Levocarnitine Injection

Medication Description

Levocarnitine Injection – Clear, colorless to pale yellow liquid solution (concentration and dose will vary per your prescription)

Drug Forms: Compounded Intramuscular/Subcutaneous Injectable Solution

What is Levocarnitine?

Levocarnitine (L-Carnitine) is the biologically active form of carnitine, a naturally occurring amino acid derivative that transports fatty acids into the mitochondria of cells to be used for energy.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

• Allergy to Levocarnitine or any of the additives
• History of seizures or a seizure disorder
• History of kidney disease, including if you are on dialysis
• If you take warfarin or any other blood thinner
• Pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding

How should I use this medicine?

Follow the package directions provided by the pharmacy and your prescriber. Your dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

• Visually inspect the vial, making sure not to use it if it’s cloudy, discolored, or contains any particulates.
• Let the vial warm to room temperature before injecting.
• Wash your hands and clean the injection site with an alcohol swab.
• Wipe the rubber stopper on top of the vial with an alcohol wipe. Draw the correct dose into the syringe.
• Pinch the skin at your chosen injection site, making sure to rotate injection sites (commonly the abdomen, thigh, or upper arm).
• Insert the needle at the angle indicated by your prescriber for your injection type.
• Inject slowly and steadily, then remove the needle.
• Dispose of all used needles and syringes immediately in an FDA-cleared sharps container. Visit safeneedledisposal.org to find a drop-off location.

What if I miss a dose?

• If a dose is missed, administer it as soon as possible unless it is almost time for your next scheduled dose.
• Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
• Contact your provider if you have questions about your dosing schedule.

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

• Signs of an allergic reaction: hives, rash, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, tightness in the chest, or trouble breathing — these can occur within minutes of an injection
• Signs of a seizure: muscle twitching, jerking, spasms, tremors, or other uncontrolled movements, especially if you have a history of seizures
• Unusual bruising or bleeding if you take warfarin
• Pain, redness, or swelling at the injection site
• A mild body odor — this is a known, expected effect and not a cause for concern unless severe or persistent

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that may occur and may go away as your body gets used to the medication include:

• Nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramping, or diarrhea
• A mild body odor
• Injection site pain, redness, or swelling
• Headache or dizziness

What serious side effects prompt immediate attention?

Contact your doctor immediately or seek medical attention if you experience:

• Signs of a serious allergic reaction, including hives, swelling of the face or throat, or trouble breathing — seek emergency care right away, as reactions have been reported to occur within minutes of injection
• A seizure, or an increase in seizure frequency or severity if you have a seizure disorder
• Unusual bruising or bleeding if you take warfarin

You may experience side effects not listed. Contact your doctor with questions.

Contraindications

Hypersensitivity to Levocarnitine or any component of the formulation. Use with caution in patients with a seizure disorder or end-stage renal disease on dialysis, as serious hypersensitivity reactions have been reported most often in this population.

What may interact with this medicine?

• Warfarin — Levocarnitine has been associated with increases in INR; closer monitoring may be needed if you take warfarin
• Other blood thinners
• Discuss your full medication and supplement regimen with your health care provider to determine the best therapy for you

Additional Information

• Store medication at room temperature and protect from light unless otherwise directed by your pharmacy label. Keep from freezing.
• Do not share this medication with others to whom it was not prescribed.
• Keep out of reach of children and pets.
• Do not use after the expiration date or Beyond Use Date on your label.
• If an overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222 or go to the nearest emergency room.
• Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain. Check with your pharmacist about the best way to dispose of medications. There may be a drug take-back program in your area.

Reporting Side Effects

If you have any questions concerning this or any of your medications, a pharmacist is available during normal business hours to answer your questions. You can report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take this medication or any other medication. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does not include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to this medicine. For questions about the source of any of the information provided herein, pharmacists at Pharmacy are available. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of this medicine.