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Arimoclomol

(ar im″ oh kloe′ mol)

Brand Name(s): Miplyffa®

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Arimoclomol is used in combination with miglustat to treat neurologic symptoms in adults and children 2 years of age and older who have Niemann-Pick disease type C (NPC; an inherited disease in which a certain fatty substance is not broken down and used normally in the body and instead builds up in some organs and can cause nerve and brain problems). Arimoclomol is in a class of medications called heat shock protein activators. It is not known exactly how arimoclomol works to treat neurologic symptoms in patients with Niemann-Pick disease type C.

Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Arimoclomol comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with or without food three times a day. Take arimoclomol at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take arimoclomol exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole; do not chew or crush them.

If you are unable to swallow capsules whole, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the contents over one tablespoonful (15 mL) of water, apple juice, or a soft food such as applesauce, pudding, or yogurt in a small cup. Stir the mixture with a spoon for 15 seconds and swallow the mixture immediately. Do not store the mixture for future use.

If you have a nasogastric (NG) tube, your doctor or pharmacist will explain how to prepare arimoclomol to give through an NG tube.

Arimoclomol controls Niemann-Pick disease but does not cure it. Continue to take arimoclomol even if you feel well. Do not stop taking arimoclomol without talking to your doctor.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before taking arimoclomol,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to arimoclomol, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in arimoclomol capsules. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take while taking arimoclomol. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

  • tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.

  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. Your doctor may tell you to use birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are taking arimoclomol. If you become pregnant while taking arimoclomol, call your doctor. Arimoclomol may harm the fetus.

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?

Skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Arimoclomol may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

  • diarrhea
  • weight loss
  • decreased appetite
  • nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, sore or scratchy throat, cough, or fever
  • headache
  • uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, stop taking arimoclomol and call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

  • hives; rash; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; dizziness
  • seizure

Arimoclomol may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

What should I know about STORAGE and DISPOSAL of this medication?

Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from light, excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom).

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

Dear patient

I am excited to announce that I will be relocating my practice to Houston Methodist DeBakey Cardiology Associates. Starting November 4, 2024, my new address will be:

5115 Fannin, Suite 801
Houston, TX 77004

Please note that my phone number and fax number will also change to the following:
24-Hour Telephone: 713-441-1100
Fax: 713-790-2643
Clinical Support Telephone (M-F, 8-5): 713-441-3515

I am excited about caring for you in my new office and hope you will make the transition with me. I will also continue to refill your medications as I have in the past. To assist, please provide your pharmacy with my new contact information.

Please consider checking your prescription refills to verify that you have enough medication on hand to last you until your next visit. Please note that your medical records will remain at my former office until you authorize their transfer. If you choose for me to continue providing your medical care, please complete and sign the enclosed “Authorization for Release of Medical Records” form and fax it to 713-790-2643. Once we receive your authorization, we will be happy to process the request for you.

Thank you for entrusting me with your medical care. My new team and I are dedicated to making this transition as seamless as possible. For help scheduling an appointment and transitioning your care, please call my new office number above.

I look forward to continuing your care at my new location.

Sincerely,
Gopi A. Shah, MD

Dear patient

Dr. Albert Raizner, Dr. Michael Raizner, and Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary are excited to announce that our practice, Interventional Cardiology Associates, will merge with Houston Cardiovascular Associates on November 1, 2024.

Our new offices are similarly located in Houston, near the Texas Medical Center and in Sugar Land. Our in-hospital care will continue at Houston Methodist Hospital in the Texas Medical Center and Houston Methodist Sugar Land Hospital. Importantly, our new offices expand our services with state-of-the-art equipment and amenities. Our core values will always be, as they began over 40 years ago when Dr. Albert Raizner founded ICA:

Integrity – Compassion – Accountability

Our new address and contact information are:

Your medical records are confidential and remain available at our new locations. We consider it a privilege to serve as your cardiologists and look forward to your continuing with us. However, should you desire to transfer to another physician, you may request a copy of your records by contacting us at our new addresses and phone numbers listed above.

We thank you for your trust and loyalty. As always, we will continue to be here to take care of you. Please do not hesitate to contact us if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Dr. Albert Raizner,
Dr. Michael Raizner,
Dr. Mohamed El-Beheary