In last month’s issue of “The ACB Braille Forum,” you learned that a medication for Non-24 was on its way. So, we thought you'd want to know about the first and only FDA-approved treatment for people with Non-24. It's called HETLIOZ (TM) (tasimelteon), and it's now available by prescription from your doctor.
With Non-24, you experience a constant shift in the times when your body expects to sleep and be awake, creating periods when you may be awake at night and want to sleep during the day. Non-24 is a serious, chronic circadian rhythm disorder that affects up to 70 percent of people who are totally blind.
It may be time to ask your doctor about HETLIOZ.
In clinical studies, HETLIOZ helped many people living with Non-24 sleep at night and stay awake during the day. So, now that there's an FDA-approved treatment for Non-24, it's time to talk with your doctor about your symptoms and determine if HETLIOZ is the right treatment for you.
The most common side effects associated with HETLIOZ include headache, elevated liver enzymes, nightmares or abnormal dreams, and upper respiratory or urinary tract infection. These side effects may occur more frequently in patients 65 years of age or older.
HETLIOZSolutions™ was created to support people with Non-24 who are totally blind.
For help with questions you may have about insurance or financial support, as well as starting HETLIOZ™, we created HETLIOZSolutions™. Care coordinators are available to talk about Non-24 or HETLIOZ™ Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Eastern time. Call 1-844-HETLIOZ (1-844-438-5469).
For help with talking to your doctor about Non-24 and HETLIOZ, we've posted three accessible PDFs to the web site, AboutHETLIOZ.com, for you to download and bring with you to your next doctor's appointment.
The first PDF can help you get the conversation with your doctor started. At AboutHETLIOZ.com, you'll find a downloadable Doctor Discussion Guide you can use to help describe your Non-24 symptoms to your physician. It can also help you discuss treatment with HETLIOZ. Review the guide and send it to your smartphone or notetaker, or print it out, and bring it to share with your doctor at your next appointment.
The second PDF can help you get your medication delivered. Because HETLIOZ is not available at retail pharmacies, there is a special process that you and your doctor will need to follow to have HETLIOZ delivered to you. Once you have been diagnosed, and your doctor has determined HETLIOZ is right for you, you and your healthcare professional will need to fill out and sign the HETLIOZSolutions Prescription and Service Request Form, also found at AboutHETLIOZ.com.
And because your doctor may need more information, there's a third PDF for that, too. The last PDF is the Doctor's Guide to HETLIOZ. It's been written specifically for doctors and covers the science behind a circadian rhythm disorder and Non-24, as well as information about the safety and effectiveness of HETLIOZ. This PDF can be helpful if your doctor isn't familiar with Non-24 or HETLIOZ. So, be sure to share the information with your doctor.
If your doctor still has questions about Non-24 and HETLIOZ, it may be helpful to refer him or her to HETLIOZPRO.com, where we explain Non-24 and how HETLIOZ can help.
If you have any questions, just give us a call. We're here to help. So, call HETLIOZSolutions at 1-844-HETLIOZ (1-844-438-5469).
Here's some Important Safety Information about HETLIOZ™.
HETLIOZ is a prescription medication used to treat Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Disorder (Non-24). It may cause drowsiness. After taking it, limit your activity to preparing for bed. HETLIOZ can potentially impair your ability to perform activities that require complete mental alertness.
The most common side effects associated with HETLIOZ include headache, elevated liver enzymes, nightmares or abnormal dreams, and upper respiratory or urinary tract infection. These side effects may occur more frequently in patients 65 years of age or older.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of the medicines you're taking. HETLIOZ should not be taken in combination with fluvoxamine or rifampin.
Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions, including whether you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. HETLIOZ has not been studied in pregnant women. HETLIOZ should be used during pregnancy only if the potential benefit justifies the potential risks.
HETLIOZ has not been studied in children, and it is not recommended for use in patients with severe liver problems.
You are encouraged to report side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, call 1-800-FDA-1088, or report by fax at 1-800-FDA-0178.
For more information, ask your doctor or call 1-844-HETLIOZ (1-844-438-5469). To hear the full prescribing information, go to HETLIOZ.com.