pheburane
Pheburane (Sodium Phenylbutyrate) is a nitrogen binding agent used to treat Sickle Cell Anemia, Cystic Fibrosis, Myeloproliferative Disorders, Beta-Thalassemia.
Sodium Phenylbutyrate · by Medunik
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Sodium Phenylbutyrate
- Drug class
- Nitrogen Binding Agent
- Form
- Oral pellets, Kit
- Strength
- Sodium Phenylbutyrate 84GM/BOT
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- Manufacturer
- Medunik
- FDA application
- NDA216513
What is Pheburane?
From the FDA label:PHEBURANE (sodium phenylbutyrate) oral pellets is a nitrogen binding agent. Sodium phenylbutyrate is a white or yellowish-white powder, freely soluble in water and in methanol, and practically insoluble in methylene chloride. It is known chemically as sodium 4-phenylbutanoate with a molecular weight of 186.19 and the molecular formula C 10 H 11 NaO 2 . Structural formula: Each bottle of PHEBURANE contains 84 g of sodium phenylbutyrate (equivalent to 74 g of phenylbutyrate) in 174 g of oral pellets. Each gram of pellets contains 483 mg of sodium phenylbutyrate (equivalent to 423 mg of phenylbutyrate). PHEBURANE contains the following inactive ingredients: ethylcellulose, hypromellose, polyethylene glycol 1500, povidone K25, and sugar spheres. Structural formula
How to use
Pheburane is sold in more than one form (Oral pellets and Kit), and each is dosed differently. The instructions below come from the FDA label for application NDA216513 — follow the label that came with the product you were actually prescribed.
PHEBURANE treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in the treatment of UCDs. For administration, see full prescribing information. ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) The recommended dosage measured as sodium phenylbutyrate is: Patients weighing < 20 kg: 450–600 mg/kg/day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. ( 2.1 ) Patients weighing ≥ 20 kg: 9.9–13.0 g/m 2 /day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. ( 2.1 ) Monitor plasma ammonia levels to determine the need for dosage adjustment. ( 2.2 ) Monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity. ( 2.2 ) For patients with hepatic impairment, start at the lower end of the recommended dosing range. ( 2.3 ) 2.1 Recommended Dosage PHEBURANE treatment should be supervised by a healthcare provider experienced in the treatment of urea cycle disorders. The recommended dosage of PHEBURANE (measured as sodium phenylbutyrate) for patients with urea cycle disorders is: Patients weighing less than 20kg: 450 – 600 mg/kg/day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. Divide the calculated total daily dose into three to six doses. Administer as three to six divided doses and take with food. Patients weighing greater than or equal to 20 kg: 9.9 – 13 g/m 2 /day of sodium phenylbutyrate orally. Divide the calculated total daily dose into three to six doses. Administer as three to six divided doses and take with food. The maximum dosage is 20 grams per day. Combine…
Side effects
The following adverse reactions associated with the use of sodium phenylbutyrate were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily and from a population of uncertain size, it is not always possible to reliably estimate their frequency or establish a causal relationship to drug exposure. Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥ 3%) are amenorrhea or menstrual dysfunction (irregular menstrual cycles), decreased appetite, body odor and bad taste or taste aversion. Less Common Clinical Adverse Reactions Blood and lymphatic system disorders: aplastic anemia, ecchymoses Cardiac disorders : arrhythmia Gastrointestinal disorders : abdominal pain, decreased appetite, gastritis, nausea and vomiting, constipation, rectal bleeding, peptic ulcer disease, pancreatitis Metabolism and nutrition disorders: increased weight, edema Nervous system disorders : syncope, headache Psychiatric disorders : depression Renal and urinary disorders : renal tubular acidosis Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders : rash Laboratory Adverse Reactions Blood and lymphatic system disorders : anemia, leukopenia and leukocytosis, thrombocytopenia, thrombocytosis Hepatobiliary disorders: hyperbilirubinemia, increased blood alkaline phosphatase, increased transaminases Metabolism and nutrition disorders: acidosis, alkalosis, hyperchloraemia,…
Warnings
Important safety information
Neurotoxicity of Phenylacetate : Increased exposure to phenylacetate, the major metabolite of PHEBURANE, may be associated with neurotoxicity in patients with UCDs. Consider reducing the dose if neurotoxicity symptoms are present. ( 5.1 ) Hypokalemia : Renal excretion of phenylacetylglutamine may induce urinary loss of potassium. Monitor serum potassium during therapy and initiate appropriate treatment when necessary. ( 5.2 ) Conditions Associated with Edema : Calculate the total amount of sodium patients will be exposed to based on their weight or body surface area. If a patient develops new-onset edema or worsening edema while on treatment, discontinue administration of PHEBURANE and initiate appropriate therapy. ( 5.3 ) Diabetes Mellitus, Hereditary Fructose Intolerance, Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption or Sucrase-Isomaltase Insufficiency : Avoid use of PHEBURANE in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency. ( 5.4 ) 5.1 Neurotoxicity of Phenylacetate Increased exposure to phenylacetate, the major metabolite of PHEBURANE, may be associated with neurotoxicity in patients with UCDs. In a study of adult cancer patients receiving intravenous phenylacetate, 250-300 mg/kg/day for 14 days, repeated at 4-week intervals, signs and symptoms of neurotoxicity, which were reversible upon discontinuation, were seen at plasma concentrations ≥ 3.5 mmol/L, and included somnolence, fatigue, and light headedness [see Adverse Reactions ( 6 ) ] . PHEBURANE is not approved for intravenous use or for treatment of patients with cancer. If symptoms of vomiting, nausea, headache, somnolence or confusion are present in the absence of high ammonia levels or other intercurrent illnesses, consider reducing the dose of PHEBURANE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] . Phenylacetate caused neurotoxicity when given subcutaneously in rat pups [see Use in Specific Populations ( 8.4 )] . 