Maralixibat: Patient drug information

What is this drug used for?

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

For all patients taking this drug:
Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
You may need to take certain supplements like vitamin A, D, E, and K while taking this drug. Be sure to follow what your doctor has told you.
Diarrhea, stomach pain, and throwing up are common with this drug. If you have these side effects, call your doctor to find out how to avoid dehydration. Rarely, some people had to be treated in a hospital. Call your doctor right away if you have severe or lasting diarrhea or throwing up, or if you have diarrhea with bloody stools. Call your doctor if you have signs of dehydration like dry skin, mouth, or eyes; thirst; fast heartbeat; dizziness; fast breathing; or confusion.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.
Children:
If giving this drug to your child and your child's weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
Bone pain.
Call the doctor right away if you notice signs of new or worse liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
Stomach pain.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
Take 30 minutes before a meal in the morning.
Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
Throw away the measuring device after 100 days. Use a new one. If you do not have a new measuring device, talk with your pharmacist.
Place the tip of the measuring device against the inside of the cheek. Slowly push the plunger to give the whole dose. Clean the measuring device after each use.
Put the cap back on after you are done using your dose.
Keep taking this drug as you have been told by your doctor or other health care provider, even if you feel well.
Do not take colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours before or 4 hours after taking this drug.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it has been 12 hours or more since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses within 12 hours of each other.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
Protect from heat. Do not leave this drug at temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
After opening, throw away any part not used after 100 days.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.