Carnisure Injection (Levo-carnitine 1gm)

INTRODUCTION

CARNISURE 1GM contains Levocarnitine which belongs to the group of medicines called amino acid derivatives. It is used to treat both primary and secondary carnitine deficiency in adults, children, infants and in newborns. It can also be used in the treatment and prevention of secondary carnitine deficiency in haemodialysis patients.

Carnitine is a natural substance acquired mostly through the diet and plays a substantial physiological role in mammalian energy metabolism. It is very essential for heart and brain function, muscle movement, and many other body processes. Deficiency of carnitine leads to encephalopathy (severe brain dysfunction), cardiomyopathy (weakened and enlarged heart), vomiting, confusion, muscle weakness and decreased blood sugar levels. Levocarnitine injection boosts the level of endogenous carnitine and give your body more energy.

The most common side effect of this medicine is body odour. Your doctor might reduce your dose to lessen or stop the odour. If you are very bothered by this side effect, use perfumed soaps or deodorants. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption while taking this medicine, because it can interfere with the effects of CARNISURE 1GM. Tell your doctor before you are given CARNISURE 1GM if you have severe kidney problems. Before taking this medicine, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breast feeding.

USES OF CARNISURE 1GM

Treat primary and secondary carnitine deficiency in adults, children, infants and in newborns
Treats and prevents secondary carnitine deficiency in haemodialysis patients

HOW CARNISURE 1GM WORKS

Levocarnitine works by facilitating the entry of long-chain fatty acid into cellular mitochondria, and results in subsequent energy production for proper metabolism. It may also alleviate the metabolic abnormalities of patients with inborn errors that result in accumulation of toxic organic acids.

DIRECTIONS FOR USE

CARNISURE 1GM should only be given to you by a doctor or nurse into the vein (intravenously) over a period of 2-3 minutes. Your doctor will decide the correct dose for you depending upon your age, weight and condition.

SIDE EFFECTS OF CARNISURE 1GM

SERIOUS
Anaphylaxis, laryngeal edema and bronchospasm
COMMON
Drug-related body odour
Nausea and vomiting
Seizures

HOW TO MANAGE SIDE EFFECTS

Drug-related body odour:

This side effect is usually reversible and goes away once your treatment has been stopped. Your doctor might reduce your dose to help lessen or stop the odour. If you are very bothered by this side effect, use perfumed soaps or deodorants.

Nausea and vomiting:

Try taking this medicine with, or just after meals. Stick to simple meals. Do not eat rich or spicy food.

INTERACTIONS

Talk to your doctor, if you are taking,

Medicines used to treat diabetes (e.g. insulin, metformin)
Medicines used to reduce blood clotting (e.g. warfarin)