Cystagon: Dosage, side effects, uses, interactions, cost, and more
Specifically, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Cystagon to treat nephropathic cystinosis in adults and children of any age.
Cystagon is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.
A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Cystagon is available as an oral capsule in two strengths: 50 milligrams (mg) and 150 mg.
For adults, the recommended maintenance Cystagon dosage for nephropathic cystinosis is 500 mg taken four times per day, for a total daily dose of 2,000 mg.
Typically, doctors will prescribe a dose lower than the maintenance dose to begin treatment. This is usually 1/4 to 1/6 of the maintenance dosage described above. Then, they’ll gradually increase your dose over 4 to 6 weeks up to the maintenance dose. Slowly increasing your dose over time helps your body get used to Cystagon and lowers your risk for side effects.
For example, when you first start treatment with Cystagon, your doctor may prescribe a dosage of 125 mg taken four times per day. Assuming you tolerate this dose without experiencing side effects, they’ll slowly increase your dose over several weeks until you reach the maintenance dose of 500 mg taken four times per day.
The maximum recommended Cystagon dosage is 1.95 grams per square meter (m2) of body surface area (BSA) per day, divided into four doses. BSA is calculated based on your height and body weight. Your doctor will calculate your maximum recommended Cystagon dosage.
For children ages 12 years and older, Cystagon’s dosage is the same as in adults.
For children up to age 12 years with nephropathic cystinosis, the recommended maintenance dosage of Cystagon prescribed depends on the child’s body weight as described in the table below.
Usually, doctors will start your child’s treatment by prescribing a dose lower than the maintenance dose described above. This dose is typically 1/4 to 1/6 of the maintenance dose. Prescribing a lower starting dose allows your child’s body time to adjust to Cystagon and lowers their risk for side effects.
If your child tolerates the starting dose, their doctor will adjust the dose over about 4 to 6 weeks until your child is taking the appropriate recommended maintenance dosage based on their body weight.
The maximum recommended Cystagon dosage in children is 1.95 grams per square meter (m2) of body surface area (BSA) per day, divided into four doses. BSA is calculated based on your height and body weight. Your child’s doctor will calculate their maximum recommended Cystagon dosage.
Cystagon comes as oral capsules which you swallow.
Children under age 6 years should not swallow Cystagon capsules whole, due to the risk for aspiration. Instead, Cystagon capsules should be opened and the contents sprinkled onto food, such as applesauce. The Cystagon/food mixture should be consumed right away and should not be stored for later use.
Using more than the recommended dosage of Cystagon can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Cystagon than your doctor recommends.
If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.
Cystagon can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Cystagon. These lists do not include all possible side effects.
For more information about the possible side effects of Cystagon, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Cystagon and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Cystagon. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Cystagon’s prescribing information.
Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
Serious side effects from Cystagon aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.
Cystagon is prescribed to children of any age to treat nephropathic cystinosis. Side effects in children are similar to those in adults described above.
In addition, children who receive a high dose of Cystagon may be at risk for additional side effects, including:
These side effects typically respond to lowering the Cystagon dose. Let your child’s doctor know right away if your child develops side effects during treatment, or if you have questions about symptoms of side effects your child may develop.
For some people, Cystagon can cause an allergic reaction.
In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.
For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.
For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to x drug, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.
Cystagon is approved for treating nephropathic cystinosis.
Cystinosis is a rare inherited (passed through genes) condition. It causes an amino acid called cystine to build up in the body. Cystine buildup can affect the kidneys, eyes, muscles, and the heart, along with other parts of the body.
Cystinosis symptoms can develop during infancy, later childhood, or during adulthood. Most people with cystinosis develop symptoms during infancy.
Cystinosis which develops during infancy is also called nephropathic cystinosis, because people who develop symptoms as an infant usually have serious kidney problems. In particular, nephropathic cystinosis can cause Fanconi syndrome, a condition where the kidneys struggle to absorb minerals and nutrients. Without treatment, kidney failure usually develops by around age 10 to 12 years in people with nephrotic cystinosis.
Cystagon is prescribed to treat nephropathic cystinosis in children of any age.
Cystagon is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.
However, this doesn’t mean that interactions won’t be recognized in the future. For example, new drugs could be approved that interact with Cystagon.
Before starting Cystagon treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.
If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
As with all medications, the cost of Cystagon can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.
Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Cystagon or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available. A program called Viatris Patient Assistance Program is available for Cystagon. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 888-417-5780 or visit the program website.
Generic version: Cystagon is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.
Other treatments are available for nephropathic cystinosis. Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Cystagon, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.
Procysbi (extended-release cysteamine) is a drug similar to Cystagon used to treat nephropathic cystinosis.
If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy, fertility, birth control, and breastfeeding.
Based on animal studies, there may be risks to taking Cystagon during pregnancy. But there are also risks with having unmanaged nephrotic cystinosis. (Cystagon is used for managing nephrotic cystinosis.)
If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about potential treatments for nephrotic cystinosis during pregnancy. Together, you can consider the risks and benefits of your treatment options and decide whether or not you should take Cystagon during pregnancy.
It’s not known whether Cystagon is safe to take during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control options while you’re taking/using Cystagon.
Cystagon should not be taken while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before taking this medication. Your doctor may suggest a different treatment for your condition or recommend other ways to feed a child who is breastfed.
Cystagon is approved for treating nephropathic cystinosis. With this condition, an amino acid called cystine builds up in the body.
Cystagon works to treat nephropathic cystinosis by helping the body get rid of cystine. It converts cystine into a form the body can more easily remove, which reduces cystine buildup in your cells and organs such as the kidneys.
Before taking Cystagon, discuss your health history with your doctor. Cystagon may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Cystagon, see the “Cystagon side effects” section.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.