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CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES

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About the medicine

How to use CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES

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This page provides general information and does not replace a doctor’s consultation. Always consult a doctor before taking any medication. Seek urgent medical care if symptoms are severe.

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Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the User

CYSTAGON 50 mg Hard Capsules

CYSTAGON 150 mg Hard Capsules

cysteamine bitartrate (mercaptamine bitartrate)

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start taking this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the package leaflet:

  1. What is CYSTAGON and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before you take CYSTAGON
  1. How to take CYSTAGON
  2. Possible side effects
  3. Storage of CYSTAGON
  4. Contents of the pack and further information

1. What is Cystagon and what is it used for

Cystinosis is a metabolic disease known as 'nephropathic cystinosis' characterized by the abnormal accumulation of the amino acid cystine in various organs of the body such as the kidneys, eyes, muscles, pancreas, and brain. The accumulation of cystine causes damage to the kidneys and the elimination of excessive amounts of sugar (glucose), proteins, and electrolytes. At different ages, different organs may be affected.

CYSTAGON is prescribed to treat this rare hereditary disorder. CYSTAGON is a medicine that reacts with cystine, reducing its levels in cells.

Doctor consultation

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2. What you need to know before you take Cystagon

Do not take CYSTAGON:

  • if you or your child are allergic to cysteamine bitartrate or penicillamine or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).
  • if you are pregnant, this is especially important during the first trimester
  • if you are breast-feeding.

Warnings and precautions:

  • When your disease or your child's disease has been confirmed by measurements of white blood cell cystine, treatment with CYSTAGON should be started as soon as possible.
  • Some cases of skin lesions in the form of small hard bumps, mainly on the elbows, have been reported in children treated with high doses of different cysteamine preparations. These lesions were associated with stretch marks on the skin and bone lesions, such as fractures and bone deformities, and with loose joints.

Your doctor may periodically ask you for physical examinations of the skin and X-rays of the bones to monitor the effects of the medicine. Self-examination of the skin by the patient or parents is recommended. If any skin or bone abnormality appears, you should inform your doctor immediately.

  • Your doctor may periodically ask you for blood tests to monitor your blood cell count.
  • CYSTAGON does not prevent the accumulation of cystine crystals in the eyes. If cysteamine eye drops have been used for this purpose, you should continue using them...
  • Unlike phosphocysteamine, another active substance similar to cysteamine bitartrate, CYSTAGON does not contain phosphate. You may be taking phosphate supplements, and it is possible that your doctor may modify the dose of these supplements when switching your treatment from CYSTAGON to phosphocysteamine.
  • The capsules should not be given to children under the age of approximately 6 years to avoid the risk of aspiration into the lungs.
  • Do not ingest the desiccant container in the bottle.

Other medicines and CYSTAGON

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines.

CYSTAGON with food and drinks:

For children under six years of age, the hard capsule can be opened and its contents sprinkled on food (such as milk, potatoes, or starchy foods like flour), or mixed with the baby bottle. Do not mix with acidic drinks, such as orange juice. For complete instructions, consult your doctor.

Pregnancy

CYSTAGON should not be used during pregnancy. You should consult your doctor if you plan to become pregnant.

Breast-feeding

CYSTAGON should not be used during breast-feeding.

Driving and using machines:

CYSTAGON may cause drowsiness. When starting treatment, you or your child should avoid engaging in potentially hazardous activities until you are well aware of the effects of the medicine.

3. How to take Cystagon

Follow your doctor's instructions for taking this medicine exactly. If you are in doubt, consult your doctor again.

The dose of CYSTAGON prescribed for you or your child will depend on their weight and age.

For children up to 12 years of age, the dose will be based on body size (surface area), with the usual dose being 1.30 g/m2 of body surface area per day.

For patients over 12 years of age and weighing more than 50 kg, the usual dose is 2 g/day.

In any case, the usual dose should not exceed 1.95 g/m2/day.

