Drug
Lomitapide
Pronounced
"loe-MI-ta-pide"
Uses
This medication is used along with a low-fat diet and other treatments for a certain inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol levels (homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia). Very high cholesterol levels increase your risk of developing heart and blood vessel disease. Lomitapide works by decreasing your body's production of cholesterol.
Warning
Lomitapide may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. This medication increases fat in the liver, which may also increase the risk for liver disease. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver function) should be done before starting treatment and while you are taking this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of liver damage, such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine.
To receive lomitapide in the United States, you must understand, agree to, and carefully follow the requirements of the REMS Program for this medication. If you live in Canada or any other country, consult your doctor and pharmacist for your country's regulations.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking lomitapide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Take this medication by mouth without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily with a glass of water, at least 2 hours after the evening meal. Swallow the capsules whole. Do not open, crush, dissolve, or chew the capsules. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking grapefruit juice while using this medication unless your doctor or pharmacist says you may do so safely. Grapefruit can increase the chance of side effects with this medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day.
Your doctor may direct you to also take dietary supplements (such as vitamin E, linoleic acid, DHA/EPA) while you are taking this medication. Ask your doctor for details.
Since this drug can be absorbed through the skin and lungs and may harm an unborn baby, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should not handle this medication or breathe the dust from the capsules.