Triheptanoin

Pediatric Medication
Share

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

Dojolvi

Brand Names: Canada

Dojolvi

What is this drug used for?

  • It is used to treat long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD).

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 any pancreas problems.
  • If your child is taking another medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) product or orlistat.
  • If your child has a feeding tube. This drug is not for use with some types of feeding tubes.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

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 blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
  • Have your child follow the diet plan your child’s doctor told you about.

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.

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:

  • Stomach pain or diarrhea.
  • Upset stomach or throwing up.

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 this drug with meals and snacks.
  • The doctor may start your child on a low dose and slowly increase the dose to help avoid side effects. If your child has side effects, talk with the doctor about giving your child smaller doses more often.
  • 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.
  • This drug must be mixed with semi-solid foods or liquids before taking. This includes plain or artificially sweetened fat free yogurt; fat free milk, formula, or cottage cheese; whole grain hot cereal; or fat free low carbohydrate pudding, smoothies, applesauce, or baby food. After mixing, a dose may be stored in a refrigerator for up to 24 hours.
  • Doses must not be prepared or given using certain containers, syringes, or measuring cups. Be sure you know what types of materials can be used.
  • Those who have feeding tubes may use this drug. Use as you have been told. Flush the feeding tube after this drug is given.
  • If you mix this drug in a tube feeding formula, do not store for future use.
  • If your child has a feeding tube, do not add this drug to the feeding bag. It may damage the equipment. You will need to check on a regular basis to make sure the feeding tube keeps working properly. Talk with the doctor if you have questions.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

  • Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
  • After giving a missed dose, start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.
  • If you cannot give all of your child’s doses for the day, 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 this drug in the container it was dispensed in. Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom. Do not freeze.
  • Throw away any part not used within 9 months after opening or by the expiration date on the bottle, whichever comes first.
  • 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

2023-12-05

Copyright

© 2024 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.

Last Updated

Monday, December 12, 2022