Hetlioz

Generic name: Tasimelteon
Drug class: Miscellaneous anxiolytics , Antineoplastic Agents

Usage of Hetlioz

Hetlioz is a sedative, also called a hypnotic. It works by affecting certain substances in your body that help regulate your "sleep-wake cycle."

Hetlioz is used to treat non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in adults.

Hetlioz is also used to treat nighttime sleep problems in people with a genetic disorder called Smith-Magenis Syndrome (SMS). The capsule form of Hetlioz is for people with SMS who are at least 16 years old. The oral suspension (liquid) form is for children with SMS who are from 3 to 15 years old.

Hetlioz side effects

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

Call your doctor at once if you have pain or burning when you urinate.

Side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common Hetlioz side effects may include:

headache;

abnormal liver function tests;

strange dreams, nightmares; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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 Hetlioz

To make sure Hetlioz is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

liver disease; or

if you smoke.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Do not give this medicine to a child without medical advice. Hetlioz is approved to treat nighttime sleep problems only in children who have SMS and are at least 3 years old. Hetlioz is not approved to treat non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder in anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Hetlioz

Usual Adult Dose for Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder:

20 mg orally once per day Comments: -Take before bedtime, at the same time every night. -Take without food. Use: Treatment of Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24)

Usual Adult Dose for SMS Sleep Disturbances:

20 mg orally once per day Comments: -Take before bedtime, at the same time every night. -Take without food. Use: Treatment of SMS Sleep Disturbances in patients 16 years of age and older

Usual Pediatric Dose for SMS Sleep Disturbances:

20 mg orally once per day in patients weighing over 28 kg 0.7 mg/kg orally once per day in patients weighing 28 kg or less Comments: -Take before bedtime, at the same time every night. -Take without food. Use: Treatment of SMS Sleep Disturbances in patients 3 to 15 years of age

Warnings

After taking Hetlioz you should start preparing for bed. Tasimelteon can impair mental activities and alertness.

Use only as directed. Tell your doctor if you use other medicines or have other medical conditions or allergies.

What other drugs will affect Hetlioz

Using Hetlioz with other drugs that make you drowsy can worsen this effect. Ask your doctor before using opioid medication, a sleeping pill, a muscle relaxer, or medicine for anxiety or seizures.

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medications at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you take, which may increase side effects or make the medications less effective.

Other drugs may interact with tasimelteon, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Disclaimer

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