triheptanoin

What is the most important information I should know about triheptanoin?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is triheptanoin?

Triheptanoin is used to treat long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders in adults and children.

Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders are rare genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to break down certain fats and convert them into energy. This can lead to low blood sugar, muscle weakness, heart problems, or life-threatening medical problems.

Triheptanoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking triheptanoin?

Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with your pancreas. This medicine may not work as well if your digestion is affected by a pancreas disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, you may be enrolled in a pregnancy safety study to track the effects of triheptanoin on the baby.

How should I take triheptanoin?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you are taking another medium chain triglyceride product, stop taking it before you start taking triheptanoin.

Triheptanoin is usually taken at least 4 times per day with meals or snacks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Triheptanoin should always be mixed well with liquid or soft food. Do not take the medicine alone or it may upset your stomach. Examples of what to mix this medicine with include:

• fat-free yogurt (plain or flavored);
• fat-free pudding or smoothies;
• low-sugar applesauce;
• fat-free cottage cheese;
• skim (fat-free) milk;
• fat-free baby food; or
• whole grain hot cereal.

Read and carefully follow all instructions about mixing triheptanoin with liquid or soft foods, or how to mix and give the medicine through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Always mix the medicine in a clean container.

You may have problems with your feeding tube the longer you keep using triheptanoin. Check your feeding tube frequently to make sure it is working properly.

You may need to follow a special diet while using triheptanoin. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition. You may also need to track the number of calories you consume each day while taking triheptanoin.

Throw away any unused triheptanoin 90 days after you first opened the bottle or on the expiration date (whichever comes first).

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Then take the rest of the day's doses every 3 to 4 hours.

Skip the missed dose if you cannot take all 4 doses in one day. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

What should I avoid while taking triheptanoin?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What are the possible side effects of triheptanoin?

Common side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting;
• stomach pain; or
• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect triheptanoin?

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• orlistat (alli, Xenical).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect triheptanoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about triheptanoin.