Juxtapid

This medication is used along with a low-fat diet and other treatments for a certain inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol levels (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia). Very high cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease. Lomitapide works by decreasing your body's production of cholesterol.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lomitapide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with a glass of water, at least 2 hours after the evening meal. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush, dissolve, or chew the capsules. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

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

Your doctor may direct you to also take dietary supplements (such as vitamin E, linoleic acid, DHA/EPA) while you are taking this medication. Ask your doctor for details.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, upset stomach, gas, stomach cramping/pain, weight loss, dizziness, headache, tiredness, or constipation may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

To lessen stomach/intestinal symptoms, follow a low-fat diet as instructed by your doctor or dietician. Taking this medication at least 2 hours after the evening meal may also help lessen these side effects.

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.

Vomiting/diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in a serious loss of body water (dehydration). Contact your doctor promptly if you notice any symptoms of dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst, fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.

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, severe dizziness, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), 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 lomitapide, 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: kidney problems, liver problems, galactose intolerance (such as Lapp lactase deficiency or glucose-galactose malabsorption).

This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Do not drink more than 1 alcoholic beverage each day while taking this medication. 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).

This medication must not be used during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy test before starting this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) while using this medication and for 2 weeks after the last dose. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. 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.

See also How to Use section.

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.

Other medications can affect the removal of lomitapide from your body, which may affect how lomitapide works. Examples include aprepitant, azole antifungals (such as ketoconazole, itraconazole), boceprevir, conivaptan, macrolide antibiotics (such as clarithromycin, erythromycin), mifepristone, nefazodone, HIV protease inhibitors (such as ritonavir, saquinavir), telaprevir, among others.

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, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Do not share this medication with others.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as cholesterol levels, liver function) must be done while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.