What is Hetlioz?
Hetlioz, also known as a hypnotic or sedative, is a sedative. It affects certain substances that regulate your sleep-wake cycle.Hetlioz can be used to treat adults with non-24-hour sleep-wake disorders.Hetlioz can also be used to treat sleep disorders at night in people who have a genetic disorder known as Smith-Magenis syndrome. Hetlioz capsules are for SMS patients who are 16 or older. Oral suspension (liquid form) is recommended for children aged 3–15 years with SMS.
Side effects of Hetlioz
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat, contact emergency medical assistance.If you experience pain or burning while urinating, call your doctor immediately.Older adults may experience more side effects.
Hetlioz may cause side effects such as:
- Headache;
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Strange dreams, nightmares,
- Cold symptoms like a stuffy nose and sneezing.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. Contacting the FDA in regards to potential side effects is easy at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
You should prepare for sleep after taking Hetlioz. Tasimelteon may impair alertness and mental activity.Only use as directed. Inform your doctor of any other medications you are taking or if you have any other medical conditions or allergies.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Hetlioz will be safe for you:
- Liver disease
- if you smoke.
Inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or nursing.Never give this medication to a child unless you have consulted a doctor. Hetlioz can only be prescribed to children with SMS who are over 3 years of age. Hetlioz has not been approved for treating non-24-hour sleeping-waking disorder in children younger than 18 years old.
Similar/related drugs
How to take Hetlioz?
Hetlioz should be taken exactly as prescribed by your physician. Read all of the instructions on your prescription label carefully.Take your medicine at the same time every night, one hour before you normally go to bed.Please read and follow the instructions for use. If you need assistance, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Hetlioz should only be used by an adult. Do not let a child use it without assistance.Do not open, crush, chew, or break the capsule.Hetlioz capsules can be used by people aged 16 and over. Oral suspensions are only for children aged 3–15 years.Before measuring a dose, shake the orally dispersible suspension vigorously for 30 seconds. Use the syringe supplied or a dosage-measuring tool (not a spoon). The syringe connector should not be removed from the neck of the bottle. After each use, cap the bottle and place it in the refrigerator.There is a difference between liquid and capsules. Use only the medication form prescribed by your doctor to avoid mistakes.Weight is used to determine the dose for children. If your child loses or gains weight, the dose may change.
This medicine may take several weeks or even months to fully work.Store capsules away from moisture, light, and heat at room temperature.Keep the liquid medication in the fridge. Any leftover liquid should be thrown away 5 weeks after the 48 mL or 8 weeks after the 158 mL bottles have been opened.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-24-hour sleep-wake disorder:
Take 20 mg once a day.
Comments:
Take it before bedtime at the same time each night.
Take without food.
Use: Treatment for Non-24 Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24).
Adult dose for sleep disturbances caused by SMS:
Take 20 mg once a day.
Comments:
Take it before bedtime at the same time each night.
Take without food.
Use: Treatment for SMS Sleep Disorders in Patients 16 Years and Older
Usual pediatric dose for SMS sleep disturbances:
Patients weighing more than 28 kg can take 20 mg once daily.
Patients weighing less than 28 kg can take 0.7 mg/kg once daily.
Comments:
Take it before bedtime at the same time each night.
Take without food.
Use: Treatment for SMS Sleep Disorders in Patients 3–15 Years of Age
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to take the medication at the usual time, skip the dose.Use only one dose at a time.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 immediately if you suspect a poisonous situation or seek immediate medical advice.
What should be avoided?
After taking Hetlioz, avoid doing anything but getting ready for bed.
Interaction with other drug
Hetlioz can make you more drowsy if taken with other drugs. Before taking an opioid, sleeping pill, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety or seizures, consult your doctor.As with many medications, taking certain combinations together is sometimes not advised.Some drugs may affect the blood levels of drugs that you are taking, which can increase side effects and make them less effective.Tasimelteon may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
