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Sapropterin Powder for Solution

What is this medication?

SAPROPTERIN (SAP roe TER in) treats high phenylalanine levels in people with phenylketonuria (PKU). It works by helping your body break down phenylalanine. This prevents it from building up in the blood. Changes to diet and exercise are often combined with this medication.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): JAVYGTOR, KUVAN

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Eating disorder like anorexia, bulimia
  • Fever
  • Infection
  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Seizures
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to sapropterin, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth with food. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Dissolve powder in water or apple juice. Talk to your care team about how much water or apple juice you should use. The powder should dissolve quickly and completely. Drink within 30 minutes of mixing. The powder may also be stirred into a small amount of apple sauce or pudding. Take your medication at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your care team's advice.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While this medication may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

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NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Take only one dose each day. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

This medication may interact with the following:

  • Avanafil
  • Levodopa
  • Methotrexate
  • Pemetrexed
  • Pyrimethamine
  • Sildenafil
  • Tadalafil
  • Vardenafil

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. Visit your care team for regular check-ups and for blood tests. It may take up to 4 weeks for your body to respond to this medication.

Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You will need to be on a special diet while you are taking this medication. Talk with your care team before making any changes to your diet.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Hyperactivity—restlessness, fidgeting, excessive talking
  • Inflammation of the esophagus or stomach—loss of appetite, throat pain, pain or trouble swallowing, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, dry cough, bloody or black, tar-like stools

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Cough
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Runny or stuffy nose
  • Sore throat
  • Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Store this medication in the original container. Keep the container tightly closed. Throw away any unused medication after the expiration date.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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