Kuvan (Sapropterin Dihydrochloride) and/or equivalents

See important disclaimer below

Product / Manufacturer Quantity / Price (USD)

Kuvan 100mg

Source Country: European Union
Shipped From: United Kingdom Manufacturer: Merck Serono UK

This item requires a prescription from your doctor

Description of Kuvan

Kuvan contains an enzymatic co-factor as its main ingredient. Sapropterin (also known as tetrahydrobiopterin) assists certain enzymes (phenylalanine hydroxylase) that are responsible for the breakdown of phenylalanine. Patients who are asked to buy Kuvan suffer from neurological problems like loss of memory, reduced intelligence and concentration etc. due to high levels of phenylalanine (Phe) in their blood. The generic name of Kuvan is Sapropterin dihydrochloride.

Sapropterin is available in the form of Kuvan 100mg tablets. Besides containing 76.8mg (active sapropterin base), each 100mg tablet contains crospovidone, ascorbic acid, riboflavin, dibasic calcium phosphate, sodium stearyl fumarate and D-mannitol as its inactive constituents.

Indications & Dosage of Kuvan

Kuvan is indicated in the treatment of hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) as a result of tetrahydrobiopterin-responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU).

After patients buy Kuvan, they can start with a daily dose of 10mg/kg of weight. It is necessary to follow up with a doctor on blood pH levels at regular intervals. The dosage can be increased, reduced or discontinued as per a doctor’s discretion. The maximum approved dose is 20mg/kg of weight. Adequate tests have not yet been performed on dosage strengths beyond 20mg/kg.

Administration of Kuvan involves dissolving the tablet of the prescribed (or recommended) strength in 120-240ml water or apple juice and drinking it within fifteen minutes along with food. It is recommended that Kuvan be taken at the same time each day to maintain even levels of the drug in the body.

Kuvan is used in combination with a diet restricting phenylalanine consumption. Changes in the prescribed dosage or diet without consultation with the doctor may render the treatment ineffective and in some cases, detrimental.

Side Effects & Interactions of Kuvan

Some changes in general health are expected during Kuvan use. Most of the common side effects are mild and temporary by nature. A few of the minor side effects of Kuvan are listed below:

Restlessness
Intestinal problems like diarrhea, abdominal pain
Dizziness, nausea and vomiting
Headache, pain in the joints

However, some individuals using Kuvan may experience serious adverse reactions. Some of the major side effects of Kuvan that require immediate medical attention are as follows:

Speech or vision problems
Numbness or tingling sensation in limbs
Problems with balance
Changes in behavior
Symptoms of fever, shivers and chills
Difficult or painful urination
Bloody or black stool
Vomit resembling coffee grounds or blood in the vomit
Extreme weakness, fainting

It is essential to notify the doctor about all the current medications being taken by the patient. This can avoid many serious interactions of Kuvan from affecting the user. Some of the drugs that may interact with Kuvan are levodopa, methotrexate, PDE5 inhibitors, molsidomine, minoxidil, nitroglycerin and medications used for treating erectile dysfunction.

Warnings & Precautions of Kuvan

The doctor needs to be made aware of the medical history and current ailments of the patient in order to safely prescribe Kuvan. Patients with the following disorders/problems should especially notify the doctor and exercise caution before using this drug:

Liver disease
Ulcers in the stomach
Seizures

The safety of Kuvan in pregnant and nursing women has not been adequately established. It is best to avoid this drug, unless the doctor deems it absolutely necessary.