ADEMETIONINE
Background and Date of Approval
Ademetionine has FDA approval for the treatment of seizures and epilepsy.
Uses
Ademetionine has been approved to treat Intrahepatic cholestasis, depression, and osteoarthritis and reduce fibromyalgia symptoms.
How is it administered?
The recommended initial dose of Ademetionine is 400 mg once daily. It is taken as directed by your doctor. Swallow it whole with a glass of water. Avoid chewing, breaking, or crushing the tablet. For best effects, take these tablets at the same time every day. Do not discontinue taking this medicine without consulting your doctor.
Side Effects
The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Ademetionine are headache, dizziness, diarrhea, constipation, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset, insomnia (sleep problem), increased sweating, confusion, dry mouth, dyspepsia, and palpitations, etc. Inform your healthcare professional if these side effects disturb you or persist.
Warnings
Contact your physician immediately if you experience allergies to Ademetionine and its ingredients. Inform your physician if you have bipolar disorder (manic depression), as it may worsen manic episodes. This medication should not be combined with other antidepressants without consulting your doctor. People taking Ademetionine may need to take a multivitamin that contains folic acid and vitamins B12 and B6. It can be administered to children if a doctor prescribes it.
Precautions
Consult your doctor before using this medication if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby. Ademetionine tablets should not be taken while pregnant, particularly in the first trimester, as they can cause harmful effects on the developing baby. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while on the treatment, as it is unknown whether Ademetionine passes into the breastmilk and affects the baby.
Word of Advice
A regular liver function test is advised to monitor the liver's function and treatment progress. Diarrhea is the first sign of this medication. If you find blood in feces, inform your doctor immediately and drink plenty of fluids. Do not use Ademetionine if you have used a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (antidepressant) in the past 14 days, as it causes harmful drug interaction.
References
Mazen Noureddin et al., Early treatment efficacy of S-adenosylmethionine in patients with intrahepatic cholestasis: A systematic review; Published on Feb 2020; Accessed on 03/11/2022; https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7061266/ S-adenosylmethionine; Accessed on 03/11/2022; http://accurateclinic.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/S-adenosylmethionine-University-of-Maryland-Medical-Center.pdf#2
Frequently Asked Questions
Who should not take Ademetionine?
Patients who have experienced allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) to Ademetionine or have bipolar disorder, diabetes, or Parkinson's disease should not use Ademetionine.
What is Ademetionine used for?
Ademetionine is used to treat a liver disease like Intrahepatic cholestasis, depression, and osteoarthritis.
Can children use Ademetionine?
No, Ademetionine is not recommended for usage in children under 18.
What medicines should be avoided with Ademetionine?
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as moclobemide, phenelzine, iproniazid, isocarboxazid, selegiline, antidepressant-like bupropion, sertraline, and antiparkinson (levodopa), painkillers such as tramadol, trazodone, hydrocodone are not taken with Ademetionine.
What happens if I miss my dose?
If you miss a dose, take the medication as soon as you recall. If it is time for the next planned dose, skip the missing dose and start your usual dosage.
Can I drink alcohol with Ademetionine?
Taking alcohol is unsafe with Ademetionine as it may increase dizziness and cause liver damage.
How to store Ademetionine?
Store Ademetionine at a temperature not exceeding 30°C.