What is Xyrem? Uses, warnings & side effects

How to take Xyrem

• Missed dose: If you miss the second dose, skip that dose and do not take any more medicine until the next night. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Pour any unused medicine down the sink drain. Use a marker to cross out the label on the bottle, then throw it in the trash.

• Take the second dose 2 1/2 to 4 hours after you take the first dose. You may need to set an alarm clock to wake you up so you can take the second dose on time.

• Use the medicine within 24 hours after it has been mixed with water.

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

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

• This medicine is divided into 2 nightly doses. The first nightly dose should be taken at least 2 hours after you eat.

• This medicine can make you sleep very quickly (within 5 to 15 minutes) without feeling drowsy. Take it only at bedtime when you are ready to fall asleep. Stay in bed after you take the first dose.

• Measure the medicine with the marked plastic syringe that comes with the medicine. Mix the medicine with 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water. Mix both doses before you go to bed. Store the second dose close to your bed, out of the reach of children.

• Drop off any unused narcotic medicine at a drug take-back location right away. If you do not have a drug take-back location near you, flush any unused narcotic medicine down the toilet. Check your local drug store and clinics for take-back locations. You can also check the DEA web site for locations. Here is the link to the FDA safe disposal of medicines website: www.fda.gov/drugs/resourcesforyou/consumers/buyingusingmedicinesafely/ensuringsafeuseofmedicine/safedisposalofmedicines/ucm186187.htm Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light.

• Use the medicine within 24 hours after it has been mixed with water.

• This medicine can make you sleep very quickly (within 5 to 15 minutes) without feeling drowsy. Take it only at bedtime when you are ready to fall asleep. Stay in bed after you take the first dose.

• Pour any unused medicine down the sink drain. Use a marker to cross out the label on the bottle, then throw it in the trash.

• Measure the medicine with the marked plastic syringe that comes with the medicine. Mix the medicine with 2 ounces (1/4 cup) of water. Mix both doses before you go to bed. Store the second dose close to your bed, out of the reach of children.

• Take your medicine as directed. Your dose may need to be changed several times to find what works best for you.

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

• Missed dose: If you miss the second dose, skip that dose and do not take any more medicine until the next night. Do not use extra medicine to make up for a missed dose.

• This medicine is divided into 2 nightly doses. The first nightly dose should be taken at least 2 hours after you eat.

• Take the second dose 2 1/2 to 4 hours after you take the first dose. You may need to set an alarm clock to wake you up so you can take the second dose on time.

What to do if you miss a dose of Xyrem

Xyrem contraindications - Who shouldn't take Xyrem?

• This medicine is not right for everyone. Do not use it if you had an allergic reaction to sodium oxybate, or if you have succinic semialdehyde dehydrogenase deficiency.

Xyrem warnings

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

• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease, liver disease, lung or breathing problems (including hypopnea, sleep apnea), heart failure, high blood pressure, or a history of depression, or alcohol or drug abuse. Tell your doctor if you are on a low-salt diet.

• This medicine may cause the following problems:Serious breathing problems (which can be life-threatening)Changes in mood or behaviorSleeping problems, including sleepwalking, which can cause injuries

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous for at least 6 hours after you take this medicine.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

Xyrem interactions & what to avoid when taking Xyrem

• Do not drink alcohol while you are using this medicine. Do not use this medicine if you are also using a sedative medicine.

• Some medicines can affect how sodium oxybate works. Tell your doctor if you are using any of the following: Divalproex sodiumMedicine to treat depression or mental illnessAny other medicine that makes you sleepy, including sleeping pills, cold and allergy medicine, or narcotic pain medicine

• This medicine may make you dizzy, drowsy, or less alert. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous for at least 6 hours after you take the second dose of this medicine.

• This medicine can be habit-forming. Do not use more than your prescribed dose. Call your doctor if you think your medicine is not working.

• Do not stop using this medicine suddenly. Your doctor will need to slowly decrease your dose before you stop it completely.

• Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.

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