Maralixibat is used to treat itching in individuals with Alagille syndrome (a rare genetic condition that causes the build-up of bile acids in the liver) and progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (a condition causing progressive liver disease that usually leads to liver failure).
Take Maralixibat exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
Take this medicine on an empty stomach, at least 30 minutes before a meal. Try to take it at the same time each day.
Maralixibat is available as an oral solution.
To take the oral solution, follow these steps:
- Open the bottle by pressing the cap and turning it counterclockwise.
- Use the measuring device (e.g. oral syringe) supplied with each bottle.
- To use the oral syringe, insert it into the perforated stopper and turn the bottle upside down.
- Fill the syringe with the appropriate dose.
- Administer the medicine directly from the oral syringe.
- Wash the oral syringe after use.
The dose of Maralixibat will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type of your condition and your response to the medication.
If you are taking Maralixibat once daily and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 12 hours have passed since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
If you are taking this medicine twice daily and you miss a dose, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If more than 6 hours have passed since your missed dose, skip the missed dose and return to your normal dosing schedule.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have had liver failure that has led to severe problems such as swelling, bleeding, or brain problems, as Maralixibat may not be suitable for you.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- bowel movement problems
- problems in processing bile acids (substances made in the liver that help digest fats)
- deficiency in certain vitamins that are stored in body fats e.g. vitamins A, D, E, K
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Be sure to check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving Maralixibat to a child. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects.
Do not switch brands or product formulations unless instructed by your doctor. This is because different brands, concentrations, and preparations of Maralixibat may have slightly different ways of working in your body.
Maralixibat may cause any of the following side effects: diarrhoea, stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- severe or persistent diarrhoea or vomiting
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, fast weight gain or stomach swelling, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- unexplained bruising or bleeding, bone pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Do not take Maralixibat with certain cholesterol-lowering medicines called bile acid sequestrants (e.g. colestyramine, colestipol, colesevelam), as they could reduce the effectiveness of Maralixibat when taken at the same time. If you are taking these medicines, take Maralixibat at least 4 hours before or after your bile acid sequestrant dose.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Protect from light.
The oral solution should be used within 130 days after opening.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.