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Procysbi

Generic name: cysteaminesis-TEE-a-meen ]
Brand names: Cystagon, Procysbi
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Mar 27, 2023.

What is Procysbi?

Procysbi works by reducing the amount of cystine (an amino acid) in the body.

Procysbi is used to treat nephropathic cystinosis (NEF-roe-PATH-ik SIS-tin-OH-sis), a rare genetic condition that causes a build-up of cystine in the kidneys and other organs. Too much cystine can cause kidney failure or other medical problems.

Procysbi is for use in adults and children, but Procysbi should not be given to a child younger than 1 year old.

Warnings

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Procysbi if you are allergic to cysteamine or penicillamine.

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

It is not known whether cysteamine will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

You should not breastfeed while using Procysbi.

How should I use Procysbi?

Take Procysbi exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose.

Take Procysbi with water or fruit juice, but not grapefruit juice. You may take Procysbi with or without food, but take it the same way each time.

Swallow the capsule whole and do not crush or chew it.

If you cannot swallow a capsule whole, carefully follow the patient instructions for opening the capsule and mixing the medicine with certain foods. Your doctor may recommend that you use cysteamine oral granules.

Do not crush or chew oral granules.

Procysbi works best if you take it without food, at least 30 minutes before or 2 hours after a meal. If you cannot take the medicine without eating, eat only a small amount (1/2 cup) of food within 1 hour before or 1 hour after you take the medicine.

Whether you take the medicine with or without food, take it the same way each time.

To mix the oral granules or medicine from a capsule with food:

Procysbi also comes with instructions for giving the mixture through a gastronomy tube (14 French or larger).

Cysteamine doses are based on weight (especially in children and teenagers). Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

These instructions may be different from one brand of cysteamine to another.

You will need frequent medical tests.

You should not stop using Procysbi without your doctor's advice. Stopping suddenly may make your condition worse.

Cystinosis is often treated with a combination of drugs, including vitamin and mineral supplements. Use all medications as directed and read all medication guides you receive. Do not change your dose or dosing schedule without your doctor's advice.

Store at room temperature away from moisture, heat, and light.

Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Nephropathic Cystinosis:

Immediate-release capsule:
Less than 110 lbs: Data not available
110 lbs or more:
-Initial dose: 0.3 to 0.5 g/day orally divided in 4 doses. Increase dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks if the WBC cystine level remains above 2 nmol half-cystine/mg protein.
-Maintenance dose: 2 g/day orally divided in 4 doses

Delayed-release capsule:
-Initial dose: 0.2 to 0.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 2 doses, every 12 hours. Increase dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks if the WBC cystine level remains above 1 nmol half-cystine/mg protein.
-Maintenance dose: 1.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 2 doses, every 12 hours
-Maximum dose: 1.95 g/m2/day

Comments:
-Measurements of WBC cystine level and/or cysteamine concentration taken one half hour after dose administration are recommended for new patients after the maintenance dose is achieved.
-The goal is to keep WBC cystine levels below 1 nmol half-cystine/mg protein or 2 nmol half-cystine/mg protein (in patients with poorer tolerability), five to six hours following drug administration.

Use: Management of nephropathic cystinosis

Usual Pediatric Dose for Nephropathic Cystinosis:

Immediate-release capsule:
Less than 12 years old:
-Initial dose: 0.2 to 0.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 4 doses. Increase dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks.
-Maintenance dose: 1.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 4 doses
-Maximum dose: 1.95 g/m2/day

12 years or older:
Less than 110 lbs: Data not available
110 lbs or more:
-Initial dose: 0.3 to 0.5 g/day orally divided in 4 doses. Increase dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks if the WBC cystine level remains above 2 nmol half-cystine/mg protein.
-Maintenance dose: 2 g/day orally divided in 4 doses

Delayed-release capsule:
Less than 6 years: Safety has not been established.
6 years and older:
-Initial dose: 0.2 to 0.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 2 doses, every 12 hours. Increase dose gradually over 4 to 6 weeks if the WBC cystine level remains above 1 nmol half-cystine/mg protein.
-Maintenance dose: 1.3 g/m2/day orally divided in 2 doses, every 12 hours
-Maximum dose: 1.95 g/m2/day.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you are less than 8 hours late for the dose, use the medicine as soon as you can. Skip the missed dose if your next dose is due in less than 4 hours.

Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What to avoid

Avoid driving or hazardous activity until you know how this medicine will affect you. Your reactions could be impaired.

Avoid drinking alcohol while taking Procysbi. Alcohol can make the medicine less effective or cause side effects.

Procysbi side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to Procysbi (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these side effects (some of these may be caused by your cystinosis disorder and not by this medicine):

Common Procysbi side effects may include:

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.

What other drugs will affect Procysbi?

Take Procysbi at least 1 hour before or 1 hour after taking any medicine that contains bicarbonate or carbonate.

Other drugs may interact with cysteamine, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use Procysbi only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.