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Overview: Vykat XR is used to reduce excessive hunger in people with a rare genetic condition called Prader-Willi syndrome. Common side effects of this medicine can include high blood sugar, increased hair growth, fluid retention, and a rash. Before taking Vykat XR, make sure to tell your health care provider about any health conditions or medicines you are taking. Call your health care provider right away if you have trouble breathing, unusual swelling, nausea, or vomiting.

Uses

What is Vykat XR used for?

Vykat XR (diazoxide choline) is commonly used to reduce excessive hunger in some people with Prader-Willi syndrome (PWS).

Learn more about how Vykat XR is used to reduce excessive hunger in people with Prader-Willi syndrome.

Vykat XR may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Vykat XR work (mechanism of action)?

Vykat XR may help to reduce the urge to eat. The medicine may work on certain hormones and parts of your brain that affect appetite.

How is Vykat XR supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Vykat XR

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 25 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 75 mg extended-release oral tablets
  • 150 mg extended-release oral tablets

How should I store Vykat XR?

Vykat XR should be stored at room temperature, between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). It can be exposed to temperatures between 59 F and 86 F (15 C and 30 C) for shorter periods of time, such as when transporting it. Store in a cool, dry place. Keep the bottle closed. Do not throw away the packet that is in the bottle. The packet helps to protect the tablets from moisture.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Vykat XR?

The most common side effects of Vykat XR are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Excessive hair growth all over your body
  • Fluid retention (see below)
  • High blood sugar (see below)
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Vykat XR that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Vykat XR?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Vykat XR are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Vykat XR may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop taking Vykat XR and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Blood Sugar. Vykat XR may increase your blood sugar levels. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood work. Follow your health care provider’s instructions on managing your blood sugar. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirsty more than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Your breath smelling fruity

Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). Vykat XR may cause diabetic ketoacidosis, a serious complication of diabetes. DKA can be life threatening. Stop taking Vykat XR and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Feeling very tired, woozy, or confused
  • Trouble breathing
  • Your breath smells fruity or sweet
  • Very high blood sugar levels (over 300 mg/dL)

Fluid Retention (Edema). Vykat XR can cause fluid retention, also called edema. Too much fluid can cause serious problems like trouble breathing. Too much fluid may also cause serious issues in people with certain conditions, such as heart failure or kidney problems. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms. 

  • Chest pain
  • Irregular heartbeat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Stretched or shiny skin
  • Swollen body parts, such as the belly or ankles

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Vykat XR?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not take Vykat XR.

  • Diazoxide choline
  • Vykat XR
  • Any other medicine known as a thiazide
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Vykat XR.

What should I know about Vykat XR before using it?

Do not take Vykat XR unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Take it as prescribed. Do not change your dose or stop the medicine without talking to your health care provider. 

Do not share Vykat XR with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Vykat XR out of the reach of children.

Vykat XR should not be split, chewed, or crushed. The tablets should be swallowed whole.

Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. You may need to check your blood glucose levels at home. Follow all directions that your health care provider gives you.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Vykat XR?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Vykat XR is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Diabetes or prediabetes
  • Current infection or illness
  • Upcoming surgery
  • Alcohol use disorder or very often drink alcohol 
  • Dehydration
  • Fluid retention problems or swelling in your feet or legs
  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Heart problems, including heart failure

Other Medicines and Supplements. Vykat XR may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before taking Vykat XR, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Vykat XR may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, contact your health care provider right away.

Breastfeeding. Vykat XR passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should take Vykat XR while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Vykat XR?

For more information about Vykat XR, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.vykatxr.com or call them at 650-213-8444.

Interactions

Does Vykat XR interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Vykat XR and foods or drinks.

Both Vykat XR and alcohol can increase blood sugar levels. Drinking alcohol may increase your risk of a life-threatening side effect called diabetic ketoacidosis. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Vykat XR interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before taking Vykat XR.

  • A medicine for diabetes
  • A corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions
  • A diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure
  • Phenytoin (Dilantin, Phenytek, and others), which is a medicine to control seizures
  • Warfarin, which is a blood thinner
  • A growth hormone, such as somapacitan-beco (Sogroya), somatrogon-ghla (Ngenla), or somatropin (Genotropin, Humatrope, and others), which is a medicine used to help with low growth hormone levels

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Vykat XR, and vice versa. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Vykat XR. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Vykat XR?

If you or someone else has used too much Vykat XR, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Vykat XR?

It is important not to miss any doses of Vykat XR. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Do not take two doses of this medicine at the same time to make up for a missed dose. Instead, call your health care provider for directions.