Has your doctor prescribed you or someone in your family a medication called Glycerol Phenylbutyrate? It's a drug with a somewhat unusual name, so you may have a lot of questions about it. Don't worry, today we'll talk simply about this medication, what it does, how to use it, and what things to be careful about.
Simply put, what is this medicine?
Glycerol Phenylbutyrate (also known by the brand name RAVICTI) is a medication that is used to control the amount of ammonia in the blood of people with urea cycle disorders .
Think about it, when our bodies use protein, it produces ammonia as a waste product. In a healthy person, the urea cycle converts this ammonia into harmless urea and excretes it in the urine. But in someone with a urea cycle disorder, the body cannot do this job properly. Then, ammonia can accumulate in the body and damage the brain and nervous system.
This medicine helps to remove the excess ammonia from the body. But one thing must be kept in mind. This is not a medicine that completely cures the disease. This is only a medicine that helps to control the disease.
Usually, when given this medication, you will need to follow a special low protein diet prescribed by your doctor, and possibly take additional dietary supplements.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
Before starting this medication, it is important to tell your doctor the following information. Do not hide these things, as they are very important for your safety.
| Situation you need to report | Why is that important? |
|---|---|
| Intestinal problems | The body may be affected by the absorption of the medicine. |
| Kidney, liver or pancreatic disease | Since the medicine is excreted from the body through this organ, the dosage may need to be adjusted if there are medical conditions. |
| Allergies | Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any allergies to this medicine, other medicines, foods, preservatives, or colorings. |
| If you are pregnant or trying to get pregnant | You should talk to your doctor about whether the medication will affect the baby in the womb. |
| If the baby is breastfed | Consult your doctor about whether the medicine passes to the baby through breast milk. |
How exactly do I use this medicine?
This medicine comes in the form of an oral solution, so be aware of these things.
- Take by mouth: This is a medicine that is taken by mouth.
- Measure correctly: Use the special spoon, cup, or syringe that comes with the medicine to measure it . Do not use regular teaspoons at home, as they are not very accurate.
- Take with food: It is best to take this medicine with a meal or, for infants, with formula .
- Take it on time: Take the medicine at the prescribed time, at the prescribed intervals, as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more than the prescribed amount.
- Don't stop: Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly without medical advice.
- When given to children: This medicine is sometimes prescribed even to newborn babies. However, there are special precautions to follow. Therefore, talk to your pediatrician about this carefully and get advice.
What if the dosage of the medicine is increased (overdose)?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, the first thing you should do is call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital . Or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital. Do not delay this.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses at the same time for any reason.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Other medications you are taking may interact with this medicine, so tell your doctor about all the medications you are taking (including vitamins, herbal remedies, and supplements).
| Types of drugs that may cause conflicts (examples) |
|---|
|
| Note: This is not a complete list. Also tell your doctor if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use other drugs. |
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, this one can cause some side effects. Some are serious, some are common.
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately |
|---|
|
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome |
|
If you experience any other unusual symptoms not mentioned on this list, talk to your doctor about them as well.
How should I store the medicine?
- Keep away from children.
- Store at room temperature, between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius (68-77 Fahrenheit).
- Discard expired medication.
Take-Home Message
- Glycerol Phenylbutyrate is not a drug that cures urea cycle disorders, it is a drug that helps control ammonia levels in the blood.
- Always take this medicine with a meal, using the special measuring cup that comes with it.
- Follow the low-protein diet prescribed by your doctor exactly.
- Do not stop taking the medication without your doctor's advice.
- If you take too much medication or experience serious side effects, seek medical advice immediately.
- Tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking (including vitamins and traditional medicines).
💬 අදහස් (0)
තවමත් කිසිදු අදහසක් පළ කර නොමැත. ඔබේ අදහස පළමු වරට මෙහි එක් කරන්න.
ඔබේ අදහස එක් කරන්න