Lomitapide

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

Juxtapid

Brand Names: Canada

Juxtapid

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to lower cholesterol.

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 liver disease or raised liver enzymes.
• If you have been told that your child’s body has problems with certain sugars (lactose, glucose, galactose).
• If your child is taking any drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) that must not be taken with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, depression, and others. There are many drugs that must not be taken with this drug.
• If your child is pregnant or may be pregnant. Do not give this drug to your child during pregnancy.
• If your child is breast-feeding a baby. Be sure your child does not breast-feed while taking this drug.

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 your child’s blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by the doctor.
• Have your child follow the diet and exercise plan your child’s doctor told you about.
• A low-fat diet may help lower the risk of stomach problems. Have your child keep to a diet of less than 20% energy from fat or less than 30 grams of fat, whichever is less. Talk with the doctor.
• Your child may need to take certain supplements like vitamin E and fatty acids while taking this drug. Be sure to follow what your child’s doctor has told you.
• Avoid giving your child grapefruit and grapefruit juice.
• Alcohol may interact with this drug. Be sure your child does not drink alcohol.
• Do not give colesevelam, colestipol, or cholestyramine within 4 hours before or 4 hours after this drug.
• If your child has diarrhea or is throwing up, other drugs taken by mouth may not get into the body as well. If your child takes birth control pills, your child will need to use an extra kind of birth control like a condom for 7 days after diarrhea or throwing up stops. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.
• If the patient is a child below the tenth percentile of height, weight, or body mass index (BMI), they may need regular growth checks. Talk with the doctor.
• If your child is of childbearing age, a pregnancy test will need to be done before starting this drug to make sure your child is not pregnant.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• This drug may cause harm to the unborn baby if your child takes it during pregnancy.
• If your child may become pregnant, have your child use birth control while taking this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose unless you have been told otherwise. Be sure you know how long to have your child use birth control. If your child gets pregnant, call your doctor right away.

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.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Chest pain.
• Abnormal heartbeat.
• Flu-like signs.
• Feeling of needing to have a bowel movement often.
• Feeling of having an urgent need to have a bowel movement.
• Sometimes, severe diarrhea has led to the need to go to the hospital. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has severe diarrhea or diarrhea that will not go away. Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has signs of dehydration like severe dizziness or passing out, has trouble passing urine or change in how much urine is passed, or is feeling very tired.

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 cramps.
• Bloating.
• Feeling dizzy, tired, or weak.
• Gas.
• Constipation.
• Heartburn.
• Weight loss.
• Back pain.
• Nose or throat irritation.
• Headache.
• It is common to have diarrhea, upset stomach, throwing up, and stomach pain with this drug. A low-fat diet may help lower the chance of having these side effects. Call the doctor if any of these side effects is severe, bothers your child, or does not go away.

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 at least 2 hours after the evening meal.
• Do not give with food. It may cause an upset stomach.
• Have your child swallow whole with water.
• If your child cannot swallow this drug whole, open the capsule and sprinkle the contents on 1 tablespoon (15 mL) applesauce or mashed banana.

What do I do if my child misses a 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 the drug is stopped for more than 1 week, talk with the doctor.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store at room temperature in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
• Keep lid tightly closed.
• 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

2026-03-12

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