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Glycerol Phenylbutyrate Solution

What is this medication?

GLYCEROL PHENYLBUTYRATE (gli ser ol fen il bue ti rate) treats urea cycle disorders (UCDs). It works by helping your body decrease the amount of ammonia in your blood. This lowers the risk of serious health problems.

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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): RAVICTI

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

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

  • Kidney disease
  • Liver disease
  • Pancreatic disease
  • Stomach or intestine problems
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to glycerol phenylbutyrate, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

Take this medication by mouth. Take it as directed on the prescription label at the same time every day. Use a specially marked oral syringe, spoon, or dropper to measure each dose. Ask your pharmacist if you do not have one. Household spoons are not accurate. Take it with food at the start of a meal or snack. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as newborns 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. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Alfentanil
  • Cyclosporine
  • Haloperidol
  • Midazolam
  • Probenecid
  • Quinidine
  • Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
  • Valproic acid

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?

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

Call your care team or go to the nearest hospital if you have shortness of breath, wheezing, cough, low blood pressure, flushing, nausea, or a rash while taking this medication.

This medication can cause serious nervous system problems. Call your care team or get help right away if you develop sleepiness, weakness, confusion, problems hearing, or other nervous system side effects.

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
  • Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures

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

  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue
  • Gas
  • Headache
  • Loss of appetite
  • Stomach pain
  • 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). Get rid of any unused medication 28 days after opening or after it expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

  • Take the medication to a medication take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
  • If you cannot return the medication, check the label or package insert to see if the medication should be thrown out in the garbage or flushed down the toilet. If you are not sure, ask your care team. If it is safe to put it in the trash, empty the medication out of the container. Mix the medication with cat litter, dirt, coffee grounds, or other unwanted substance. Seal the mixture in a bag or container. Put it in the trash.

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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