Cysteamine
Generic name: cysteamine [ sis-TEE-a-meen ]
Brand names: Cystagon, Procysbi
Dosage forms: oral capsule (150 mg; 50 mg); oral delayed release capsule (25 mg; 75 mg); oral granule, enteric coated (300 mg; 75 mg)
Drug class:Miscellaneous uncategorized agents
What is cysteamine?
Cysteamine works by reducing the amount of cystine (an amino acid) in the body.
Cysteamine is used to treat nephropathic cystinosis (NEF-roe-PATH-ik SIS-tin-OH-sis), a rare genetic condition that causes a build-up of cystine in the kidneys and other organs. Too much cystine can cause kidney failure or other medical problems.
Cysteamine is for use in adults and children, but Procysbi should not be given to a child younger than 1 year old.
Cysteamine may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use cysteamine if you are allergic to cysteamine or penicillamine.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of skin rash;
bone problems (including fractures);
epilepsy or other seizure disorder;
low white blood cell (WBC) counts;
depression, drowsiness, or nervous system disorder; or
stomach ulcer, or bleeding in your stomach or intestines.
It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.
How should I use cysteamine?
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush or chew it.
If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, carefully follow the patient instructions for opening the capsule and mixing the medicine with certain foods. Your doctor may recommend that you use cysteamine oral granules.
Do not crush or chew oral granules.
Procysbi works best if you take it without food, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. If you cannot take the med...
