Triheptanoin is used to treat long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders in adults and children.

Long-chain fatty acid oxidation disorders are rare genetic disorders that affect the body's ability to break down certain fats and convert them into energy. This can lead to low blood sugar, muscle weakness, heart problems, or life-threatening medical problems.

Triheptanoin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

If you are taking another medium chain triglyceride product, stop taking it before you start taking triheptanoin.

Triheptanoin is usually taken at least 4 times per day with meals or snacks. Follow your doctor's dosing instructions very carefully.

Triheptanoin should always be mixed well with liquid or soft food. Do not take the medicine alone or it may upset your stomach. Examples of what to mix this medicine with include:

• fat-free yogurt (plain or flavored);

• fat-free pudding or smoothies;

• low-sugar applesauce;

• fat-free cottage cheese;

• skim (fat-free) milk;

• fat-free baby food; or

• whole grain hot cereal.

Read and carefully follow all instructions about mixing triheptanoin with liquid or soft foods, or how to mix and give the medicine through a feeding tube. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Always mix the medicine in a clean container.

Do not mix or store triheptanoin in any syringe, container or cup made of polystyrene plastic or polyvinyl chloride (PVC). Do not give this medicine through a feeding tube made of PVC.

You may have problems with your feeding tube the longer you keep using triheptanoin. Check your feeding tube frequently to make sure it is working properly.

You may need to follow a special diet while using triheptanoin. Follow all instructions of your doctor or dietitian. Learn about the foods to eat or avoid to help control your condition. You may also need to track the number of calories you consume each day while taking triheptanoin.

Store triheptanoin in the original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat. Do not freeze.

Store mixed medicine in the refrigerator and use it within 24 hours.

Throw away any unused triheptanoin 90 days after you first opened the bottle or on the expiration date (whichever comes first).

Tell your doctor if you have ever had problems with your pancreas. triheptanoin may not work as well if your digestion is affected by a pancreas disorder.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

If you are pregnant, you may be enrolled in a pregnancy safety study to track the effects of triheptanoin on the baby.

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Then take the rest of the day's doses every 3 to 4 hours.

Skip the missed dose if you cannot take all 4 doses in one day. Do not take two doses at one time.

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Common side effects of triheptanoin may include:

• nausea, vomiting;

• stomach pain; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• orlistat (alli, Xenical).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect triheptanoin, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.