CYSTAGON should always be taken orally and exactly as instructed by your doctor or your child's doctor. To ensure CYSTAGON works properly, it is necessary:

  • To follow the doctor's instructions exactly. Do not increase or decrease the amount of medicine without the doctor's approval.
  • Not to give the hard capsules to children under the age of 6 because they may not swallow them and may choke. For children under 6 years of age, the hard capsule can be opened and its contents sprinkled on food (such as milk, potatoes, or starchy foods like flour), or mixed with the baby bottle. Do not mix with acidic drinks, such as orange juice. For complete instructions, consult your doctor.
  • The medical treatment prescribed for you or your child will include, in addition to CYSTAGON, one or more supplements to replace important electrolytes eliminated by the kidneys. It is essential to take or give these supplements exactly as instructed. If you forget several doses of one of the supplements, or if you notice weakness or drowsiness, you should consult your doctor immediately.
  • To determine the correct dose of CYSTAGON, it is necessary to have periodic blood tests to measure the amount of cystine inside white blood cells. Your doctor or your child's doctor will determine when to perform the blood tests. It is also necessary to perform periodic blood and urine tests to measure the concentrations of important electrolytes in the body, so your doctor can adjust the doses of electrolyte supplements as needed.

CYSTAGON should be taken 4 times a day, every 6 hours, preferably with meals or immediately after meals. It is essential to respect the rule of taking the dose every six hours as strictly as possible.

Treatment with CYSTAGON should be continued indefinitely as indicated by your doctor.

To easily open and close the CYSTAGON bottle, follow the instructions below:

Instructions for opening and closing the container

OPEN

Needle connected to a vial with curved arrows indicating the twisting motion for proper fixation

CLOSE

Needle connected to a vial with curved arrows indicating the rotation motion for insertion

To open the container

Place a pen or a similar object between the raised parts of the cap and turn it in the indicated direction (counterclockwise)

To close the container

Place a pen or a similar object between the raised parts of the cap and turn it in the indicated direction (clockwise)

If you take more CYSTAGON than you should

If you have taken more medicine than prescribed, or if drowsiness occurs, consult your doctor or your child's doctor immediately, or go to the emergency department of a hospital.

If you forget to take CYSTAGON

If you have forgotten to take a dose of the medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is less than 2 hours until the next dose, you should skip the missed dose and return to the normal schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

Medicine questions

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4. Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them.

CYSTAGON may cause drowsiness or decreased alertness in some people. Make sure you know how you or your child reacts to this medicine before engaging in any activity that may be hazardous if you are not alert.

The following side effects have been reported:

  • Very common (affects at least 1 in 10 people): vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite, fever, and drowsiness.
  • Common (affects at least 1 in 100 people): abdominal pain or discomfort, bad breath and body odor, skin rash, gastroenteritis, fatigue, headache, encephalopathy (brain disorder), and changes in liver function tests.
  • Uncommon (affects at least 1 in 1,000 people): stretch marks on the skin, skin lesions (small hard bumps on the elbows), loose joints, leg pain, bone fractures, scoliosis (spinal curvature), bone deformities and fragility, hair depigmentation, severe allergic reaction, drowsiness, seizures, nervousness, hallucinations, decreased white blood cell count, gastrointestinal ulcer with secondary digestive bleeding, and kidney problems manifested as swelling of the limbs and weight gain.

Since some of these side effects are serious, ask your doctor or pediatrician to explain the warning signs.

Reporting of side effects

If you experience any side effects, talk to your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly through the national reporting system listed in Appendix V. By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Cystagon

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of the month shown.

Do not store above 25°C.

