Gattex

Generic name: Teduglutide
Drug class: Miscellaneous GI agents

Usage of Gattex

Gattex is a man-made form of an amino acid that affects the processes of growth and function of cells in the stomach and intestines.

Gattex is a prescription medicine used to treat short bowel syndrome in adults and children at least 1 year old who Depend on intravenous (parenteral) feeding to receive nutrition.

Gattex side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Gattex: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe constipation or stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting;

swelling in your hands and feet, rapid weight gain, feeling short of breath;

a change in your stools (bowel movements);

severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back;

fever, chills; or

dark urine or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Common Gattex side effects may include:

an allergic reaction;

stomach pain or swelling;

nausea, vomiting;

cold or flu symptoms;

swelling in your hands or feet; or

pain, swelling, redness, or other irritation where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Gattex

Gattex can cause any abnormal cells in your body to grow faster. Some abnormal cells could become cancerous, increasing your risk of cancer of the liver, gallbladder, pancreas, or intestines. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.

Gattex may also increase your risk of polyps in your colon (large intestine). You will need a colonoscopy before and during treatment with Teduglutide.

Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

To make sure Gattex is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

cancer;

polyps in your intestines or rectum;

a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), a colostomy or ileostomy;

heart problems, high blood pressure;

kidney disease; or

problems with your gallbladder or pancreas.

Short bowel syndrome can increase your risk of malnutrition during pregnancy. This could lead to premature delivery, low birth weight, birth defects, or other complications in both mother and baby. Follow your doctor's instructions about using this medicine if you are pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using this medicine.

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How to use Gattex

Usual Adult Dose for Short Bowel Syndrome:

0.05 mg/kg via suBC UTAneous injection once a day Comments: -Injection sites should be alternated, and may include the thighs, arms, and abdominal quadrants. -IV and IM administration should be avoided. -Missed doses should be taken as soon as possible on that day; patients should not take 2 doses on the same day. Use: Treatment of patients with short bowel syndrome who are dependent on parenteral support

Warnings

You should not use Gattex if you are allergic to teduglutide, or if you have cancer of the stomach, intestines, liver, gallbladder, or pancreas.

Before using Gattex, tell your doctor if you have heart disease, kidney disease, intestinal polyps, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, a colostomy or ileostomy, or a history of gallbladder or pancrease problems.

Teduglutide can make it easier for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Gattex may increase your risk of colon polyps (in your large intestine). You will need a colonoscopy before and during treatment with Gattex. Teduglutide may also increase your risk of certain types of cancer. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Call your doctor at once if you have severe constipation, stomach cramps, fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, dark urine, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

While using Gattex, you may need frequent blood tests (every 6 months), and then a colonoscopy after 1 year of treatment. If you use this medication long-term, you may need a colonoscopy every 5 years.

What other drugs will affect Gattex

Teduglutide can make it easier for your body to absorb any medicines you take by mouth, which could increase your blood levels of those medicines or cause unwanted effects. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

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