Are you a healthcare professional?

Yes   No


Your name:
Your email:
Friend's emails:
(multiple emails separated by comma)
Your message:
 
Information for Patients & Caregivers
|

What is Phenylketonuria?


Importance of Phe

Managing PKU

KUVAN

Search

Share

The Low-Phe Diet

The role of the low-Phe diet

People with PKU reduce Phe levels with a low-Phe diet. Phe is found in all protein-containing foods (eg, meat, eggs, dairy, nuts) as well as other foods that are not generally thought of as containing protein (eg, most wheat products, such as pasta and bread, some vegetables, and some fruit, such as oranges and cherries).
    Diet can help control the amount of Phe in the blood and prevent problems in PKU
  • People with PKU should control their Phe for life, as determined by experts convened by the National Institutes of Health (NIH)9
  • Doctors and dietitians can provide instruction so that you can maintain a target blood Phe level
  • A dietitian can provide specific instructions for maintaining a low-Phe diet each day

    Low-Phe Diet Often Includes

    Low-Phe natural foods (some fruits and vegetables)
    Low-protein specialty foods (low-protein pasta, bread, etc.)
    Phe-free formula
    Phe-free protein replacement bars, tablets, capsules, etc.
  • Phe-free formulas give you the nutrients and protein that you can't get from a low-Phe diet so that nutritional problems won't develop11
  • Studies have proven that a low-Phe diet, if maintained consistently, may prevent loss of IQ and other problems associated with PKU10
Low-Phe for Life

Indication

KUVAN® (sapropterin dihydrochloride) Tablets are approved to reduce blood Phe levels in patients with hyperphenylalaninemia (HPA) due to tetrahydrobiopterin- (BH4-) responsive Phenylketonuria (PKU). KUVAN is to be used in conjunction with a low-Phe diet.

Important Safety Information

High blood Phe levels are toxic to the brain and can lead to lower intelligence and decrease in the ability to focus, remember and organize information. Any change you make to your diet may impact your blood Phe level. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Your doctor and dietitian will continue to monitor your diet and blood Phe levels throughout your treatment with KUVAN.

If you have a fever, or if you are sick, your Phe level may go up. Tell your doctor and dietitian as soon as possible so they can see if they have to adjust your treatment to help keep your blood Phe levels in the desired range.

KUVAN is a prescription medicine and should not be taken by people who are allergic to any of its ingredients. Tell your doctor if you have ever had liver or kidney problems, are nursing or pregnant or may become pregnant, have poor nutrition or are anorexic. Your doctor will decide if KUVAN is right for you. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take.

The most common side effects reported when using KUVAN are headache, diarrhea, abdominal pain, upper respiratory tract infection (like a cold), throat pain, vomiting, and nausea.

To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. at 1-866-906-6100, or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.

Please read the full Patient Information by clicking here.


This site is intended for use by U.S. residents only.

KUVAN® is a registered trademark of BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. Developed in collaboration with Asubio Pharma Co., Ltd.
©2010 BioMarin Pharmaceutical Inc. All rights reserved.