Sapropterin (By mouth)

There may be other brand names for this medicine.

This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sapropterin.

Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.
Take this medicine at the same time each day. It is best to take this medicine with food or milk.
Tablet: Swallow the tablets whole or mix them in 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mL) of water or apple juice. You may stir or crush the tablets to help them dissolve faster. Drink this mixture within 15 minutes. You may also mix the crushed tablets into a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce or pudding.
Powder for solution: Pour the contents of the 100 mg- or 500 mg- packet in 4 to 8 ounces (120 to 240 mL) of water or apple juice. Mix thoroughly. Drink this mixture within 30 minutes. You may also add the powder to a small amount of soft food, such as applesauce or pudding. For infants weighing less than 10 kilograms, you may mix the medicine in as little as 5 mL of water or apple juice and give it to an infant by using an oral dosing syringe.
Read and follow the patient instructions that come with this medicine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Missed dose: Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.
Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

Some foods and medicines can affect how sapropterin works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following:
- Avanafil, levodopa, methotrexate, sildenafil, tadalafil, vardenafil
- An antifolate medicine

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney problems, liver problems, low blood pressure, or a fever or any illness.
This medicine may cause gastritis, which can be severe.
Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about any special diet. Any changes to your diet can affect the phenylalanine level in your blood. Talk to your doctor before you make changes to the foods you eat.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
Burning feeling in your chest or stomach, upset stomach, vomiting, bloody or black stools
Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting
Restlessness, trouble sitting still or focusing
Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

Last Updated: 1/27/2017