This information from Lexicomp® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.
Brand Names: US
Livmarli
Brand Names: Canada
Livmarli
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat itching in certain people with progressive familial intrahepatic cholestasis (PFIC).
- It is used to treat itching in people with Alagille syndrome (ALGS).
What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?
- If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
- If your child has had liver failure that caused severe problems like bleeding, swelling, or brain problems.
This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.
Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.
What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?
- Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
- Have your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
- Your child may need to take certain supplements like vitamin A, D, E, and K while taking this drug. Be sure to follow what the doctor has told you.
- This drug may raise the chance of a broken bone. Talk with the doctor.
- If giving this drug to your child and your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.
- Use with care in children. Propylene glycol is part of this drug and can cause severe side effects in children. Children younger than 5 years old may have a higher risk.
If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:
- Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.
What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?
WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
- Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
- Throwing up blood or throw up that looks like coffee grounds.
- Any unexplained bruising or bleeding.
- Bone pain.
- Fever, weakness, or pale skin.
- Abnormal heartbeat.
- Seizures.
- Trouble breathing, slow breathing, or shallow breathing.
- Feeling very dizzy or sleepy.
- Muscle cramps.
- Liver problems have happened with this drug. Sometimes, this has been severe and has led to a liver transplant or death. Call the doctor right away if your child has signs of new or worse liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach, stomach pain, stomach swelling or fast weight gain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
- Call the doctor right away if your child has severe or lasting diarrhea or throwing up. Call the doctor if your child has diarrhea with bloody stools or signs of dehydration like dry skin, mouth, or eyes; thirst; headache; not able to pass urine; change in how much urine is passed; fast heartbeat; dizziness; fast breathing; or confusion.
What are some other side effects of this drug?
All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, throwing up, and upset stomach are common with this drug. If your child has these side effects, call the doctor to find out how to avoid dehydration.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.
How is this drug best given?
Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
- Give 30 minutes before a meal.
- Give in the morning if giving once a day.
- Have your child sit or stand to take this drug. Do not give this drug while your child is lying down.
- Have your child wait a few minutes after taking this drug before laying down.
- If your child is not able to take the whole dose, skip the missed part and give your child’s next dose at the normal time.
- Measure liquid doses carefully. Use the measuring device that comes with this drug. If there is none, ask the pharmacist for a device to measure this drug.
- Do not use a household teaspoon or any other dosing device to measure the dose.
- Throw away the measuring device after 100 days. Use a new one. If you do not have a new measuring device, talk with your pharmacist.
- Place the tip of the measuring device against the inside of the cheek. Slowly push the plunger to give the whole dose. Clean the measuring device after each use.
- Put the cap back on after your child is done using a dose.
- Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
- Do not give colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours before or 4 hours after this drug.
What do I do if my child misses a dose?
If giving 1 time daily:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been more than 12 hours since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
If giving 2 times daily:
- Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
- If it has been more than 6 hours since the missed dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
- Do not give 2 doses at the same time or extra doses.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- Protect from heat. Do not leave this drug at temperatures above 86°F (30°C).
- After opening, throw away any part not used after 100 days.
- Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
- Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
General drug facts
- If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
- Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
- Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.
Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer
This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.
Last Reviewed Date
2024-08-13
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