LEVOCARNITINE
Background and Date of Approval
The U.S. FDA approved Levocarnitine for carnitine deficiency on March 29, 2001 which treats both primary and secondary carnitine deficiency.
Uses
Levocarnitine treats primary carnitine deficiency in adults, children, infants, and newborns. Additionally, it prevents and treats secondary carnitine deficiency in end-stage renal disease patients undergoing dialysis.
How is it administered?
Levocarnitine Tablet: Take the Levocarnitine as your physician advises. Usually, the tablets will be taken with or without food. Do not crush, chew, or open the medicine. Your physician will decide the correct dosage and duration based on age, body weight, and disease condition. Only stop taking the tablet if your doctor advises you to stop. Levocarnitine Injection: Levocarnitine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Side Effects
The most common side effects of Levocarnitine are mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and body odor.
Warnings
Levocarnitine should not be consumed if you are allergic to Levocarnitine or any of its ingredients in the medication. Before taking this medicine, talk to your doctor if you have severe kidney problems or are undergoing dialysis. Additionally, if you have diabetes and are using insulin or other diabetes medications, or if you are taking anticoagulant medicine like warfarin or other blood clot-reducing drugs.
Precautions
Notify your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to get pregnant, or think you may be pregnant or breastfeeding. Before taking Levocarnitine, inform your doctor about all the underlying medical conditions. Notify your doctor about drug-related body odor because dosage adjustments might be considered. If you're on anticoagulant medication like warfarin, inform your doctor, as tests could show prolonged blood clotting.
Word of Advice
Do not stop the dose until your doctor advises. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine unless your doctor advises. Notify your doctor if you experience any serious side effects. Contact your doctor for more information. Keep out of sight and reach of pets and children. Store below 25°C and protect from light. Do not freeze the medicine. Keep the medicine away from a moist place. Always check the expiry date before consuming it.
References
Drugs.com, Levocarnitine Tablet Prescribing Information, [Revised on Feb 2023] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], Levocarnitine Tablet: Package Insert - Drugs.com Sigma-Tau Pharmaceuticals, Inc. U.S Food and Drug Administration. [Revised on June 2006] [Accessed on 21st August 2023] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2007/018948s024,019257s011lbl.pdf J. Goddard, A.N. Turner, Kidney, and Urinary Tract Disease, Davidsonâs Principles and Practice of Medicine, 22nd Edition, 2014, 461-523. KD. Tripathi. Miscellaneous drugs. Vitamins. Essentials of Medical Pharmacology. Seventh edition. 2013. Page 912. Drugs.com, Levocarnitine Injection Prescribing Information, [Revised on Jan 2023] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], https://www.drugs.com/pro/levocarnitine-injection.html#s-34084-4 . Alfasigma S.p.A., Electronic medicines compendium (emc); [Revised on May 2017] [Accessed on 21st August 2023], Microsoft Word - uk-pl-inj-approved-matransfer.doc (medicines.org.uk)
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I take Levocarnitine If I'm pregnant?
Consult your medical professional regarding the use of Levocarnitines during pregnancy. The potential benefits and risks should be carefully assessed. Your doctor will suggest taking this medicine only if it's necessary.
Can I self-administer Levocarnitine?
Levocarnitine will be administered to you by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Do not self-administer. It is usually administered in a vein (intravenous). Your doctor will decide the dose, route of administration, and frequency based on your disease condition and other factors.
Are there any side effects of using Levocarnitine?
The most common side effects of Levocarnitine are mild stomach upset, nausea, vomiting, and body odor. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects.
What precautions should I take while using Levocarnitine?
If you have diabetes and are using insulin or other diabetes medications, you should consult your doctor before taking Levocarnitine.
How does Levocarnitine work?
Levocarnitine works by helping the body use fats for energy. It transports fatty acids into the cells' energy-producing centers (mitochondria), which are converted into usable energy. This process is particularly important for organs like the heart and muscles that rely heavily on energy from fats. It ensures that the body efficiently processes fats, supporting energy production and overall function.