DrugindexOnline^{2nd edition}

Generic Name: Cysteamine (sis-TEE-ah-MEEN)
Brand Name: Cystagon

Cystagon is used for:

Managing nephropathic cystinosis (a rare, serious kidney disease).

Cystagon is a cystine-depleting agent. It works by reducing the amount of cystine in the body.

Do NOT use Cystagon if:

• you are allergic to any ingredient in Cystagon or to penicillamine

Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.

Before using Cystagon :

Some medical conditions may interact with Cystagon . Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:

• if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
• if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
• if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• if you have a skin rash

Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Cystagon . However, no specific interactions with Cystagon are known at this time.

This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Cystagon may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

How to use Cystagon :

Use Cystagon as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.

• Cystagon may be taken with or without food.
• Cystagon comes with an additional patient leaflet. Read it carefully and reread it each time you get Cystagon refilled.
• For children younger than 6 years of age, the capsule should be opened and the contents sprinkled over food.
• If you miss a dose of Cystagon , take it as soon as possible. If it is within 2 hours of your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Cystagon .

Important safety information:

• Cystagon may cause drowsiness or dizziness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Cystagon . Using Cystagon alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
• LAB TESTS, including blood cell counts and liver function, may be performed to monitor your progress or to check for side effects. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
• PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: If you become pregnant, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using Cystagon during pregnancy. It is unknown if Cystagon is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast feed while taking Cystagon .

Possible side effects of Cystagon :

All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:

Appetite loss; diarrhea; drowsiness; lack of energy; nausea; stomach pain; unpleasant breath odor; vomiting.

Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:

Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black, tarry, or bloody stools; confusion; depression; fever, chills, or sore throat; headache; mental or mood changes; persistent vomiting; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; seizures; severe or persistent drowsiness or lack of energy; severe stomach pain; unusual tiredness or weakness.

This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions or need medical advice about side effects, contact your doctor or health care provider. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 (1-800-332-1088) or at http://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If OVERDOSE is suspected:

Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center (http://www.aapcc.org/findyour.htm), or emergency room immediately. Symptoms may include black, tarry, or bloody stools; decreased motor activity; severe or persistent vomiting; severe stomach or lower back pain.

Proper storage of Cystagon :

Store Cystagon at room temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Cystagon out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information:

• If you have any questions about Cystagon , please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• Cystagon is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
• If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.

This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Cystagon . If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.