Miglustat

Miglustat is used to treat Gaucher disease (a condition in which a certain fatty substance is not broken down normally in the body and instead builds up in some organs and causes liver, spleen, bone, and blood problems). Miglustat is in a class of medications called enzyme inhibitors. It works by preventing the body from producing the fatty substance so that less of it will build up in the body and cause symptoms.

Miglustat comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food and with plenty of water up to three times a day. To help you remember to take miglustat, take it at around the same time(s) every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take miglustat exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor. Swallow the capsules whole; do not split, chew, or crush them. Miglustat controls Gaucher disease but does not cure it. Continue to take miglustat even if you feel well. Do not stop taking miglustat without talking to your doctor.

<p></p> <p></p> <p></p> <p>Miglustat may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

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diarrhea</li>
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stomach pain or bloating</li>
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gas</li>
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loss of appetite</li>
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weight loss</li>
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upset stomach</li>
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vomiting</li>
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constipation</li>
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indigestion</li>
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dry mouth</li>
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weakness</li>
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muscle cramps, especially in the legs</li>
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feeling of heaviness in the arms or legs</li>
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unsteadiness when walking</li>
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back pain</li>
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dizziness</li>
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nervousness</li>
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headache</li>
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memory problems</li>
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difficult or irregular menstruation (period)</li></ul></p> <p></p> <p>Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

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pain, burning, numbness or tingling in your hands, arms, legs, or feet</li>
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shaking hands that you cannot control</li>
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changes in vision</li>
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easy bruising or bleeding</li></ul>Miglustat may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online [at <a href='http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch'>http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch</a>] or by phone [1-800-332-1088].</p>

Before taking miglustat, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to miglustat, any other medications, or soy products. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention imiglucerase (Cerezyme). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a tremor (shaking of your hands that you cannot control); pain, burning, tingling, or numbness in your hands or feet; any disease that affects your nervous system; or kidney disease.

In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911. Symptoms of overdose may include:

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pain, burning, tingling , or numbness in your hands, arms, legs, or feet</li>
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sore throat, fever, chills, or other signs of infection</li>
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dizziness</li></ul>