Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine only 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. To do so may increase the chance of side effects.

This medicine comes with a patient information leaflet. Read and follow the instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

If you vomit your dose of cysteamine within 20 minutes of taking it, take the dose again. However, if you vomit the dose a second time, do not repeat the dose but wait and take your next dose as scheduled. Also, if vomiting occurs more than 20 minutes after you take your dose, do not repeat the dose.

For children 1 year of age and older, the capsule may be opened and the contents of the capsule sprinkled on food or mixed in formula.

Swallow the delayed-release capsule or granules whole. Do not crush or chew the capsule or contents of the capsule or packet.

Take the delayed-release capsule or granules the same way every day. This means take it at the same time and take it consistently, either with or without food. Avoid high-fat meals close to the time that you will take this medicine.

  • Without food: Take it at least 30 minutes before meals or at least 2 hours after meals.
  • With food: You can eat a small amount of food (½ cup) between 1 hour before and after taking Procysbi®.

If you cannot swallow the capsule whole, you may open it and take the capsule or packet contents with certain foods and juices or water:

  • Taking this medicine with applesauce or berry jelly: Open the capsule or packet and sprinkle the granules on 4 ounces (½ cup) of applesauce or berry jelly. Mix the granules into the food. Swallow the entire mixture within 30 minutes. Do not chew the granules. Do not save the applesauce or berry jelly and granules for later use.
  • Taking this medicine with fruit juice (except grapefruit juice): Open the capsule or packet and sprinkle the granules into 4 ounces (½ cup) of juice. Gently stir until mixed. Drink it within 30 minutes. Do not chew the granules. Do not save the fruit juice or granules for later use.
  • If you are using a gastrostomy tube: Open the capsule or packet and sprinkle the granules on 4 ounces (½ cup) of applesauce. For children receiving 1 or 2 capsules, use a minimum of 1 ounce of applesauce. Use only strained applesauce with no chunks. Mix and give the medicine through the gastrostomy tube into the stomach within 30 minutes. Flush the tube with 10 milliliters (mL) of fruit juice or water. Do not save the mixture for later use.

It is important that you follow any special instructions from your doctor, such as taking dietary supplements, vitamin D, and thyroid hormone. These supplements will replace minerals lost through the kidneys.

If you are taking medicines containing bicarbonate or carbonate, take Procysbi® at least 1 hour before or after these medicines.

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.

  • To prevent buildup of cystine crystals in the kidneys:
    • For oral dosage form (capsules):
      • Adults—The starting dose must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose.
      • Children—The starting dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. Your doctor may gradually increase your dose.
    • For oral dosage form (delayed-release capsules or granules):
      • For patients not on cysteamine therapy:
        • Adults—The starting dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The capsules are taken every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children 1 year of age and older—The starting dose is based on body size and must be determined by your doctor. The capsules are taken every 12 hours. Your doctor may adjust your dose as needed.
        • Children younger than 1 year of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
      • For patients switching from cysteamine immediate-release capsules:
        • Adults—The total dose is the same as the total dose that you are currently taking. Divide the total daily dose by 2 and take it every 12 hours.
        • Children 1 year of age and older—The total dose is the same as the total dose that you are currently taking.
        • Children younger than 1 year of age—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.

You may take a missed dose of Procysbi® as soon as you can up to 8 hours after your scheduled dose. If you missed a dose of Procysbi® and your next dose is less than 4 hours away, wait and take your next dose at the normal time. Do not take 2 doses at one time to make up for a missed dose.

Storage

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.

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

Store the delayed-release capsule in its original container. Keep it in a dry place away from direct light.