What is Gattex: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Dec 30, 2020

Gattex overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Gattex

Generic Names:

  • Gattex

Uses:

  • Treats short bowel syndrome (SBS).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Gastrointestinal Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Gattex used for?

What form(s) does Gattex come in

  • Injectable

What are common Gattex doses?

  • Box 1 Kit

Common Gattex prescriptions

  • Gattex
    1 kit box

How to take Gattex

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually injected on your abdomen or stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • To use this medicine:Inject the water provided in the prefilled syringe into the vial containing the powder.Allow the vial to stand for about 30 seconds and then gently roll it between your palms for about 15 seconds. Do not shake.Allow the mixture to stand for about 2 minutes.Check the vial for any undissolved powder. Gently roll the vial again until all the powder is dissolved. Do not shake. If the product remains undissolved after the second attempt, do not use it.Use the mixture within 3 hours.You might not use all of the medicine in the vial. Use each vial only one time.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store any medicine you have mixed. Throw away any unused medicine that has been mixed after 3 hours.

  • Injection routeYou may be taught how to give your medicine at home. Make sure you understand all instructions before giving yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Injection routeYou will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Injection routeA nurse or other health provider will give you this medicine.

  • To use this medicine:Inject the water provided in the prefilled syringe into the vial containing the powder.Allow the vial to stand for about 30 seconds and then gently roll it between your palms for about 15 seconds. Do not shake.Allow the mixture to stand for about 2 minutes.Check the vial for any undissolved powder. Gently roll the vial again until all the powder is dissolved. Do not shake. If the product remains undissolved after the second attempt, do not use it.Use the mixture within 3 hours.You might not use all of the medicine in the vial. Use each vial only one time.

  • Injection routeIf you store this medicine at home, keep it at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Do not store any medicine you have mixed. Throw away any unused medicine that has been mixed after 3 hours.

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin. It is usually injected on your abdomen or stomach, thighs, or upper arms.

  • Injection routeUse a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

What to do if you miss a dose of Gattex

  • Take a dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, wait until then and take a regular dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

  • Injection routeAsk your pharmacist, doctor, or health caregiver about the best way to dispose of any leftover medicine, containers, and other supplies. Throw away old medicine after the expiration date has passed.

  • Injection routeThrow away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

Gattex contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to teduglutide.

Gattex warnings

  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, cancer, congestive heart failure, heart or blood vessel disease, gallbladder disease, bowel problems (including polyps), or pancreas problems.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems:Increased risk for tumor and tumor growthStomach or bowel blockageGallbladder and pancreas problems (including stones, swelling)

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments. Your doctor may also want to check your colon, gallbladder, and pancreas before you begin treatment and at least every 6 months during treatment with this medicine.

  • Keep all medicine out of the reach of children. Never share your medicine with anyone.

  • Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

Gattex interactions

  • Check with your doctor right away if you have abdominal pain, severe constipation, nausea or vomiting, or a severe rash after using this medicine.

  • Some medicines can affect how teduglutide works. Tell your doctor if you are using a benzodiazepine medicine (including alprazolam, clonazepam, diazepam, lorazepam), phenothiazine medicine (including promethazine), or any oral medicine.

  • Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. He may also want to check your colon, gallbladder, and pancreas before you begin treatment and every 6 months during treatment. Be sure to keep all appointments.

  • Check with your doctor right away if you are rapidly gaining weight, have chest pain or discomfort, extreme tiredness or weakness, trouble breathing, an uneven heartbeat, or excessive swelling of the hands, wrists, ankles, or feet. These may be symptoms of a heart problem or fluid retention.

Gattex side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

  • Severe constipation, sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, gas, full or bloated feeling

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Decrease in how much or how often you urinate

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet

  • Trouble breathing, cold sweat, bluish-colored skin

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, or a lump under your skin where the shot is given

  • Trouble sleeping

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