Keep the container tightly closed to protect it from light and moisture.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medicines no longer required. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and further information

Composition of CYSTAGON

  • The active substance is cysteamine bitartrate (mercaptamine bitartrate). Each hard capsule of CYSTAGON 50 mg contains 50 mg of cysteamine (as mercaptamine bitartrate). Each hard capsule of CYSTAGON 150 mg contains 150 mg of cysteamine (as mercaptamine bitartrate).
  • The other ingredients are microcrystalline cellulose, pregelatinized starch, magnesium stearate/sodium lauryl sulfate, colloidal silicon dioxide, sodium croscarmellose. The capsule shells: gelatin, titanium dioxide, black ink in the hard capsules (E172).

Appearance of the product and pack contents

Hard capsules

  • Cystagon 50 mg: White opaque hard capsules with the legends CYSTA 50 on the body and RECORDATI RARE DISEASES on the cap.

Bottles of 100 or 500 hard capsules. Some pack sizes may not be marketed.

  • Cystagon 150 mg: White opaque hard capsules with the legends CYSTAGON 150 on the body and RECORDATI RARE DISEASES on the cap.

Bottles of 100 or 500 hard capsules. Some pack sizes may not be marketed.

Marketing authorisation holder

Recordati Rare Diseases

Immeuble “Le Wilson”

70, Avenue du Général de Gaulle

F-92800 Puteaux

France

Manufacturer

Recordati Rare Diseases

Immeuble “Le Wilson”

70, Avenue du Général de Gaulle

F-92800 Puteaux

France

or

Recordati Rare Diseases

Eco River Parc

30, rue des Peupliers

F-92000 Nanterre

France

You can obtain further information on this medicine by contacting the local representative of the marketing authorisation holder.

België/Belgique/Belgien

Recordati

Tél/Tel: +32 2 46101 36

Lietuva

Recordati AB.

Tel: + 46 8 545 80 230

Švedija

Text with contact information of Recordati Rare Diseases in Bulgaria and France including phone number

Luxembourg/Luxemburg

Recordati

Tél/Tel: +32 2 46101 36

Belgique/Belgien

Ceská republika

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Francie

Magyarország

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Franciaország

Danmark

Recordati AB.

Tlf : +46 8 545 80 230

Sverige

Malta

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 1 47 73 64 58

Franza

Deutschland

Recordati Rare Diseases Germany GmbH

Tel: +49 731 140 554 0

Nederland

Recordati

Tel: +32 2 46101 36

België

Eesti

Recordati AB.

Tel: + 46 8 545 80 230

Rootsi

Norge

Recordati AB.

Tlf : +46 8 545 80 230

Sverige

Ελλ?δα

Recordati Rare Diseases

Τηλ: +33 1 47 73 64 58

Γαλλ?α

Österreich

Recordati Rare Diseases Germany GmbH

Tel: +49 731 140 554 0

Deutschland

España

Recordati Rare Diseases Spain S.L.U.

Tel: + 34 91 659 28 90

Polska

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Francja

France

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tél: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Portugal

Jaba Recordati S.A.

Tel: +351 21 432 95 00

Hrvatska

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tél: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Francuska

România

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Franta

Ireland

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

France

Slovenija

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Francija

Ísland

Recordati AB.

Simi:+46 8 545 80 230

Svíþjóð

Slovenská republika

Recordati Rare Diseases

Tel: +33 (0)1 47 73 64 58

Francúzsko

Italia

Recordati Rare Diseases Italy Srl

Tel: +39 02 487 87 173

Suomi/Finland

Recordati AB.

Puh/Tel : +46 8 545 80 230

Sverige

Κ?προς

Recordati Rare Diseases

Τηλ : +33 1 47 73 64 58

Γαλλ?α

Sverige

Recordati AB.

Tel : +46 8 545 80 230

Latvija

Recordati AB.

Tel: + 46 8 545 80 230

Zviedrija

United Kingdom (Northern Ireland)

Recordati Rare Diseases UK Ltd.

Tel: +44 (0)1491 414333

Date of last revision of this leaflet:07/2024

Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency website: http://www.ema.europa.eu/

Online doctors for CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES

Discuss questions about CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES, including use, safety considerations and prescription review, subject to medical assessment and local regulations.

