Levocarnitine Injection

What is this medication?

LEVOCARNITINE (lee voe KAR ni teen) prevents and treats low carnitine levels in your body. Carnitine plays an important role in maintaining the health of your brain, muscles, and heart. It helps your body turn fat into energy.

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

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Carnitor

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
• Seizures
• An unusual or allergic reaction to levocarnitine, carnitine, other supplements, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This supplement is injected into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this supplement 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.

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

What if I miss a dose?

This does not apply.

What may interact with this medication?

Do not take this supplement with any of the following:

• Carnitine

This supplement may also interact with the following:

• Warfarin

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 supplement. You may need blood work while you are taking this supplement.

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

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

• Diarrhea
• Fishy body odor
• Nausea
• Pain, redness, or irritation at injection site
• 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?

This supplement is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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.