Juxtapid (Lomitapide)

Additional information

Juxtapid (Lomitapide) is typically taken once a day. However, your doctor may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Juxtapid (Lomitapide) should be taken on an empty stomach at bedtime, at least two hours after your evening meal, with a glass of water. Swallow the capsule whole, do not crush, break, or chew. The recommended adult starting dose is 5 mg once a day. Your doctor may increase the dose after two weeks and, then again after every 4 weeks. The maximum adult dose is 60 mg per day. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you forget a dose, contact your pharmacist.

WARNING: Juxtapid (Lomitapide) may cause liver damage and a fatty liver. The chance of liver damage is higher if you take statins, such as atorvastatin or simvastatin. Drinking alcohol may also raise your chance of liver damage. Your doctor will check your liver with blood tests before you start Juxtapid (Lomitapide), when your dose is increased, and regularly while you are taking Juxtapid (Lomitapide). These blood tests help your doctor adjust your dose. If your tests show some liver problems, your doctor may decide to stop Juxtapid (Lomitapide). Birth control pills may not work as well, especially if you have diarrhea or vomiting. If you use birth control pills, use an additional form of birth control while you are on Juxtapid (Lomitapide). If you become pregnant while taking Juxtapid (Lomitapide), stop taking Juxtapid (Lomitapide) and contact your health professional immediately. This product contains lactose. 

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause fatty liver.
It may cause belching/burping, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence (gas), stomach cramping or pain. 
It may cause indigestion, decreased appetite, and heartburn. 
It may cause myopathy or rhabdomyolysis: muscle pain or spasm that you cannot explain, muscle tenderness or weakness, dark brown urine. 

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to Lomitapide any component of the formulation; pregnancy; breastfeeding; liver problems or unexplained abnormal liver tests; stomach or bowel problems (such as inflammatory bowel disease) or inability to absorb food properly from the bowel; concomitant use of more than 20 mg simvastatin, unless you have been instructed by your doctor to take 40 mg simvastatin daily, and tolerated it well; consumption of alcohol or grapefruit juice; Galactose intolerance; Lapp lactase deficiency; Glucose-galactose malabsorption. 

Taking this medication during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with this medication requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.