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
Oxbryta
What is this drug used for?
- It is used to treat sickle cell disease.
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 takes any other drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins). There are many drugs that interact with this drug, like certain drugs that are used for HIV, infections, or seizures.
If your child is breast-feeding a baby:
- Be sure your child does not breast-feed a baby while taking this drug and for 2 weeks after the last dose.
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?
For all patients taking 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.
- This drug may affect certain lab tests. Tell all of your child’s health care providers and lab workers that your child takes this drug.
- This drug comes as 2 different types of tablets. One type is a tablet that is swallowed. The other type is a tablet that is dissolved in liquid before swallowing. Check this drug each time you get it filled to be sure you have the right type of tablet. If you do not or if you are not sure, talk with your pharmacist.
If your child is pregnant:
- Tell the doctor if your child is pregnant or becomes pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of your child using this drug while pregnant.
Children younger than 12 years old:
- If your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.
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.
- Severe skin reactions may happen with this drug. Sometimes, body organs may also be affected. Get medical help right away if your child has signs like fever, chills, or sore throat; shortness of breath; muscle or joint pain; swollen glands; or feeling very tired or weak.
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:
- Headache.
- Diarrhea, stomach pain, upset stomach, or throwing up.
- Mild fever.
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.
All products:
- Give this drug with or without food.
- Keep giving this drug to your child as you have been told by your child’s doctor or other health care provider, even if your child feels well.
- If your child is not able to take the whole dose, skip the missed part and give your child’s next dose at the normal time.
Tablets:
- Have your child swallow whole. Do not let your child chew or crush.
Tablets for suspension:
- Be sure your child does not swallow this drug whole. Do not let your child chew, break, or crush.
- Wash your hands before use.
- Be sure your hands are dry before you touch this drug.
- The dose may be more than 1 tablet. Be sure you know how many tablets to use for the dose. You will need to mix with room temperature clear liquid like water, apple juice, clear soda, clear electrolyte drinks, clear flavored drinks, or clear sports drinks. Be sure you know how much liquid to mix with the tablets. Pour the clear liquid into a cup. Add the tablets into the cup.
- After the tablets start to dissolve, swirl the cup until the tablets break apart. Wait 1 to 5 minutes, swirl again, then have your child take the dose. The tablets will not dissolve all the way and you will see small clumps in the mixture. After your child takes the dose, add more clear liquid, swirl, and have your child drink. Do this until you do not see any part of the tablets left in the cup.
- Your child may drink more water or other liquid after taking the dose.
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.
How do I store and/or throw out this drug?
- Store in the original container at room temperature.
- Store in a dry place. Do not store in a bathroom.
- The bottle may have a canister in it to keep the drug dry, and also a polyester coil. Do not eat these.
- 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
2023-09-05
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