Carbaglu (carglumic acid) lowers blood ammonia levels within 24 hours and helps keep it low, but it must be taken before every meal.
High blood ammonia
Carbaglu (carglumic acid) replaces a key chemical in people who don't have a specific liver enzyme, N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS). NAGS normally helps your body get rid of extra ammonia (a waste chemical produced by your body).
Source: FDA
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Lowers ammonia levels within 24 hours
Can be given as early as the first day of life
Must be mixed with water and taken right before a meal
Tastes sour or acidic
Right before before you take Carbaglu (carglumic acid), put tablets in about half a teaspoon (2.5 milliliters) of water per tablet. Carefully stir and immediately swallow the mixture. If pieces of the tablet are still in the cup, repeat this step by adding water as needed until no more pieces remain.
Take Carbaglu (carglumic acid) in 2 to 4 divided doses throughout the day. Don't swallow tablets whole or crush them. Don't mix Carbaglu (carglumic acid) in liquids other than water.
Take Carbaglu (carglumic acid) immediately before meals.
Carbaglu (carglumic acid) may be started as early as the first day of life, depending on how severe (bad) the infant's condition is.
Store unopened containers in a refrigerator. After opening, store at room temperature in a tight container. Throw away 1 month after opening.
Don't breastfeed while taking Carbaglu (carglumic acid) unless your healthcare provider told you to do so.
Carbaglu (carglumic acid) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Carbaglu (carglumic acid) lowers ammonia in the blood. If ammonia levels in the blood get too high and you aren't treated, brain damage and death may occur. Talk to your healthcare provider about which symptoms of high ammonia levels you should look out for. Your healthcare provider may suggest you eat less protein to help keep ammonia levels lower.
The typical dose of Carbaglu (carglumic acid) depends on whether the extra ammonia in your body is acute (started recently or suddenly) or chronic (long-lasting). Also, the dose is based on your weight. Your healthcare provider will monitor your blood levels of ammonia and make changes in the dose of the medication.
Acute hyperammonemia (too much ammonia): The dose is 100 to 250 mg for every kilogram of body weight per day. The dose is divided into 2 to 4 separate doses and given right before meals.
Chronic hyperammonemia (too much ammonia): The dose is 10 to 100 mg for every kilogram of body weight per day. The dose is divided into 2 to 4 separate doses and given right before meals.
The tablets must be stirred and mixed in 2.5 milliliters of water (no other liquid or foods). Drink immediately after mixing. The medication may not dissolve completely in the water. Add more water to rinse the cup and drink it until no remaining pieces are left.
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