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Kuvan (COO-van)
(sapropterin dihydrochloride) Tablets

For people with PKU

Read this leaflet before you start taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) and each time you get a refill. There may be new information. This information does not take the place of talking with your doctor about your medical condition or treatment.

What is Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) is a medicine for people with Phenylketonuria (PKU). An enzyme in your body PAH (phenylalanine hydroxylase) helps break down phenylalanine (Phe), an amino acid found in food. In patients with PKU this enzyme does not work right. PKU leads to high blood Phe levels. High blood Phe levels are toxic to the brain and can lead to lower intelligence and decrease in the ability to focus, remember, and organize information.

How does Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) work?

Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) acts in your body with the enzyme PAH to reduce your blood Phe levels. Your doctor and health care team will continue to monitor your blood Phe levels and dietary Phe intake.

Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) are tablets that you should dissolve in water or apple juice before taking.

Who may benefit from taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

It is not possible to know whether or not Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) will work for you until you start taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) . Your doctor will monitor your blood Phe levels when you start taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) to see if the drug is working.

What are the risks of taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

When you are taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) , any change you make to your diet may affect your blood Phe level. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully and do not make any changes to your dietary Phe intake before discussing with your doctor. Your doctor will continue to monitor your blood Phe levels during your treatment with Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) .

If you have a fever, or if you are sick, your blood Phe level may go up. Tell your doctor as soon as possible so they can see if they have to adjust your treatment to help keep your blood Phe levels in the desired range.

What should I tell my doctor before taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

Before you start taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) , let your doctor know about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

• Have a fever
• Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
• Are breast feeding
• Have liver problems
• Are allergic to Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) or any other medications
• Have poor nutrition or are anorexic
• Are taking levodopa
• Are taking drugs that inhibit folate metabolism (e.g., methotrexate) because these drugs could affect how Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) works in your body
• Are taking medicines for erectile dysfunction like Viagra (sildenafil), Levitra (vardenafil), or Cialis (tadalafil)

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and nonprescription medicines and herbal and dietary supplements. Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) and many other medicines may interact with each other. Your doctor needs to know what medicines you take so he or she can decide if Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) is right for you.

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of your medicines with you to show your doctor. Do not take other medicines while taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) without first talking to your doctor.

How should I take Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) Tablets are taken at one time each day. Take Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) exactly as your doctor has told you.

• Take Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) once a day with food and preferably at the same time each day.
• Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) Tablets should be dissolved in 4 to 8 ounces (1/2 to 1 cup) of water or apple juice.
• To dissolve the tablets, mix them in water or apple juice, and drink within 15 minutes.
  • It may take a few minutes for the tablets to dissolve. To make the tablets dissolve faster, you can stir or crush them.
  • The tablets may not dissolve completely. You may see small pieces floating on top of the water or apple juice. This is normal and safe for you to swallow.
  • If after drinking your medicine you still see small pieces of the tablet, you should add more water or apple juice to make sure that you take all of your medicine.
• If you forget to take your dose of Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) , take it as soon as you remember that day. If you miss a day, do not double your dose the next day, just skip the missed dose.
• The recommended starting dose of Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) is 10 mg/kg taken once a day. Your doctor will tell you the dose you should take and when to take it.
• Your doctor can change your dose depending on how you respond to treatment.

What are the possible side effects of Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

The most common side effects reported when using Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) are:

• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Abdominal pain
• Upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold)
• Throat pain
• Vomiting
• Nausea

These are not all the side effects seen with Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) . If you are concerned about these or any other side effects you experience while taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) , ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any side effects when you are taking Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) .

How should I store Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) ?

• Store in a cool, dry place between 68°F and 77°F (20-25°C).
• Do not leave Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) in hot or humid places, such as your car or bathroom cabinet.
• Keep Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) in its original bottle with the cap closed tightly.
• Protect from moisture. Do not remove the dessicant (the small packet included with your tablets). The dessicant absorbs moisture.
• The color of the tablets may change over time to light yellow. This is normal and you can take these tablets.
• Do not keep Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) that is out of date, or that you no longer need. Be sure that if you throw any medicine away, it is out of the reach of children.
• Keep Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) and all medicines out of the reach of children.

General information about Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets)

Medicines are sometimes prescribed for conditions that are not mentioned in patient information leaflets. Do not use Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) for any other condition. Do not give Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) to anyone else, even if they have the same condition that you have. It may harm them.

This leaflet summarizes the most important information about Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) . If you would like more information, talk with your doctor. You can ask your doctor or pharmacist for information about Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) that is written for health professionals. For more information you can call BioMarin Patient and Physician Support (BPPS) for free at 1-866-906-6100.

What are the ingredients in Kuvan?

Active Ingredient: sapropterin dihydrochloride.

Inactive Ingredients: ascorbic acid, crospovidone, dibasic calcium phosphate, D-mannitol, riboflavin, and sodium stearyl fumarate.

Kuvan (saproterin dihydrochloride tablets) Tablets are mottled, off-white to light yellow, and debossed with "177".

Last reviewed on RxList: 1/3/2008
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.