5.2 Hypokalemia Renal excretion of phenylacetylglutamine may induce urinary loss of potassium. Monitor serum potassium during therapy and initiate appropriate treatment when necessary. 5.3 Conditions Associated with Edema PHEBURANE contains 124 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium per gram of sodium phenylbutyrate, corresponding to 2.5 g (108 mmol) of sodium in the maximum daily dose of 20 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. In order to decide if administration of PHEBURANE is appropriate in patients with diseases that involve edema such as heart failure, cirrhosis, or nephrosis, calculate the total amount of sodium patients will be exposed to based on their weight or body surface area (BSA) [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.1 )] . If a patient develops new-onset edema or worsening edema while on treatment, discontinue administration of PHEBURANE and initiate appropriate therapy. 5.4 Diabetes Mellitus, Hereditary Fructose Intolerance, Glucose-Galactose Malabsorption or Sucrase-Isomaltase Insufficiency PHEBURANE contains 768 mg of sucrose per gram of sodium phenylbutyrate, corresponding to 15.4 g of sucrose in the maximum daily dose of 20 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. This should be considered in patients with diabetes mellitus. Avoid use of PHEBURANE in patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency.
Who should not take Pheburane
None None. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdoses of PHEBURANE exceeding ten-fold the maximum recommended dosage may produce emesis, CNS depression, metabolic acidosis with or without respiratory alkalosis, hypernatremia, hypokalemia, and hypophosphatemia. Symptoms of overdose overlap with those of acute hyperammonemia. If overdose occurs, discontinue PHEBURANE, monitor plasma phenylacetate and ammonia levels closely, and institute appropriate emergency management, which may include hemodialysis, continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) or extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
Valproic Acid, Haloperidol, or Corticosteroids : May increase plasma ammonia level; monitor ammonia levels closely. ( 7.1 ) Probenecid : May inhibit renal excretion of metabolites of PHEBURANE including phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine; monitor for potential neurotoxicity. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Potential for Other Drugs to Affect Ammonia Corticosteroids Use of corticosteroids may cause the breakdown of body protein and increase plasma ammonia levels. Valproic Acid and Haloperidol Hyperammonemia may be induced by haloperidol and by valproic acid. Monitor plasma ammonia levels closely when PHEBURANE is used concomitantly with corticosteroids, valproic acid, or haloperidol. 7.2 Effects of Other Drugs on PHEBURANE Probenecid Probenecid may inhibit renal excretion of the metabolites of PHEBURANE including phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine. Monitor patients for potential neurotoxicity and measure plasma phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine levels when probenecid is used concomitantly with PHEBURANE [see Dosage and Administration ( 2.2 )] .
Drug class
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
See how Pheburane ranks — best-rated nitrogen binding agent for:
Dosage forms
Oral pellets and Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Request a 90-day supply
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Use copay cards
Manufacturer copay cards & patient-assistance programs — especially for brand drugs.
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Pheburane treat?
- Pheburane (Sodium Phenylbutyrate) may be used to treat sickle cell anemia, cystic fibrosis, myeloproliferative disorders, beta-thalassemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Pheburane?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Pheburane. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Pheburane?
- Pheburane is marketed by Medunik. You can see Medunik's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Pheburane a brand-name or generic drug?
- Pheburane is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Sodium Phenylbutyrate.
- Is Pheburane available over the counter?
- No. Pheburane is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Pheburane come in?
- Pheburane is currently marketed as oral pellets and kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- What class of drug is Pheburane?
- Pheburane is classified as nitrogen binding agent, per the FDA's Established Pharmacologic Class.
- Is Pheburane FDA-registered?
- Pheburane is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA216513. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Is Pheburane safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict, and we don't yet have a composite recall-safety score for Pheburane. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings below, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Pheburane?
- Pheburane's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following adverse reactions associated with the use of sodium phenylbutyrate were identified in clinical studies or postmarketing reports. Because some of these reactions were reported voluntarily and from a population of uncertain size,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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