Idebenone for Friedreich’s ataxia

This leaflet is about the use of idebenone for Friedreich’s ataxia.

This leaflet has been written specifically for parents and carers about the use of this medicine in children. The information may differ from that provided by the manufacturer. Please read this leaflet carefully. Keep it somewhere safe so that you can read it again.

Name of drug

Idebenone

Why is it important for my child to take this medicine?

Friedreich’s ataxia is an inherited disease that gradually damages parts of the nervous system. This causes problems throughout the body but particularly the heart. Taking idebenone regularly will help to prevent or slow down damage to the heart.

What is idebenone available as?

  • Tablets: 45 mg (white)

When should I give idebenone ?

  • Idebenone is usually given three times a day. This should be first thing in the morning, early afternoon and at bedtime. Ideally, these times are at least 4 hours apart.

How much should I give?

Your doctor will work out the amount of idebenone (the dose) that is right for your child. The dose will be shown on the medicine label. The dose may be increased after 6 months.

It is important that you follow your doctor’s instructions about how much to give.

How should I give idebenone ?

Tablets should be swallowed with a glass of water, milk or juice. Your child should not chew the tablet.
You can crush the tablet and mix it with a small amount of soft food such as yogurt, honey or jam. Make sure your child swallows it straight away, without chewing.

Your child should have something to eat when they take the tablets.

When should the medicine start working?

The medicine will start working straight away, although you won’t be able to see the effects. Your doctor will check your child’s heart to see whether idebenone is helping.

What if my child is sick (vomits)?

  • If your child is sick less than 30 minutes after having a dose of idebenone, give them the same dose again.
  • If your child is sick more than 30 minutes after having a dose of idebenone, you do not need to give them another dose. Wait until the next normal dose.

What if I forget to give it?

If you miss a dose, wait until the next normal dose. Do not give the missed dose.

Never give a double dose of idebenone.

What if I give too much?

If you think you may have given your child too much idebenone, contact your doctor or NHS Direct (0845 4647 in England and Wales; 08454 24 24 24 in Scotland). Have the packet with you if you telephone for advice.

Are there any possible side-effects?

We use medicines to make our children better, but sometimes they have other effects that we don’t want (side-effects).

Side effects you must do something about

If your child gets a fever (temperature above 38°C), sore throat, skin rash or mouth ulcers, contact your doctor straight away. This is because idebenone may affect the white blood cells (neutropenia), which makes it harder for your child’s body to fight infection

Other side effects you need to know about

Your child may get the following side-effects when they first start taking idebenone. They should wear off as your child’s body gets used to the medicine. If they are still a problem after a week or so, contact your doctor.

  • Your child may have an upset stomach, stomach pain (cramps) and may feel sick or be sick (vomit). Giving each dose with some food may help.
  • Your child may get diarrhoea.
  • Your child may feel tense, nervous, restless or on edge when they first start taking idebenone.
  • They may have difficulty sleeping (insomnia). You can try giving the medicine earlier in the evening.
  • They may get a headache.

Can other medicines be given at the same time as idebenone ?

  • You can give your child medicines that contain paracetamol or ibuprofen, unless your doctor has told you not to.
  • Check with your doctor or pharmacist before giving any other medicines to your child. This includes herbal or complementary medicines.

Is there anything else I need to know about this medicine?

  • Try to give medicines at about the same times each day, to help you remember.
  • Only give idebenone to your child. Never give it to anyone else, even if their condition appears to be the same, as this could do harm.

If you think someone else may have taken the medicine by accident, contact your doctor straight away.

  • Make sure that you always have enough medicine. Order a new prescription at least 2 weeks before you will run out.
  • Make sure that the medicine you have at home has not reached the ‘best before’ or ‘use by’ date on the packaging. Give old medicines to your pharmacist to dispose of.

Where should I keep this medicine?

  • Keep the medicine in a cupboard, away from heat and direct sunlight. It does not need to be kept in the fridge.
  • Make sure that children cannot see or reach the medicine.
  • Keep the medicine in the container it came in.

Who to contact for more information

Your child’s doctor, pharmacist or nurse will be able to give you more information about idebenone and about other medicines used to treat Friedreich’s ataxia.


You can also get useful information from:


Publication Date

9/12/2011

Copyright Disclaimer


(Version 1, June 2010) © NPPG, RCPCH and WellChild 2010, all rights reserved.
We have written this leaflet to help you understand more about the medicine you are giving to your child. We take great care to make sure that the information is correct and up-to-date. However, medicines can be used in different ways for different patients. It is therefore important that you follow the advice of your doctor or pharmacist, as they understand your child’s illness. If you are not sure about something, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Note that this leaflet applies to the use of medicines in the UK; it may not apply in other countries. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH), The Neonatal and Paediatric Pharmacists Group (NPPG), WellChild and the contributors and editors cannot be held responsible for the accuracy of information, omissions of information, or any actions that may be taken as a consequence of reading the leaflet.