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Doctor

Yevgen Yakovenko

General surgery 12 years exp.

Dr. Yevgen Yakovenko is a licensed surgeon and general practitioner in Spain and Germany. He specialises in general, paediatric, and oncological surgery, internal medicine, and pain management. He offers online consultations for adults and children, combining surgical precision with therapeutic support. Dr Yakovenko works with patients across different countries and provides care in Ukrainian, Russian, English, and Spanish.

Areas of medical expertise:

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  • Internal medicine: heart, lungs, gastrointestinal tract, urinary system. Management of chronic conditions, symptom control, second opinions.
  • Pre- and postoperative care: risk assessment, decision-making support, follow-up after surgery, rehabilitation strategies.
  • General and paediatric surgery: hernias, appendicitis, congenital conditions, both planned and urgent surgeries.
  • Injuries and trauma: bruises, fractures, sprains, soft tissue damage, wound care, dressing, referral when in-person care is required.
  • Oncological surgery: diagnosis review, treatment planning, and long-term follow-up.
  • Obesity treatment and weight management: a medical approach to weight loss, including assessment of underlying causes, evaluation of comorbidities, development of a personalised plan (nutrition, physical activity, pharmacotherapy if needed), and ongoing progress monitoring.
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Experience and qualifications:

  • 12+ years of clinical experience in university hospitals in Germany and Spain.
  • International education: Ukraine – Germany – Spain.
  • Member of the German Society of Surgeons (BDC).
  • Certified in radiological diagnostics and robotic surgery.
  • Active participant in international medical conferences and research.

Dr Yakovenko explains complex topics in a clear, accessible way. He works collaboratively with patients to analyse health issues and make evidence-based decisions. His approach is grounded in clinical excellence, scientific accuracy, and respect for each individual.

If you are unsure about a diagnosis, preparing for surgery, or want to discuss your test results – Dr Yakovenko will help you evaluate your options and move forward with confidence.

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Hocine Lokchiri

General medicine 21 years exp.

Dr. Hocine Lokchiri is a French consultant with over 20 years of experience in General and Emergency Medicine. He works with adults and children, helping patients with urgent symptoms, infections, sudden health changes and everyday medical concerns that require timely evaluation. His background includes clinical practice in France, Switzerland and the United Arab Emirates, which allows him to navigate different healthcare systems and manage a wide range of conditions with confidence. Patients value his calm, structured approach, clear explanations and evidence-based decision-making.

Online consultations with Dr. Lokchiri are suitable for many situations when someone needs quick medical guidance, reassurance or a clear next step. Common reasons for booking include:

  • fever, chills, fatigue and viral symptoms
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  • bronchitis and mild asthma flare-ups
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  • rashes, allergic reactions, redness, insect bites
  • muscle or joint pain, mild injuries, sprains
  • headache, dizziness, migraine symptoms
  • stress-related symptoms, sleep disturbances
  • questions about test results and treatment plans
  • management of chronic conditions in stable phases
Many patients reach out when symptoms appear suddenly and cause concern, when a child becomes unwell unexpectedly, when a rash changes or spreads, or when it’s unclear whether an in-person examination is necessary. His emergency medicine background is particularly valuable online, helping patients understand risk levels, identify warning signs and choose safe next steps.

Some situations are not suitable for online care. If a patient has loss of consciousness, severe chest pain, uncontrolled bleeding, seizures, major trauma or symptoms suggesting a stroke or heart attack, he will advise seeking immediate local emergency services. This improves safety and ensures patients receive the right level of care.

Dr. Lokchiri’s professional training includes:

  • Advanced Trauma Life Support (ATLS)
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  • Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS)
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  • aviation medicine
He is an active member of several professional organisations, including the French Society of Emergency Medicine (SFMU), the French Association for Emergency Physicians (AMUF) and the Swiss Society of Emergency and Rescue Medicine (SGNOR). In consultations, he works with clarity and precision, helping patients understand their symptoms, possible risks and the safest treatment options.
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Svetlana Kolomeeva

Cardiology 18 years exp.

