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Cysteamine Oral Capsule (CYSTEAMINE - ORAL)

For genetic disorder.

Brand Name(s): Cystagon

Generic Name: Cysteamine

Instructions

Do not give whole capsule to children under 6 year. Open capsule and sprinkle content onto soft food, such as applesauce or mashed potatoes.

If medicine is mixed with food, use it immediately after mixing. Throw away any leftover food. Do not save for later use.

If unable to swallow the capsule, open the capsule and sprinkle onto applesauce. Eat the applesauce right away.

If you are giving this medicine through a tube into the stomach, ask your doctor or pharmacist for specific directions.

Take the medicine with food.

Swallow with a full glass (8 oz) of water unless your doctor gives you different instructions.

You may take with food to prevent stomach upset.

Store at room temperature away from heat, light, and moisture. Do not keep in the bathroom.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is less than 2 hours to the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses of this medicine at one time.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Do not take the medicine more than four times during 24 hours.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients taking this medicine have experienced serious side effects. Please speak with your doctor to understand the risks and benefits associated with this medicine.

This medicine has been associated with a rare but serious skin rash. If you notice any red, peeling or blistered skin, contact your doctor immediately.

This medicine may cause serious bleeding from the stomach or bowels. Stop this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you see any signs of bleeding. Bleeding can cause pain in the stomach, vomiting up liquid that looks like coffee grounds, and red or dark tarry stools.

This medicine can damage the eyes and cause severe vision loss. Stop taking this medicine and call your doctor immediately if you notice any changes in vision. These changes may be blurred vision, double vision, vision loss, light sensitivity, or eye pain.

This medicine is associated with an increased risk for seizures. Please ask your doctor whether you may be at risk for having a seizure while on this medicine.

Do not use the medication any more than instructed.

Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.

Please check with your doctor before drinking alcohol while on this medicine.

Family should check on the patient often. Call the doctor if patient becomes more depressed or shows changes in behavior.

Tell the doctor or pharmacist if you are pregnant, planning to be pregnant, or breastfeeding.

Do not share this medicine with anyone who has not been prescribed this medicine.

Always refill this medicine before it runs out.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or drowsiness
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • fever
  • nausea and vomiting

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • back pain
  • bone pain
  • coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds
  • depression or feeling sad
  • severe, watery or bloody diarrhea
  • ear problems (ringing in the ears, hearing loss)
  • pain in the eye
  • headaches
  • pain in the joints
  • red, burning, or itchy skin
  • change in skin color
  • thinning of the skin
  • stomach pain
  • bloody or dark, tarry stools
  • unusual or unexplained tiredness or weakness
  • blurring or changes of vision

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

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