Medication Information Leaflet

What is this medication for?

Tafamidis is used in the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. This is a protein disorder in which clumps of abnormal protein are produced by your liver and build up in the heart. This causes your heart muscles to stiffen, making it harder for your heart to pump blood around your body.

This medication works by stabilising these abnormal proteins to slow down the build-up of these deposits. By doing so, it can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of hospitalisations related to heart problems.

How should I take/use this medication?

• Do not stop taking your medication without checking with your healthcare professional.
• You may take this medication with or without food. Do not crush or chew the capsule.

What should I do if I forget to take/use this medication?

If you forget to take a dose, take it as soon as you remember. Then take your next dose at the usual time. If it is within 6 hours before your next dose, skip the dose you missed and take your next dose when you are meant to. Do not take two doses to make up for the missed dose.

What precautions should I take?

• As Tafamidis exists under two different brand names (Vyndaqel^®, Vyndamax^®), you should not switch between the two brands unless this is instructed by your doctor.

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies
• You have liver problems

What are some common side-effects of this medication?

Consult your healthcare professional if any of the side effects becomes severe and bothersome.

Common side effects of Tafamidis may include:

• Diarrhoea

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately?

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

What food or medication should I avoid when I take this medication?

Speak to your pharmacist regarding any other medications (including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies) that you are currently taking and any changes to your medications.

Consult your healthcare professional if you are unsure whether your existing medications can be taken together with this medication.

How should I store this medication?

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How should I throw away this medication safely?

Pack this medication into a black trash bag and seal it tightly before throwing it into the rubbish chute or bin.

Disclaimers

Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.

If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.

This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.

Last updated on May 2023