Dr. Svetlana Kolomeeva is a general practitioner and internal medicine doctor providing online consultations for adults. She helps patients manage acute symptoms, chronic conditions, and preventive care. Her clinical focus includes cardiovascular health, hypertension control, and managing symptoms like fatigue, weakness, sleep issues, and overall low energy.

Patients commonly seek her help for:

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  • Respiratory symptoms: colds, flu, sore throat, cough, fever.
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  • Chronic conditions: diabetes, thyroid disorders.
  • Interpretation of lab tests and medical reports, therapy adjustment.
  • Second opinion and decision-making support.
  • Cardiovascular disease prevention and metabolic risk reduction.
  • Long-term follow-up and dynamic health monitoring.

Dr Kolomeeva combines clinical expertise with personalised care. She clearly explains diagnoses, guides patients through symptoms and treatment options, and provides actionable plans. Her consultations are designed not only to address current complaints but also to stabilise chronic conditions and prevent future complications. She supports patients through every stage of care – from first symptoms to ongoing health management.

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Doctor

Anna Biriukova

General medicine 6 years exp.

Dr Anna Biriukova is an internal medicine doctor with clinical experience in cardiology, endocrinology, and gastroenterology. She provides online consultations for adults, offering expert medical support for heart health, hormonal balance, digestive issues, and general internal medicine.

Cardiology – Diagnosis and treatment of:

  • High blood pressure, blood pressure fluctuations, and cardiovascular risk prevention.
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  • EKG interpretation, lipid profile evaluation, cardiovascular risk assessment (heart attack, stroke).
  • Post-COVID-19 cardiac monitoring and care.
Endocrinology – Diabetes, thyroid, metabolism:
  • Diagnosis and management of type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and prediabetes.
  • Individual treatment plans including oral medications and insulin therapy.
  • GLP-1 therapy– modern pharmacological treatment for weight management and diabetes control, including drug selection, monitoring, and safety follow-up.
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Gastroenterology – Digestive health:
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  • Stomach and intestinal conditions: gastritis, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), indigestion.
  • Management of chronic digestive disorders and interpretation of tests (endoscopy, ultrasound, labs).
General internal medicine and preventive care:
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  • Lab test analysis, therapy adjustments, medication management.
  • Adult vaccinations – planning, contraindications assessment.
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Dr Biriukova combines internal medicine with specialist insight, offering clear explanations, personalised treatment plans, and comprehensive care tailored to each patient.
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Frequently Asked Questions

Is a prescription required for CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES?
CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES requires a prescription in Spain. You can check with a doctor online whether this medicine may be appropriate for your situation.
What is the active substance in CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES?
The active ingredient in CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES is mercaptamine. This information helps identify medicines with the same composition but different brand names.
Who manufactures CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES?
CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES is manufactured by Recordati Rare Diseases. Pharmacy brands and packaging may differ depending on the distributor.
Which doctors can assess the use of CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES online?
Doctors such as Family doctors, Psychiatrists, Dermatologists, Cardiologists, Endocrinologists, Gastroenterologists, Pulmonologists, Nephrologists, Rheumatologists, Hematologists, Infectious disease physicians, Allergists, Geriatricians, Paediatricians, Oncologists may assess whether CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES is appropriate, depending on your situation and local regulations. You can book an online consultation to discuss your symptoms and possible next steps.
What are the alternatives to CYSTAGON 50 mg HARD CAPSULES?
Other medicines with the same active substance (mercaptamine) include CYSTAGON 150 mg HARD CAPSULES, PROCYSBI 25 mg HARD GASTRO-RESISTANT CAPSULES, PROCYSBI 75 mg HARD GASTRO-RESISTANT CAPSULES. These may have different brand names or formulations but contain the same therapeutic ingredient. Always consult a doctor before switching or starting a new medicine.
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