Juxtapid

Juxtapid lowers cholesterol levels. It works by reducing levels of low-density lipoprotein (LDL) in the bloodstream. LDL is a protein that distributes cholesterol from the liver and intestines to the bloodstream.

Up to the time of this writing, Lomitapide is only approved to treat abnormally high cholesterol levels in patients with homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia, along with low-fat diet and other lipid-lowering treatments. Homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is a genetic condition that causes persistently high cholesterol levels.

The effectiveness of Lomitapide in lowering cholesterol in patients without homozygous familial hypercholesterolemia is not well established. The usefulness of Lomitapide in reducing risk and death due to heart disease is also not yet determined.

Lomitapide is a prescription medication.

Significant numbers of patients using Lomitapide developed elevated liver enzymes, increased fat deposits in the liver and liver toxicities during treatment. Lomitapide must be used only according to doctor’s instructions.

Before using Juxtapid, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Note that Lomitapide is only available under a program called Juxtapid REMS Program.

According to post-marketing reports, significant numbers of patients using Lomitapide experienced liver problems. Discuss this risk with your doctor before using Lomitapide.

Be aware of the symptoms of liver problems such as

• nausea,
• upper stomach pain,
• itching,
• loss of appetite,
• passing out dark urine or clay-colored stools,
• jaundice.

Lomitapide is highly contraindicated in patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Lomitapide is an FDA category X drug, which means it can cause serious harm to the unborn baby when given during pregnancy. The doctor may order you to have a pregnancy test first before prescribing Lomitapide. Do not breastfeed when receiving Lomitapide.

Note that Lomitapide can make birth control pills less effective. Ask your doctor for use barrier birth control devices like diaphragms with spermicide or condom while receiving Lomitapide.

You cannot use Lomitapide if you are allergic to it. If you experienced allergies to Lomitapide before, tell it to your doctor before receiving the drug.

Tell the doctor all of your health problems before receiving Lomitapide.

You need to mention if you have the following health conditions:

• Liver disease, including hepatitis
• Abnormal results in liver enzymes
• Kidney disease, or if you are on dialysis
• HIV or AIDS
• Having any bowel problems or intestinal conditions
• Have hereditary galactose intolerance, severe lactase deficiency or glucose galactose malabsorption
• If you are drinking lots of alcohol or have a drinking problem

To use Juxtapid properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

The doctor will order blood tests first to determine if you can use Lomitapide.

The doctor will determine your Lomitapide dose. Follow doctor’s recommendations and do not take larger or smaller doses, or take them for longer, than prescribed.

Lomitapide is usually taken once a day. Only take Lomitapide on an empty stomach with a full glass of water. To be sure, take Lomitapide at least two hours before a meal.

Swallow Lomitapide capsules whole. Do not break, open, crush or chew Lomitapide tablets.

Usually, doctors prescribe additional vitamin E and essential fatty acid supplements to take along with Lomitapide.

Note that you still need to stick to a low-fat diet, daily exercise requirements and lose weight to lower cholesterol levels.

If you missed a dose of Lomitapide, take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and return to the original dosing schedule.

You could overdose on Lomitapide if you took more than prescribed. If this happened, call the doctor and local poison control hotlines immediately.

Store Lomitapide at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and light.

Before using Juxtapid, there are some precautions you must take.

Consuming grapefruit while receiving Lomitapide result to serious adverse effects. Do not consume grapefruit or any product containing grapefruit while taking the Lomitapide.

Lomitapide only works to lower cholesterol if you stick to a low-fat diet. Avoid eating foods high in cholesterol and fats.

The risk of liver damage is high if you drink alcohol while receiving Lomitapide. Avoid drinking alcoholic drinks during treatment.

Note that Lomitapide may make certain medicines, such as Cholestyramine or Colesevelam, work less effectively. Take these medicines at least 4 hours before or after taking Lomitapide.

If you became pregnant or breastfeed while receiving Lomitapide, tell it to your doctor right away.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Juxtapid.

Call the doctor immediately if you experienced the following while receiving Lomitapide:

• Allergic reaction signs such as difficulty breathing, hoarseness, hives, skin itching, swelling of the lips, tongue, mouth, and throat
• Liver problem signs such as nausea, stomach pain, loss of appetite, passing out dark urine or clay-colored stools, and jaundice

Lomitapide can cause minor side effects such as:

• Vomiting
• Stomach pain
• Diarrhea
• Gas
• Indigestion
• Constipation