Dojolvi (triheptanoin) is a triglyceride alternative. It provides calories and fatty acids for adults and children with long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders (LC-FAOD). These are rare genetic conditions that prevent the body from properly absorbing fatty acids from foods. Dojolvi (triheptanoin) is an oral liquid that's mixed with soft foods or liquids. It's taken by mouth or through a feeding tube, typically 4 times a day at meal and snack times. Some of the more common side effects of Dojolvi (triheptanoin) include stomach pain, diarrhea, and vomiting.
To provide calories and fatty acids to treat LC-FAOD in children and adults
If you have LC-FAOD, your body doesn't have the proteins needed to turn triglycerides (a type of fat) from food into energy. As a result, you might experience symptoms, such as muscle weakness and blood sugar problems.
Dojolvi (triheptanoin) an alternative to triglycerides. People with LC-FAOD can use it as energy because it's broken down by different proteins than those that process triglycerides.
Source: DailyMed
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Can be given by mouth or by feeding tube
Can be used for LC-FAOD in people of all ages
Can be mixed with different kinds of fat-free soft foods, such as yogurt and applesauce
Can’t be used with certain plastics, such as PVC or styrofoam
Must be taken at least 4 times a day
Can cause stomach-related side effects
Work with your care team and your dietician to make sure you're getting the right nutrition while taking Dojolvi (triheptanoin). They'll also help you calculate the Dojolvi (triheptanoin) dose based on your caloric needs.
Dojolvi (triheptanoin) can interact with certain kinds of plastic. Don't mix or give it using containers, dosing syringes, or measuring cups made of polystyrene (e.g., styrofoam cups) or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Instead, use ones made of safe materials, like stainless steel, glass, or silicone.
Use a dosing syringe or medication cup to measure your dose of Dojolvi (triheptanoin) in milliliters. Household spoons should never be used to measure medications because they might not be accurate, even if you're specifically using a teaspoon or tablespoon. Talk to your pharmacist or provider if you don't have a proper dosing device.
If you miss a dose of Dojolvi (triheptanoin), take it as soon as you remember. But keep in mind that this might shift the timing of the other doses because you'll need to take each dose 3 to 4 hours apart. You can also just skip the missed dose if you're not able to fit in all your doses for the day.
If you're having stomach-related side effects from Dojolvi (triheptanoin), let your provider know. They can help you split your dose into more frequent, smaller doses throughout the day. Your provider might also lower your dose until your symptoms get better.
If you're pregnant or thinking of becoming pregnant, talk with your provider. There's not enough information to know whether Dojolvi (triheptanoin) is safe to take during pregnancy. Talk with your provider about the benefits and risks of taking Dojolvi (triheptanoin) during pregnancy.
Dojolvi (triheptanoin) 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.
Risk factors: Using the same feeding tube for a long time | Using feeding tubes made of PVC
If you’re using a feeding tube, ask your healthcare provider to teach you how to care for your tubes. Feeding tubes can break down with use over time. If this happens, your tubes won’t work as well. If you’re taking Dojolvi (triheptanoin) through a feeding tube, don't use feeding tubes made of PVC, and check your tube often to see whether fluid is moving through. Make sure to replace your feeding tubes as needed.
Risk factors: Pancreas problems
Dojolvi (triheptanoin) is changed into the form that your body absorbs by proteins that are made in the pancreas. If you have lower amounts of these proteins, then your body won’t be able to absorb the nutrients from this medication. Before you start Dojolvi (triheptanoin), let your provider know if you have any problems with your pancreas so they can check if this medication is a good option for you.
Each mL of Dojolvi (triheptanoin) contains 8.3 kilocalories (kcal). Your healthcare provider will calculate your dose of this medication based on the daily caloric intake (DCI) you need.
The typical recommended dose of Dojolvi (triheptanoin) is up to 35% of your DCI, spread out into at least 4 doses and taken by mouth or through a feeding tube throughout the day with meals and/or snacks. The doses should be separated by 3 to 4 hours.
Your provider will ask you to stop all other medium-chain triglyceride (MCT) products before starting Dojolvi (triheptanoin).
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Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (n.d.). Protect your child: Use the right tool to give the right dose.
ChemicalSafetyFacts.org. (2022). Polyvinyl chloride.
Ghodeif, A. O., et al. (2023). Pancreatic insufficiency. StatPearls.
MedlinePlus. (2020). Triglycerides.
Merritt, J. L., II, et al. (2018). Fatty acid oxidation disorders. Annals of Translational Medicine.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (n.d.). Ultracare assistance in gaining access to: Dojolvi (triheptanoin).
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (n.d.). Understand what causes LC-FAOD and how it impacts the body.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (2023). Dojolvi- triheptanoin liquid [package insert]. DailyMed.
Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. (2023). Dosing guide.
Vockley, J. (2020). Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders and current management strategies. The American Journal of Managed Care.
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