Kuvan (Sapropterin)
Purpose of Medication and Method of Action
the first drug approved for the treatment of phenylketonuria (PKU). PKU is caused by a relative deficiency of tetrahydrobiopterin, a cofactor which works with phenylalanine hydrolyase to metabolize phenylalanine. Kuvan, which is given by mouth, is a form of tetrahydrobiopterin and thus increases the metabolism of phenylalanine thus potentially reducing the severe neurological damage which is common with PKU.
Patient Medication Information
These information sheets do not list all known side effects of the medications, only the most common side effects. For a complete list of side effects please contact your local pharmacy or the actual drug manufacturing company