How does it work?

Levocarnitine is similar in stucture to carnitine which is a subsatnce found naturally in the body. Carnitine plays a role in the complex pathways involved in the production of energy in the body. It enables the body to efficiently breakdown fats to produce energy required for the many essential biological processes in the body. Carnitine is used in the treatment of conditions where the body does not produce enough natural carnitine, such as a genetic disorder, primary cartinine deficiency or in individuals on kidney dialysis, whereby carnitine is removed from the blood. This results in muscle weakness or muscle loss, anaemias and lack of energy causing a significant effect on the quality of life. Levocarnitine is given to replace the cartinine loss and thereby allowing the body to utilise fats optimally for energy production.

What is it used for?

Carnitine deficiency

Warning!

Regular monitoring of acyl carnitine levels in the blood and urine is advised whilst taking this medicine.

Use with caution in

Kidney failure

Not to be used in

No known conditions

This medicine should not be used if you are allergic to one or any of its ingredients. Please inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have previously experienced such an allergy. If you feel you have experienced an allergic reaction, stop using this medicine and inform your doctor or pharmacist immediately.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

Certain medicines should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. However, other medicines may be safely used in pregnancy or breastfeeding providing the benefits to the mother outweigh the risks to the unborn baby. Always inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, before using any medicine.

The safety of this medicine during pregnancy has not been established. Seek medical advice from your doctor.

This medicine is a natural component of breast milk. However, supplementation in nursing mothers has not been studied. Therefore discuss with your pharmacist or doctor regarding its use.

Side effects

Medicines and their possible side effects can affect individual people in different ways. The following are some of the side effects that are known to be associated with this medicine. Because a side effect is stated here, it does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience that or any side effect.

Abdominal pain

Diarrhoea

Nausea and vomiting

The side effects listed above may not include all of the side effects reported by the drug's manufacturer. For more information about any other possible risks associated with this medicine, please read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist.

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