cuvposa

Cuvposa (glycopyrrolate) reduces the secretions of certain organs in the body.

Cuvposa is used to reduce drooling in children ages 3 to 16 who have certain medical conditions, such as cerebral palsy.

Cuvposa may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Important information

You should not use Cuvposa if you are allergic to glycopyrrolate, or if you have bladder obstruction or other urination problems, a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus, a blockage in your stomach or intestines, severe constipation, severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon, glaucoma, myasthenia gravis, or if you also take potassium chloride.

Before you take Cuvposa, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease, heart disease, a heart rhythm disorder, a stomach disorder, a colostomy or ileostomy, a thyroid disorder, high blood pressure, vision problems, or numbness and tingling.

Take Cuvposa on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal. This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Cuvposa, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cuvposa can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use Cuvposa if you are allergic to glycopyrrolate, or if you have:

• bladder obstruction or other urination problems;

• a bowel obstruction called paralytic ileus;

• a blockage in your digestive tract (stomach or intestines), severe constipation;

• severe ulcerative colitis or toxic megacolon;

• glaucoma;

• myasthenia gravis; or

• if you are also taking potassium chloride (Epiklor, K-Lor, K-Tab, Klor-Con, Micro-K, Rum-K, and others).

To make sure you can safely take Cuvposa, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• kidney disease;

• heart disease or a heart rhythm disorder;

• a stomach disorder such as hiatal hernia, reflux disease, or slow digestion;

• a colostomy or ileostomy;

• a thyroid disorder;

• high blood pressure;

• vision problems; or

• a nerve disorder that causes numbness or tingling.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether Cuvposa will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication. It is not known whether glycopyrrolate passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby. Cuvposa should not be given to a child younger than 3 years old.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

How should I take Cuvposa?

Take Cuvposa exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended. Follow the directions on your prescription label.

Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

Take Cuvposa on an empty stomach, at least 1 hour before or 2 hours after a meal.

Measure Cuvposa with a special dose-measuring spoon or medicine cup, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

Store Cuvposa at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

Overdose symptoms may include weak or shallow breathing, feeling cold, jerky muscle movements, or seizure (convulsions).

What should I avoid?

This medication may cause blurred vision and may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert and able to see clearly. Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Cuvposa, such as dizziness and drowsiness. Avoid becoming overheated or dehydrated during exercise and in hot weather. Cuvposa can decrease sweating and you may be more prone to heat stroke.

Cuvposa side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction to Cuvposa: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Stop using Cuvposa and call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• severe constipation, severe stomach pain and bloating;

• diarrhea (especially if you have a colostomy or ileostomy);

• feeling like you might pass out;

• feeling very thirsty or hot, being unable to urinate, heavy sweating, weak pulse, or hot and dry skin; or

• dry diapers, fussiness, or excessive crying in a child taking Cuvposa.

Less serious Cuvposa side effects may include:

• dry mouth;

• vomiting;

• mild constipation;

• stuffy nose, sinus pain; or

• flushing (warmth, redness, or tingly feeling).

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Cuvposa?

Many drugs can interact with Cuvposa. Below is just a partial list. Tell your doctor if you are using:

• amantadine (Symmetrel);

• atenolol (Tenormin, Tenoretic);

• digoxin (Lanoxin, Lanoxicaps);

• haloperidol (Haldol);

• levodopa (Larodopa); or

• metformin (Glucophage, Actoplus Met, Avandamet, Janumet, Kombiglyze, PrandiMet).

This list is not complete and other drugs may interact with Cuvposa. Tell your doctor about all medications you use. This includes prescription, over-the-counter, vitamin, and herbal products. Do not start a new medication without telling your doctor.