Brand Name
Catena
Common Name
idebenone
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02314150 | CATENA 150MG TABLET |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Idebenone belongs to the group of medications called ATP production modulators. It is used to treat Friedreich's Ataxia, an inherited condition that causes progressive damage to the nervous system.
The symptoms of Friedreich's Ataxia range from difficulty walking to speech problems and heart disease. The exact way that idebenone works is not known at this time, but it is believed to increase the supply of energy to cells in the body and may protect cells that are damaged by Friedreich's Ataxia.
Idebenone has been granted a notice of compliance with conditions (NOC/c) by Health Canada. This means that Health Canada has approved this medication to be marketed based on promising evidence of effectiveness, but additional results of studies are needed to verify its effectiveness. An NOC/c is used to allow access to products that are used for the treatment or prevention of serious, life-threatening or severely debilitating illness.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than those listed in these drug information articles. As well, some forms of this medication may not be used for all of the conditions discussed here. If you have not discussed this with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The usual staring dose of idebenone ranges from 150 mg (for people who weigh 45 kg or less) to 300 mg (for people who weigh over 45 kg) taken 3 times daily. After 6 months, your doctor may increase the dose to 450 mg (for people who weigh 45 kg or less) or 750 mg (for people who weigh more than 45 kg) taken 3 times daily. If no additional benefit or improvement is seen with the higher dose after 6 months, the dose should be reduced to the original starting dose.
Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
The tablets should be swallowed whole with water. Do not break or chew the tablets. Food increases the amount of medication absorbed and available for the body to use. For this reason, it should be taken with food.
It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one. If you are not sure what to do after missing a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist for advice.
Store this medication at room temperature and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
CATENA® has been removed from the Canadian market by the manufacturer. The information in this article may not be up-to-date. For additional information about this medication, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. To read the full Health Canada Advisory, visit Health Canada's web site at www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Who should NOT take this medication?
Do not take idebenone if you:
- are allergic to idebenone or any ingredients of the medication
- have moderately to severely reduced liver function
- have severely reduced kidney function
