Nitisinone
Introduction To Nitisinone
Nitisinone is used in the treatment of hereditary tyrosinemia, a rare disorder that occurs due to abnormal accumulation of tyrosine, a protein.
Nitisinone should be taken orally, an hour before or at least 2 hours after a meal. Also, a dietary restriction of tyrosine and phenylalanine should be followed. Follow the doctor's instructions carefully and take the dose at the same time every day to avoid missing a dose.
Some of the side effects of this medicine include elevated tyrosine levels, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, conjunctivitis, photophobia, eye pain, epistaxis, pruritus, and alopecia. Discuss with the doctor about ways to treat or prevent any of these side effects.
Tell the doctor if you are suffering from any liver or kidney disease as dose adjustment may be required. Please consult your doctor if you can drive or consume alcohol after taking this medicine. Do not take this medicine without consulting the doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Uses of Nitisinone
- Treatment of Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1
Benefits of Nitisinone
Treatment of Hereditary Tyrosinemia Type 1
Hereditary tyrosinemia is a rare disorder in which there is abnormal buildup
of an amino acid called tyrosine in various organs like liver, kidney, or the
nervous system. The signs and symptoms may include eye pain and redness,
excessively watery eyes, abnormal light sensitivity (photophobia), or thick,
painful skin on the palms and soles. Nitisinone stops this abnormal
accumulation of tyrosine and prevents the harmful effects associated with it.
Side effects of Nitisinone
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Lasinone
- Elevated tyrosine levels
- Low blood platelets
- Decreased white blood cell count (lymphocytes)
- Conjunctivitis
- Corneal opacity
- Corneal inflammation
- Photophobia
- Eye pain
- Eyelid inflammation
- Cataract
- Granulocytopenia
- Nosebleeds
- Itching
- Exfoliative dermatitis
- Dry skin
- Maculopapular rash
- Hair loss
How to use Nitisinone
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Nitisinone may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
How Nitisinone works
Nitisinone works by preventing the breaking down of an amino acid called tyrosine and by keeping other toxic substances from building up and causing harm to your liver or kidneys.
Quick tips
- This formulation contains glycerol and may cause headaches, upset stomach, and diarrhea. Consult your doctor if these symptoms become severe.
- Nitisinone may cause vision problems, eye pain, eye redness, burning sensation and increased sensitivity of eyes to light. Seek immediate medical help in such cases.
- You may be prescribed tests to monitor your platelet and white blood cell counts regularly while taking Nitisinone.
- Take Nitisinone on an empty stomach at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.
- You must avoid certain foods for your treatment to be effective. Follow the diet plan created for you by your doctor.
- If you are unable to swallow a capsule whole, open it and sprinkle the medicine into a spoonful of water. Swallow the mixture right away without chewing. Do not save it for later use.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nitisinone if I’m pregnant?
Nitisinone may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Nitisinone if I’m breastfeeding?
Nitisinone is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Nitisinone safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Nitisinone. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Nitisinone?
It is not known whether Nitisinone alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCAUTION
Can I take Nitisinone if I have/had kidney diseases?
Nitisinone should be used with caution in patients with kidney disease. Dose adjustment of Nitisinone may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCAUTION
Can I take Nitisinone if I have/had liver diseases?
Nitisinone should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Nitisinone may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. Which foods are high in tyrosine and should be avoided while taking Nitisinone?
While taking Nitisinone, it is advisable to avoid tyrosine-rich foods, such as soybean, chicken, lamb, pork, fish, cheese, eggs, nuts, and beans.
Q. What is the best time to take Nitisinone?
It is advisable to take this medicine at least one hour before or two hours after a meal.
Q. Can Nitisinone cause visual disturbances?
Yes, this medicine can cause visual disturbances, and thus avoid driving or operating any machinery after consuming this drug.
Q. I am experiencing diarrhea and stomach pain after starting the treatment with Nitisinone?
This medicine may upset the stomach and cause diarrhea due to the glycerol component of the formulation. Inform your doctor if the symptoms persist for a long or worsen.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
MediClap strives to make its website accessible to all users, including those with disabilities. Should you encounter any difficulty accessing this website, kindly send an email to hello@mediclap.com to enable us to provide the necessary services through alternative means.
MediClap is not affiliated with nor sponsored by any of the third-party brands mentioned. All trademarks, brands, logos, and copyrights mentioned remain the sole property of their respective owners.