Levocarnitine

About levocarnitine

Carnitine is a substance which occurs naturally in your body. It is a type of protein. It helps your body turn fat into energy. Supplements of levocarnitine are given if you have low levels of carnitine for some reason. This may be because your body is not producing sufficient, or because your natural levels are reduced due to some treatment you are having.

Before taking levocarnitine

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you (or if appropriate, your child) start taking levocarnitine it is important that your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, although carnitine is not known to be harmful to babies.

• If you have any problems with the way your kidneys work.

• If you have high blood sugar levels (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have epilepsy or have ever had a fit (seizure) before.

• If you are taking warfarin as you may need additional blood tests.

• If you are taking any other medicines. This includes any medicines you are taking which are available to buy without a prescription, as well as herbal and complementary medicines.

• If you have ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

How to take levocarnitine

• Before you start this treatment, read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside your pack. It will give you more information about levocarnitine and will provide you with a full list of side-effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take levocarnitine exactly as your doctor tells you to. It is usual to take 2-4 doses each day. Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you what dose is right for you, and this will also be printed on the label of the pack to remind you. The amount may vary from time to time depending on how you respond to the treatment.

• There are a number of different forms of levocarnitine available - you may be supplied with tablets, capsules or oral liquid medicine. Check the directions on the label to see how you should take your supply. Some tablets should be swallowed whole with a drink of water; other tablets should be chewed before they are swallowed.

• Try to get into the habit of taking your doses at the same times of day each day. This will help you to remember to take your doses regularly.

• If you do forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Try to take the correct number of doses each day, but do not take two doses together to make up for a forgotten dose.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Try to keep your regular appointments with your doctor. This is so your doctor can check on your progress. You may need to have regular blood and urine tests to check the amount of medicine in your body.

• If you are taking warfarin, levocarnitine may affect your INR results. Let your doctor or clinic know that you are taking levocarnitine supplements.

Can levocarnitine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects, most medicines can cause unwanted side-effects although not everyone experiences them. The table below contains some of the most common ones associated with levocarnitine. You will find a full list in the manufacturer's information leaflet supplied with your medicine. The unwanted effects often improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine, but speak with your doctor or pharmacist if any of the following continue or become troublesome.

If you experience any other symptoms which you think may be due to the medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist.

How to store levocarnitine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach and sight of children.

• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.

Important information about all medicines