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What should I discuss with my health care provider before taking sodium phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl)?

Before using sodium phenylbutyrate, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

• congestive heart failure;
• high blood pressure;
• severe kidney disease;
• swelling or fluid retention; or
• epilepsy or other seizure disorder.

If you have any of these conditions, you may not be able to take sodium phenylbutyrate, or you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely take this medication.

Your doctor will tell you if any of your medication doses need to be changed.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether sodium phenylbutyrate is harmful to an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether sodium phenylbutyrate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

Do not give this medication to a child who weighs less than 44 pounds unless your doctor tells you to.

How should I take sodium phenylbutyrate (Buphenyl)?

Take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take it in larger amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Take this medication with each meal. Divide your total daily dose among all of your meals for the day.

Sodium phenylbutyrate powder should be mixed with food before consuming.

Shake the powder lightly before mixing it with food.

Call your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, redness, swelling, body aches, or weakness. An infection may cause your condition to go out of control even while you are taking sodium phenylbutyrate.

You may need to take sodium phenylbutyrate for the rest of your life. It is important to use the medication regularly to get the most benefit. Get your prescription refilled before you run out of medicine completely.

Sodium phenylbutyrate is only part of a complete program of treatment that may also include diet, dialysis, or other medications. Follow your diet and medication routines very closely.

Store sodium phenylbutyrate at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

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