Kuvan
Generic name:sapropterin [ SAP-roe-TER-in ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous metabolic agents
What is Kuvan?
Kuvan is a synthetic form of a natural substance that activates an enzyme needed to break down phenylalanine in the body.
Phenylketonuria (PKU) is a disorder in which the body cannot break down phenylalanine. Elevated phenylalanine levels can cause problems with thinking and behavior.
Kuvan is used to lower blood levels of phenylalanine in people with a certain type of phenylketonuria .
Warnings
Before using Kuvan, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have liver disease, a history of stomach ulcer or bleeding, or a seizure disorder.
Also tell your doctor about any medications you use, especially levodopa (Larodopa, Altamet, Parcopa, Sinemet), methotrexate (Rheumatrex, Trexall), or any medication to treat erectile dysfunction, such as sildenafil (Viagra), tadalafil (Cialis), or vardenafil (Levitra).
If Kuvan is not controlling your condition properly, you may have symptoms such as behavior changes, numbness or tingling, or problems with speech, vision, or balance. Call your doctor if you have any of these symptoms.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Kuvan if you are allergic to sapropterin.
To make sure Kuvan is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
stomach ulcer or bleeding; or
little or no appetite, or if you are malnourished.
It is not known whether sapropterin will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, your name may be listed on a pregnancy registry to track the effects of sapropterin on the baby.
It is not known whether sapropterin passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Kuvan is not approved for use by anyone younger than 1 month old.
How should I take Kuvan?
Take Kuvan exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Kuvan can cause phenylalanine levels to get too low in children younger than 7 years old who use Kuvan.
Older children may be able to use Kuvan for a longer period of time than younger children. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.
Take Kuvan with food at the same time each day.
You may swallow the tablet whole or dissolve it in 4 to 8 ounces of water or apple juice.
It will take a few minutes for the tablet to dissolve, and you may see small pieces in the liquid. These pieces are safe for you to swallow.
