Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

Take this medicine exactly as directed by your doctor. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than your doctor ordered. This medicine is for a long-term treatment.

This medicine usually comes with patient information leaflet and instructions for use. Read and follow the instructions carefully and make sure you understand them before taking this medicine. If you have any questions, ask your doctor.

Swallow the regular tablet whole. Do not crush, break, or chew it.

Take this medicine at the same time each day, with or without food.

To use the tablet for suspension:

  • Do not swallow whole, cut, crush, or chew the tablets.
  • Mix the tablet in a room temperature clear liquid (eg, drinking water, apple juice, clear electrolyte drinks, clear flavored drinks, clear soda, or clear sports drinks) before swallowing.
  • Swirl the oral liquid until the tablets break apart in the drink. The tablet will not completely dissolve. You will still see small tablet clumps in the mixture. Wait for 1 to 5 minutes, then swirl the mixture again and drink until no tablet residue is left in the cup.

Your doctor may want you to take hydroxyurea (Hydrea®) while you are taking this medicine.

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 (tablets or tablets for suspension):
    • For sickle cell disease:
      • Adults and children 12 years of age and older—1500 milligrams (mg) once a day.
      • Children 4 to younger than 12 years of age—Dose is base on body weight and must be determined by your doctor.
        • Weighing 40 kilograms (kg) or more—1500 milligrams (mg) once a day.
        • Weighing 20 kg to 40 kg—900 mg once a day.
        • Weighing 10 kg to 20 kg—600 mg once a day.
      • Children younger than 4 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, 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.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

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