Monoctanoin

Monoctanoin injection is a drug used in dissolving cholesterol gallstones. Gallstones are found in the bile duct or gallbladder and sometimes stay in the bile duct even after a surgical removal of the gallbladder. These gallstones are sometimes too big to be flushed out of the body on their own.

Monoctanoin solution is administered using a tube or catheter, which is inserted into the bile duct, giving the solution a close contact to the gallstones and allowing it to dissolve them. The process of dissolving the gallstones can last for 2 to 10 days. This drug is only administered under a doctor’s supervision.

If you are about to start using Monoctanoin, speak with your doctor about what you need to know. The risks and benefits the medicine offer must be weighed.

For this drug, you and your doctor must consider the following:

Allergies.

If you have any unusual reaction to any medicine, including monoctanoin, be sure to tell your doctor about it. Additionally, disclose other types of allergies - foods, preservatives, animals, or dyes, if there are any. Read the package ingredients carefully and make sure you are not allergic to any of its ingredients.

Pediatric.

There are no specific studies done that will establish safety and efficacy of this drug in children.

Geriatric.

It is not known whether the medicine will work exactly as it does in younger adults. No specific information is available to compare the use of this drug in the elderly and other age groups.

Breastfeeding.

Although there are no adequate studies in lactating mothers that determine potential risk in an infant when breastfeeding, the potential benefits should be weighed against the risks before taking this medication.

Drug Interactions.

Certain medicines have adverse effects when used together. Nevertheless, it is still possible to take other medicines when taking monoctanoin. Make sure to inform your doctor about other drugs you are taking, so that alterations and precautions will be made if necessary. Before taking this drug, talk to your doctor about possible interactions if you are taking other medications, both prescription and over-the-counter.

Other medical problems.

How you use this medicine may change if you are suffering from other medical problems. Inform your doctor about any other medical issues, especially bile duct blockage, since using this drug may cause serious side effects.

If you have pancreatitis or jaundice, using this medicine can make these conditions worse. Having duodenal ulcer or intestinal problems may increase the chance of bleeding and make the conditions worse. Moreover, unwanted effects may occur if the severe liver disease is present.

To use Monoctanoin properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor. Different patients will have different dosing of this medicine. The following dosage information is only the average doses given.

Do not change your prescribed dosage even if it is different from the ones listed below, unless your doctor tells you otherwise. The dose of monoctanoin depends on the patient's age, weight, and symptoms, as well as the strength of the medicine.

The number of doses and the number of hours between doses generally depend on the reason why you are using this drug. Generally, dosage will be as follows:

• For gallstone disease in adults, irrigation dose is usually 3 to 5 mL hourly for 2 to 10 days. The solution is administered using a tube or catheter. Use and dose in children must depend on the doctor’s advice.

In using Monoctanoin, you must be careful and take some precautions as advised by your doctor. Close monitoring of the patient is crucial to make sure the medicine is working properly.

Your doctor may request certain blood tests to be done to check for unwanted effects. This drug may cause anaphylaxis or other types of serious allergic reactions that can be life-threatening. An anaphylaxis attack requires emergency medical attention.

Contact your doctor right away if any symptoms of an allergic reaction are present after receiving this medicine. These include a rash, itching, breathing and swallowing difficulties, hoarseness, lightheadedness, dizziness, or swelling of the hands, face, or mouth. Your doctor may suggest carrying an ID card or bracelet that identifies you as a hemophilia A patient and indicates the type of medicine you use.

If you experience any symptoms of parvovirus infection, such as fever, chills, runny nose, drowsiness, followed by joint pain or rash, consult your doctor right away.

Furthermore, if you feel any of the symptoms of a serious liver problem, such as tenderness or pain in the upper stomach, dark urine, pale stools, appetite loss, unusual weakness, nausea, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, talk to your doctor right away. Monoctanoin is made from donated human blood.

There are instances when people who received human blood products were infected with certain viruses. The risk, however, is very low. Both the donated blood and its donors are tested for viruses, keeping the risk of transmission low.

If you are concerned about these risks, talk to your doctor first before treatment. Dry natural rubber, a latex derivative, is one of the materials used for the vial stopper. People who are sensitive to latex may experience allergic reactions due to this.

Inform your doctor if you have an allergy to latex before starting the use of this medicine.

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Monoctanoin. Most of the time, side effects may go away at the course of treatment as the body adjusts to the medication.    

Your doctor may advise you to do certain things that may help prevent or minimize the side effects. Call your doctor immediately if any side effects become bothersome.