Pitolisant is used to treat narcolepsy (a long-term sleep disorder that causes a person to suddenly fall asleep).
Take Pitolisant exactly as directed by your doctor or according to the instructions on the label. Do not take more or less than instructed by your doctor.
It is best to take this medicine in the morning during breakfast. Try to take it at the same time each day.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on your condition and response to the medication.
If you missed a dose, take your next dose on the following day in the morning.
DO NOT double a dose under any circumstances.
If you often forget to take your medicine, let your doctor and pharmacist know.
Alert your doctor if you have severe liver disease as Pitolisant may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- heart disease e.g. history of irregular or abnormal heartbeat
- known prolonged QT interval (heart rhythm disorder)
- conditions which increase the risk of abnormal heart rhythm e.g. slow heartbeat, low potassium or magnesium levels in the body, inherited heart rhythm disorder
- history of mood disorders e.g. severe anxiety, severe depression (with a risk of having thoughts of self-harm)
- epilepsy (fits or seizures)
- stomach problems related to stomach acid
- severe obesity
- severe loss of appetite
- mild to moderate liver disease
- kidney disease
Let your doctor known if you are pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while taking this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Pitolisant therapy and at least 21 days after stopping the treatment. Birth control medicines containing hormones may not be effective. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
A certain enzyme called CYP2D6 is involved in the breakdown of this medicine in the body. Individuals who lack CYP2D6 enzyme activity, known as CYP2D6 poor metabolisers, may experience increased exposure to Pitolisant and may require dosage adjustments. If you know you have this gene type, inform your doctor.
Your doctor may need to perform blood tests to make sure that your liver and kidney functions are normal before you take this medicine and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice.
Pitolisant may not immediately return your level of wakefulness to normal. If you experience excessive daytime sleepiness, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: headache, dizziness, yawning, nausea, vomiting, dry mouth, indigestion, stomach pain, diarrhoea, decreased appetite, joint or muscle pain, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, tiredness and hot flush.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- chest pain or tightness, fast and irregular heartbeat, unexplained fainting, loss of consciousness
- fits or seizures
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any of these medicines:
- medicines for cold or allergy e.g. pheniramine maleate, chlorphenamine, diphenhydramine
- medicines to treat depression e.g. imipramine, clomipramine, mirtazapine
- medicines for heart disease e.g. procainamide, amiodarone, disopyramide
- medicines for mood disorders e.g. ziprasidone, chlorpromazine, thioridazine
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. phenobarbital, phenytoin, carbamazepine
- rifampicin (medicine to treat tuberculosis or TB)
- terbinafine (medicine to treat fungal infections)
- moxifloxacin (antibiotic)
- birth control pills e.g. ethinylestradiol
- St. John’s wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Pitolisant.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in a cool, dry place away from the reach of children.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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