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CYSTEAMINE (sis TEE a meen) treats the buildup of cystine crystals in the body. It works by decreasing the amount of the amino acid cystine in the body. This prevents crystals from forming, which prevents or delays worsening symptoms.
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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): PROCYSBI
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
Take this medication by mouth with water. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medication. Swallow the capsules whole. Take it on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before and 2 hours after food. If it upsets your stomach, you may take it within 1 hour before eating or after eating 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of a low-fat food. You may open the capsule and sprinkle on 4 ounces (1/2 cup) of applesauce, berry jelly, orange juice, or apple juice. Do not take the medication with grapefruit juice. Eat or drink the mixture within 30 minutes of preparation, do not store for later use. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.
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Take products with bicarbonate or carbonate in them at a different time of day than this medication. Take this medication 1 hour BEFORE or 1 hour AFTER these products.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 1 year 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.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can unless it is more than 8 hours late. If it is more than 8 hours late, skip the missed dose. Take the next dose at the normal time.
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.
Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse. You may need blood work while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells.
Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. Drinking alcohol may alter the effects of your medication. Serious side effects may occur.
This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms.
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
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Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
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.
Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Store at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Protect from light and moisture. Keep this medication in the original packaging. Keep the container tightly closed. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
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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.