Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Mytesi

Descriptions


Crofelemer is used to relieve symptoms of non-infectious diarrhea in patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS).

This medicine is available only with your doctor's prescription.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Tablet, Delayed Release

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of crofelemer in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Although appropriate studies on the relationship of age to the effects of crofelemer have not been performed in the geriatric population, no geriatric-specific problems have been documented to date.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Infectious diarrhea—Use is not indicated in patients with this condition.

Proper Use

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

You may take this medicine with or without food.

Swallow the delayed-release tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For oral dosage form (delayed-release tablets):
    • For treatment of non-infectious diarrhea in patients with HIV/AIDS:
      • Adults—125 milligrams (mg) two times a day.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to take it.

If your symptoms do not improve or if they get worse, call your doctor.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

Less common

  1. Abdominal or stomach pain
  2. bleeding after defecation
  3. full or bloated feeling
  4. pressure in the stomach
  5. swelling of the abdominal or stomach area
  6. uncomfortable swelling around the anus

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

  1. Body aches or pain
  2. chills
  3. cough
  4. difficulty with breathing
  5. ear congestion
  6. fever
  7. headache
  8. loss of voice
  9. nasal congestion
  10. runny nose
  11. sneezing
  12. sore throat
  13. unusual tiredness or weakness

Less common

  1. Acid or sour stomach
  2. back pain
  3. belching
  4. bladder pain
  5. blemishes on the skin
  6. blistering, crusting, irritation, itching, or reddening of the skin
  7. bloody or cloudy urine
  8. cough producing mucus
  9. cracked, dry, scaly skin
  10. difficult, burning, or painful urination
  11. difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  12. difficulty with moving
  13. discouragement
  14. dizziness
  15. dry mouth
  16. excess air or gas in the stomach or intestines
  17. fear or nervousness
  18. feeling sad or empty
  19. frequent urge to urinate
  20. heartburn
  21. indigestion
  22. irritability
  23. loss of appetite
  24. loss of interest or pleasure
  25. lower back or side pain
  26. muscle aches
  27. muscle or bone pain
  28. muscle stiffness
  29. nausea and vomiting
  30. pain in the arms or legs
  31. pain in the groin or genitals
  32. pain in the joints
  33. pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
  34. painful blisters on the trunk of the body
  35. passing gas
  36. pimples
  37. sharp back pain just below the ribs
  38. stomach discomfort or upset
  39. tightness in the chest
  40. tiredness
  41. trouble concentrating
  42. trouble sleeping
  43. weakness

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.