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IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

LEVOCARNITINE - ORAL

(lee-voh-KAR-nih-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Carnitor

USES: This medication is a diet supplement used to prevent and treat low blood levels of carnitine. Carnitine is a substance made in the body from meat and dairy products. It helps the body use certain chemicals (long-chain fatty acids) for energy and to keep you in good health. Low blood levels of carnitine may occur in people whose bodies cannot properly use carnitine from their diets, people on dialysis due to serious kidney disease, and people being treated with certain drugs (e.g., valproic acid, zidovudine). Carnitine levels that are too low can cause liver, heart, and muscle problems.

Carnitine comes in 2 forms, this medication (levocarnitine) and D-carnitine. An over-the-counter product called vitamin Bt contains a mixture of levocarnitine and D-carnitine. Vitamin Bt should not be used to treat serious carnitine deficiency since it can interfere with the body's use of levocarnitine. Do not use levocarnitine to treat serious carnitine deficiency unless prescribed by your doctor.

The form of levocarnitine taken by mouth is not recommended for treating people on dialysis due to serious kidney disease. The injectable form should be used for this treatment. Consult your doctor for details.

Some supplement products have been found to contain possibly harmful impurities/additives. Check with your pharmacist for more details about the brand you use.

The FDA has not reviewed this product for safety or effectiveness. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

HOW TO USE: If you are taking the over-the-counter product, read all directions on the product package before taking this medication. If you have any questions, consult your pharmacist. If your doctor has prescribed this medication, take it as directed.

This medication is best taken with or just after meals to lessen stomach upset. If you are taking more than 1 dose a day, take the doses at evenly spaced times throughout the day (usually at least 3 to 4 hours apart).

If you are taking the liquid form, use a medication-measuring device to carefully measure the prescribed dose. Do not use a household spoon. The liquid form may be taken alone or mixed in a drink or other liquid food. Drink your dose slowly to prevent stomach upset.

Chewable forms of this medication should be chewed thoroughly before swallowing.

The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Do not increase your dose or take this medication more often than recommended by your doctor or the package instructions without your doctor's approval. Take this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time(s) each day.

If your condition persists or worsens, or if you think you may have a serious medical problem, seek immediate medical attention.