not miss doses.
  • Take this medicine 1 hour before breakfast and dinner.
  • Swallow capsule whole. Do not chew, break, or crush.
  • Capsules can be opened and contents mixed with food or liquid.
  • Follow diet plan as recommended by healthcare provider.
What do I do if I miss a dose? (does not apply to patients in the hospital)
  • Take a missed dose as soon as possible.
  • If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to your regular schedule.
  • Do not take a double dose or extra doses.
  • Do not change dose or stop medicine. Talk with healthcare provider.
What are the precautions when taking this medicine?
  • Check medicines with healthcare provider. This medicine may not mix well with other medicines.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant.
  • Tell healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of this medicine?
  • Hair loss.
  • Skin irritation.
  • Low platelet and white blood cell counts can rarely occur.
What should I monitor?
  • Change in condition being treated. Is it better, worse, or about the same?
  • Dietary intake of tyrosine and phenylalanine.
  • Check blood work regularly. Talk with healthcare provider.
  • Follow up with healthcare provider.
Reasons to call healthcare provider immediately
  • If you suspect an overdose, call your local poison control center immediately or dial 911.
  • Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing; chest tightness; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits; or swelling of face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Change in skin on hands or feet.
  • Sudden change in vision, eye pain or irritation.
  • Any rash.
How should I store this medicine?
  • Store in a refrigerator.
  • Protect from moisture. Do not store in a bathroom or kitchen.
General statements
  • If you have a life-threatening allergy, wear allergy identification at all times.
  • Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's medicine.
  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, natural products, supplements, vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider (doctor, nurse, nurse practitioner, pharmacist, physician assistant).
  • Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine, including over-the-counter, natural products, or vitamins.
Brand Names: