IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Table of Contents
- Uses and How to Use
- Precautions and Side Effects
- Medication Interactions
- Dosage and Storage
- Medication Images
Pronounced: (nye-TIS-i-none)
Orfadin Oral Uses
Nitisinone is used to treat a certain inherited disorder (hereditary tyrosinemia type 1, also known as HT-1). HT-1 is usually discovered in infants and needs lifelong treatment. This condition is caused by a shortage of a certain natural substance that is needed to break down a nutrient (tyrosine) found in food. This effect causes a build-up of too much tyrosine and related substances in the liver. Nitisinone works by helping to prevent the formation and build-up of several toxic substances that cause damage to the liver, kidneys, and nervous system. This drug must be used along with a diet low in protein, tyrosine, and phenylalanine.
How To Use Orfadin Oral
Take this medication by mouth on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before a meal, usually twice daily, or as directed by your doctor.
For children who are unable to swallow capsules, the capsules may be opened and the contents mixed in a small amount of water, formula, or applesauce immediately before use. Make sure the child swallows the entire dose.
The dosage is based on weight, medical condition, and response to treatment. The manufacturer recommends that patients should not take more than 2 milligrams per kilogram a day.
Take this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.
It is very important that patients taking this medication follow a special diet low in protein, tyrosine, and phenylalanine. Consult your doctor, pharmacist, or dietician for more details. (See also Drug Interactions and Precautions sections.)
Nitisinone can increase tyrosine levels and cause eye problems. Patients should have an eye test (slit-lamp examination) before using this medication so that later the doctor can see whether there have been changes. (See also Side Effects and Precautions sections.)
CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.
Information last revised May 2010
Copyright(c) 2010 First DataBank, Inc.

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