Sometimes doctors prescribe very special medications that we have never heard of. Triheptanoin is one such special liquid medication. It is not usually given to everyone. It is especially used for people suffering from a rare genetic condition called LC-FAOD, or Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders. So, if your doctor has prescribed this medication for you or your child, this article will be of great help to you in understanding the questions, concerns, and fears about it in a simple way.
What really happens with this medicine?
Let's put it simply. Our body's cells need energy to function. To generate this energy, our bodies mainly use carbohydrates and fat from the food we eat. However, in people with a genetic condition called LC-FAOD, the body cannot break down long-chain fatty acids to generate energy. It's a weakness in their genes.
This is where Triheptanoin comes in. It is more of a fat supplement than a medicine. It contains a special type of fat that the body can easily absorb and convert into energy. In other words, this medicine provides the energy and calories that the body is unable to obtain due to LC-FAOD through another route.
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking this medicine
Before prescribing this medication, it is very important for your doctor to know your complete health history. Be sure to tell them about any of the following:
| The situation that affects you | Why should you tell the doctor? |
|---|---|
| Using a feeding tube | This medication may need to be given through a feeding tube, so the doctor should be aware of this. |
| Pancreatic disease | People with pancreatic disease may react differently to this medicine, so it is important to inform them in advance. |
| Any type of allergy (Allergies) | If you are allergic to any other medicine, food, or preservatives, not just this medicine, it is very important to inform your doctor. |
| Being pregnant or trying to get pregnant | Any medication during pregnancy should only be taken on medical advice. So tell your doctor about your condition. |
| Breastfeeding the baby | The medication you take can pass to your baby through breast milk. So if you are a breastfeeding mother, be sure to tell your doctor about it. |
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- Follow your doctor's instructions: Take the medicine exactly as prescribed, in the amount prescribed, and at the right time. Never change the dosage at your own discretion.
- Take with food: This medicine should always be taken with or after a meal.
- Read the instructions: Read the INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE that comes with the medicine carefully. If anything is unclear, don't be shy about asking your doctor to clarify.
- When given to children: This medicine can even be given to newborns in some special cases. However, only your child's doctor can decide on this. Therefore, do as your doctor tells you.
Important: This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not share it with anyone else for any reason, even if they have the same symptoms as you.
What if I take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken more than the prescribed dose, either by mistake or by accident, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital immediately. Otherwise, do not waste time and go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Leave 3 to 4 hours between each dose. However, if there is not enough time to take the full dose for the day (for example, if it is almost time for the next day), skip the missed dose and take the next dose at the regular time. Never take two doses at once to make up for a missed dose.
Possible side effects of taking the medicine
Like any medicine, triheptanoin can cause side effects in some people. Some of these are serious, while others are mild.
| Nature of the side effect | Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Side effects that you should report to your doctor immediately | |
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Side effects that should be reported to the doctor if they persist or are bothersome | |
| Stomach pain | Stomach discomfort or pain. |
| Diarrhea | Flatulence. |
| Vomiting and Nausea | Feeling like vomiting or vomiting. |
This list does not include all side effects. If you experience anything different, talk to your doctor about it.
Medicine storage and disposal
Where should I put it?
- Keep it safely out of reach of children and pets .
- Store at room temperature (between 20 and 25 degrees Celsius). Never freeze.
- Keep the medicine in the original bottle it came in.
- Discard any remaining medicine 9 months after opening the bottle or after the expiration date (whichever comes first).
How do you get rid of unnecessary medication?
Don't just throw expired or unused medications in the trash.
- The best thing to do is to hand them over to a medication take-back program. You can ask your local pharmacy or hospital about such places.
- If you can't find such a program, take the medicine out of the bottle, mix it well with something like used tea leaves, coffee grounds, or soil, put it in a tightly sealed plastic bag, and throw it in the trash.
- If you're not sure how to remove it, ask your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Triheptanoin is a special nutritional supplement given for a rare condition called LC-FAOD.
- Always take this medicine as directed by your doctor, with a meal.
- Inform your doctor about any other medications you are taking and any other medical conditions you have.
- If you experience allergic symptoms such as skin rash and swelling, seek medical advice immediately.
- This medicine is for you only. Never share it with others.
- If you have any problems, questions, or doubts about this medication, the best and most appropriate person to talk to about it is your doctor.
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