diazoxide choline ER 25 mg tablet,extended release 24 hr

Generic name:
Diazoxide extended-release - oral

Pronunciation
(DYE-az-OX-ide)

Brand name(s)
Vykat XR

This medication is used to treat extreme hunger, non-stop thoughts about food, and non-stop need to eat that cannot be satisfied with food (hyperphagia) in people with a certain genetic disorder (Prader-Willi syndrome).

This section contains uses of this drug that are not listed in the approved professional labeling for the drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use this drug for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.

Diazoxide is also available in other brands and forms (such as immediate-release liquid, capsule) to treat very low blood sugar (hypoglycemia). Do not switch between different forms of diazoxide because you may not get the correct dose. Do not take this medication with any other product that contains diazoxide.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start taking diazoxide and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually once daily. Swallow the tablets whole. Do not split, crush, or chew the tablets. Doing so can release all of the drug at once, increasing the risk of side effects. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, response to treatment, and other medications you may be taking. Be sure to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.

If you stop taking diazoxide for longer than 7 days, consult your doctor before restarting your medication. Your doctor may direct you to restart this medication at a low dose.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase.

Tell your doctor if your condition gets worse.

Unusual growth of body hair, especially on the forehead/back/arms/legs, may occur. This is usually not permanent and will go away when the medication is stopped. If this effect lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

This medication can cause your body to hold onto salt and water which may lead to serious heart problems. Tell your doctor right away if any of these serious side effects happen to you:

• swelling of arms/legs/hands/feet
• unexplained weight gain
• shortness of breath
• unusual tiredness

This medication may make your blood sugar rise, which can cause or worsen diabetes. If you already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet. High blood sugar can be very serious and worsen quickly. Tell your doctor right away if any of these signs of very high blood sugar occur:

• frequent urination
• unusual thirst
• nausea/vomiting
• abdominal pain
• fruity breath odor
• deep/rapid breathing
• unusual weight loss
• unusual weakness/tiredness

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

• rash
• itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
• severe dizziness
• trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before taking diazoxide, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or to other thiazides (such as hydrochlorothiazide); or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

• dehydration
• diabetes/prediabetes
• heart disease (such as heart failure)
• gout
• kidney disease
• liver disease
• swelling of the arms/legs

This medication may raise your blood sugar too high under certain conditions. For example, your body may need more insulin while you are under stress due to infection, surgery, or injury. Certain medications (such as corticosteroids like hydrocortisone/prednisone, hormones such as birth control pills) may raise your blood sugar. Your dose may need to be adjusted. Consult your doctor for more details. Tell your doctor right away if any signs of high blood sugar occur (see Side Effects section).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. If you become pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, tell your doctor right away.

This medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as a glucagon test), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669. Symptoms of overdose may include: frequent urination, unusual thirst, fruity breath odor.

Do not share this medication with others.

For best results, this medication should be used along with a doctor-approved diet plan. Consult your doctor for more details.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as fasting blood glucose, hemoglobin A1c) should be done before you start taking this medication and while you are taking it. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, and you did not remember to take the missed dose, call your doctor to discuss what you should do next. Do not double the dose to catch up. See also How to use section.

Store in the original bottle at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep the drying agent (desiccant) in the bottle. Tightly close the bottle when not in use. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.