Tasimelteon
Generic name: tasimelteon [ TAS-i-MEL-tee-on ]
Brand names: Hetlioz, Hetlioz LQ
Dosage forms: oral capsule (20 mg); oral suspension (4 mg/mL)
Drug class:Miscellaneous anxiolytics, sedatives and hypnotics
What is tasimelteon?
Tasimelteon is a sedative that is used to treat non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in adults.
Tasimelteon is also used to treat nighttime sleep problems in people with a genetic disorder called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). The capsule form of tasimelteon is for people with SMS who are at least 16 years old. The oral suspension (liquid) form is for children with SMS who are from 3 to 15 years old.
Tasimelteon may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
liver disease; or
if you smoke.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Do not give tasimelteon to a child without medical advice. Tasimelteon is approved to treat nighttime sleep problems only in children who have SMS and are at least 3 years old. Tasimelteon is not approved to treat non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in anyone younger than 18 years old.
How should I take tasimelteon?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Take the medicine without food, 1 hour before your normal bedtime at the same time each night.
Read and follow all Instructions for Use. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you need help. Do not allow a young child to use tasimelteon without help from an adult.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush, chew, break, or open it.
Tasimelteon capsules are for use in people 16 years and older. Tasimelteon oral suspension is for use only in children 3 to 15 years old.
Shake the oral suspension for at least 30 seconds before you measure a dose. Use the supplied syringe or a dose-measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Do not remove the syringe adapter from the bottle neck. Recap the bottle and refrigerate after each use.
The capsules and liquid are not equivalent. Avoid medication errors by using only the form your doctor prescribes.
Doses are based on weight in children. Your child's dose may change if the child gains or loses weight.
You may not fully benefit from this medicine for several weeks or months.
Store capsules at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.
Store the liquid medicine in the refrigerator. Throw away any lef...
