Buphenyl (Generic)

This medication is used along with diet changes for long-term treatment of a certain inherited disorder (urea cycle disorder). It helps remove a certain chemical (ammonia) from the body. Too much ammonia in the body can cause brain damage and sometimes death.

This medication should not be used to treat sudden, severely high levels of ammonia in the body. Seek immediate medical attention if you have sudden symptoms of too much ammonia, such as trouble thinking, vomiting, irritability, slurred speech, trouble walking, fainting.

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth or by feeding tube (nasogastric/gastric), exactly as directed by your doctor. Shake the bottle lightly before each use. Using the measuring device provided, measure out the dose prescribed by your doctor. Mix with solid or liquid food, and take all of the mixture right away.

The dosage is based on your weight or body size, medical condition, and response to treatment. The total daily dose should be divided into equal amounts and taken with each meal or feeding (such as 3 to 6 times daily). Do not increase or decrease your dose without your doctor's approval.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Loss of appetite or menstrual changes (delayed/irregular/absent periods) may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: drowsiness/lightheadedness, easy bruising/bleeding, fast/pounding heartbeat, mental/mood changes, signs of infection (such as fever, persistent sore throat), tiredness, signs of metabolic imbalance (such as rapid breathing, muscle twitching/spasms).

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: a certain heart problem (congestive heart failure), kidney disease, liver disease, swelling (edema).

This medication contains salt (sodium). Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are on a low-salt diet.

This drug may make you drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Store in a tightly closed container at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up. It is very important to take the full amount prescribed for each 24-hour period.

Do not share this medication with others.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as plasma ammonia/amino acid levels, complete blood count, blood chemistries, urine tests, drug levels) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.