teduglutide
What is the most important information I should know about teduglutide?
Teduglutide may increase your risk of colon polyps (in your large intestine). You will need a colonoscopy before and during treatment with teduglutide. Teduglutide may also increase your risk of certain types of cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Call your doctor at once if you have severe constipation, stomach cramps, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
What is teduglutide?
Teduglutide is used to treat short bowel syndrome in adults and children at least 1 year old who depend on intravenous (parenteral) feeding to receive nutrition.
Teduglutide may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before using teduglutide?
Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.
Teduglutide can cause any abnormal cells in your body to grow faster. Some abnormal cells could become cancerous, increasing your risk of cancer of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or intestines. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
Teduglutide may also increase your risk of polyps in your colon (large intestine). You will need a colonoscopy before and during treatment with teduglutide.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- cancer;
- polyps in your intestines or rectum;
- a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;
- heart problems, high blood pressure;
- kidney disease; or
- problems with your gallbladder or pancreas.
Short bowel syndrome can increase your risk of malnutrition during pregnancy. This could lead to premature delivery, low birth weight, birth defects, or other complications in both mother and baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
How is teduglutide given?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed. Use the medicine at the same time each day.
Teduglutide is injected under the skin. A healthcare provider may teach you how to properly use the medication by yourself or how to give an injection to a child using teduglutide.
Do not inject teduglutide into a vein or muscle.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand all instructions.
Teduglutide must be mixed with a liquid (diluent) before using it. When using injections by yourself, be sure you understand how to properly mix and store the medicine. Mixed medicine must be used within 3 hours.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Do not use if the medicine has changed colors or has particles in it. Call your pharmacist for new medicine.
You may need blood tests every 6 months while using teduglutide. Your stools may need to be checked for blood every 12 months. You may also need a colonoscopy after 1 year of treatment, and then once every 5 years if you use teduglutide long-term.
Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.
Store unmixed powder at room temperature. Do not freeze and do not shake the vial. Throw away any teduglutide not used before the expiration date on the medicine label.
Each vial (bottle) is for one use only. Throw it away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Use a needle and syringe only once and then place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Follow state or local laws about how to dispose of this container. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular injection schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.
What happens if I overdose?
Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should I avoid while using teduglutide?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of teduglutide?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- severe constipation or stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting;
- swelling in your hands and feet, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;
- a change in your stools (bowel movements);
- severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;
- fever, chills; or
- dark urine or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Common side effects may include:
- an allergic reaction;
- stomach pain or swelling;
- nausea, vomiting;
- cold or flu symptoms;
- swelling in your hands or feet; or
- pain, swelling, redness, or other irritation where the medicine was injected.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect teduglutide?
Teduglutide can make it easier for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth, which could increase your blood levels of those medicines or cause unwanted effects. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Where can I get more information?
Your doctor or pharmacist can provide more information about teduglutide.
Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.
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