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Cystagon

Generic Name: Cysteamine (sis-TEE-a-meen)Brand Name: Cystagon

Cystagon is used for:

Managing nephropathic cystinosis (a rare, serious kidney disease). It is also used to treat Huntington disease.

Cystagon is a cystine-depleting agent. It works by reducing the amount of cystine in the body.

Do NOT use Cystagon if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredient in Cystagon or to penicillamine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cystagon :

Some medical conditions may interact with Cystagon . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

  • if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
  • if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
  • if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
  • if you have a history of stomach or bowel problems (eg, ulcers, bleeding), seizures, mental or mood problems (eg, depression), or exhaustion
  • if you have a skin rash, bone problems, liver problems, or blood problems

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cystagon . However, no specific interactions with Cystagon are known at this time.

Ask your health care provider if Cystagon may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cystagon :

Use Cystagon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

  • An extra patient leaflet is available with Cystagon . Talk to your pharmacist if you have questions about this information.
  • Take Cystagon by mouth with or without food.
  • For children younger than 6 years of age, the capsule should be opened and the contents sprinkled over food.
  • If you miss a dose of Cystagon , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cystagon .

Important safety information:

  • Cystagon may cause drowsiness or dizziness. These effects may be worse if you take it with alcohol or certain medicines. Use Cystagon with caution. Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks until you know how you react to it.
  • Lab tests, including blood cell counts and liver function, may be performed while you use Cystagon . These tests may be used to monitor your condition or check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
  • PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, contact your doctor. You will need to discuss the benefits and risks of using Cystagon while you are pregnant. It is not known if Cystagon is found in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while taking Cystagon .

Possible side effects of Cystagon :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; diarrhea; drowsiness; lack of energy; nausea; stomach pain; unpleasant breath odor; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; bloody vomit; bone or joint pain; buzzing or "whooshing" sound in the ear; confusion; depression; dizziness; eye pain; fever, chills, or sore throat; headache; mental or mood changes; persistent or severe nausea, vomiting, or loss of appetite; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent drowsiness or lack of energy; severe stomach pain; unusual skin problems (eg, stretch mark-looking areas); unusual tiredness or weakness; vision changes (eg, blurred vision, double vision, loss of vision).

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088. You may also report side effects at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include black, tarry, or bloody stools; decreased motor activity; severe or persistent vomiting; severe stomach or lower back pain.

Proper storage of Cystagon :

Store Cystagon at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cystagon out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

  • If you have any questions about Cystagon , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • Cystagon is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
  • If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cystagon . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.

  • Cystagon Prescribing Information (FDA)
  • Cystagon Concise Consumer Information (Cerner Multum)
  • Cystagon Advanced Consumer (Micromedex) - Includes Dosage Information