Lonafarnib

Lonafarnib is used to reduce the risk of death in children 1 year of age or older with Hutchinson-Gilford progeria syndrome (HGPS, Hutchinson-Gilford syndrome; an inherited disorder that causes certain proteins to build up in the body which causes children to age rapidly). Lonafarnib is also used to treat certain processing-deficient progeroid laminopathies (PDPL; inherited disorders that cause certain proteins to build up in the body which cause children to age rapidly). Lonafarnib is in a class of medications called farnesyltransferase inhibitors. It works by preventing proteins from building up and damaging cells.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Lonafarnib comes as a capsule to take by mouth. It is usually taken with food twice a day in the morning and evening with meals. Take lonafarnib at around the same times every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take lonafarnib exactly as directed. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Swallow the capsules whole with water; do not chew or crush them.

If you cannot swallow capsules whole, you may open the capsules and sprinkle the contents over 1 or 2 teaspoons (5 or 10 mL) of Ora Blend SF, Ora-Plus, orange juice, or applesauce in a medicine cup, stir the mixture with a spoon, and swallow the mixture immediately (within 10 minutes) as part of your meal.

Your doctor will probably start you on a low dose of lonafarnib and increase your dose after 4 months.

Lonafarnib may cause nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that can lead to dehydration and weight loss. Your doctor may decrease your dose if you experience persistent vomiting or diarrhea. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with lonafarnib.

Given the high cost of medical care, it’s hardly a shock that patients are drowning in medical debt. Almost 20% of American households have delinquent medical bills that affect their credit report, according to NBC News. Having medical bills in collections makes it more difficult for patients to engage in other economic activities, such as purchasing a home or securing a loan to start a business.

Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer’s information for the patient.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.