Gattex

What is Gattex used for?

• Gattex is used to treat short bowel syndrome.

Before taking Gattex, tell your doctor:

• If you are allergic to Gattex; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
• If you have ever had cancer.
• If you have or have ever had polyps or growths in your bowels or colon.
• If you are breast-feeding. Do not breast-feed while you take Gattex.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this medicine.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take Gattex with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take Gattex?

• Tell all of your health care providers that you take Gattex. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• A colonoscopy or other exam will be done before starting Gattex. These exams will need to be done again as the doctor tells you.
• The chance of cancer is higher after using Gattex. Talk with the doctor.
• Do not stop taking Gattex without talking to your doctor. Fluid and electrolyte problems have happened in some people after Gattex was stopped. Talk with your doctor about what signs to watch for if you will be stopping Gattex.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using Gattex while you are pregnant.

How is Gattex best taken?

Use Gattex as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• This medicine needs to be mixed before use. Follow how to mix as you were told by the doctor.
• Do not shake.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not give into tender, bruised, red, or hard skin.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• This medicine is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Use within 3 hours of making.
• Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

• Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it on the same day you missed the dose.
• If you do not think about the missed dose until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
• Do not take 2 doses on the same day.

What are the side effects of Gattex that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

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 doctor or get medical help right away if you have 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 a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.
• Signs of gallbladder problems like pain in the upper right belly area, right shoulder area, or between the shoulder blades; change in stools; dark urine or yellow skin or eyes; or fever with chills.
• Swelling of belly.
• Severe constipation or stomach pain. These may be signs of a severe bowel problem.
• If you have a stoma, swelling at the stoma site.
• Too much fluid in the body has happened with Gattex. Sometimes, this can lead to heart failure. Call your doctor right away if you have shortness of breath, a big weight gain, or swelling in the arms or legs.

What are some other side effects of Gattex?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

• Gas.
• Upset stomach or throwing up.
• Stomach pain.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Flu-like signs.
• Not hungry.
• Irritation where the shot is given.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

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.

How do I store and/or throw out Gattex?

• Store at room temperature. Do not freeze.
• Be sure you know how long you can store Gattex before you need to throw it away.
• 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.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

• If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
• Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
• This medicine comes with an extra patient fact sheet called a Medication Guide. Read it with care. Read it again each time Gattex is refilled. If you have any questions about Gattex, please talk with the doctor, 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.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take Gattex or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to Gattex. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.