Pheburane

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ANNEX I 
SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS 



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1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
PHEBURANE 483 mg/g granules 
 
 
2. QUALITATIVE AND QUANTITATIVE COMPOSITION 
 
Each gram of granules contains 483 mg of sodium phenylbutyrate. 
 
Excipient(s) with known effect:  
 
Each gram of sodium phenylbutyrate contains 124 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium and 768 mg of sucrose. 
 
For the full list of excipients, see section 6.1. 
 
 
3. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM 
 
Granules. 
White to off-white granules. 
 
 
4. CLINICAL PARTICULARS 
 
4.1 Therapeutic indications 
 
PHEBURANE is indicated as adjunctive therapy in the chronic management of urea cycle disorders, 
involving deficiencies of carbamylphosphate synthetase, ornithine transcarbamylase or 
argininosuccinate synthetase. 
 
It is indicated in all patients with neonatal-onset disease (complete enzyme deficiencies, presenting 
within the first 28 days of life). It is also indicated in patients with late-onset disease (partial enzyme 
deficiencies, presenting after the first month of life) who have a history of hyperammonaemic 
encephalopathy. 
 
4.2 Posology and method of administration 
 
PHEBURANE treatment should be supervised by a physician experienced in the treatment of urea 
cycle disorders. 
 
Posology 
The daily dose should be individually adjusted according to the patient’s protein tolerance and the 
daily dietary protein intake needed to promote growth and development. 
 
The usual total daily dose of sodium phenylbutyrate in clinical experience is: 
• 450 - 600 mg/kg/day in neonates, infants and children weighing less than 20 kg 
• 9.9 - 13.0 g/m2/day in children weighing more than 20 kg, adolescents and adults. 
 
The safety and efficacy of doses in excess of 20 g/day have not been established. 
 
Therapeutic monitoring  
Plasma levels of ammonia, arginine, essential amino acids (especially branched chain amino acids), 
carnitine and serum proteins should be maintained within normal limits. Plasma glutamine should be 
maintained at levels less than 1,000 μmol/L. 



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Nutritional management  
PHEBURANE must be combined with dietary protein restriction and, in some cases, essential amino 
acid and carnitine supplementation. 
Citrulline or arginine supplementation is required for patients diagnosed with neonatal-onset form of 
carbamyl phosphate synthetase or ornithine transcarbamylase deficiency at a dose of 0.17 g/kg/day 
or 3.8 g/m2/day. 
 
Arginine supplementation is required for patients diagnosed with deficiency of argininosuccinate 
synthetase at a dose of 0.4 - 0.7 g/kg/day or 8.8 - 15.4 g/m2/day. 
 
If caloric supplementation is indicated, a protein-free product is recommended. 
 
Special populations 
Renal and hepatic impairment 
Since the metabolism and excretion of sodium phenylbutyrate involves the liver and kidneys, 
PHEBURANE should be used with caution in patients with hepatic or renal insufficiency. 
 
Method of administration 
PHEBURANE should be administered orally. Because of its slow dissolution, PHEBURANE should 
not be administered by nasogastric or gastrostomy tubes. 
 
The total daily dose should be divided into equal amounts and given with each meal or feeding (e.g. 
4-6 times per day in small children). The granules can be directly swallowed with a drink (water, 
fruit juices, protein-free infant formulas) or sprinkled on to a spoonful of solid foods (mashed 
potatoes or apple sauce); in this case, it is important that it is taken immediately in order to preserve 
the taste-masking. 
 
A calibrated dosing spoon is provided which dispenses up to 3g of sodium phenylbutyrate by 
graduation of 250 mg. 
 
4.3 Contraindications 
 

• Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1. 
• Pregnancy. 
• Breast-feeding. 

 
4.4 Special warnings and precautions for use 
 
Content of clinically important electrolytes 

• PHEBURANE contains 124 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium per gram of sodium phenylbutyrate, 
corresponding to 2.5 g (108 mmol) of sodium per 20 g of sodium phenylbutyrate, which is 
the maximum daily dose. PHEBURANE should therefore be used with caution in patients 
with congestive heart failure or severe renal insufficiency, and in clinical conditions where 
there is sodium retention with oedema. 

• Serum potassium should be monitored during therapy since renal excretion of 
phenylacetylglutamine may induce a urinary loss of potassium. 

 
General considerations 

• Even on therapy, acute hyperammonaemic encephalopathy may occur in a number of 
patients. 

• PHEBURANE is not recommended for the management of acute hyperammonaemia, which 
is a medical emergency. 

 



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Excipients with known effect 
• This medicinal product contains 124 mg sodium per gram, equivalent to 6.2% of the WHO 

recommended maximum daily intake for sodium. 
The maximum daily dose of this medicinal product is equivalent to 125% of the WHO 
recommended maximum daily intake for sodium. 

• PHEBURANE is considered high in sodium. This should be particularly taken into account 
for those on a low salt diet.  

 
• This medicinal product contains 768 mg sucrose per gram. This should be taken into account 

in patients with diabetes mellitus. Patients with rare hereditary problems of fructose 
intolerance, glucose-galactose malabsorption or sucrase-isomaltase insufficiency should not 
take this medicinal product. 

 
4.5 Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction 
 
Concurrent administration of probenecid may affect renal excretion of the conjugation product of 
sodium phenylbutyrate. There have been published reports of hyperammonaemia being induced by 
haloperidol and by valproate. Corticosteroids may cause the breakdown of body protein and thus 
increase plasma ammonia levels. More frequent monitoring of plasma ammonia levels is advised 
when these medicinal products have to be used. 
 
4.6 Fertility, pregnancy and lactation 
Women of childbearing potential/Contraception in males and females 
Effective contraceptive measures must be taken by women of child-bearing potential. 
 
Pregnancy 
There are no or limited amount of data from the use of sodium phenylbutyrate in pregnant women. 
Studies in animals have shown reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). 
Pheburane is contra-indicated during pregnancy (see section 4.3). Women of childbearing potential 
must use effective contraception during treatment. 
 
Breast-feeding 
Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of sodium 
phenylbutyrate/metabolites in milk (see section 5.3). It is unknown whether sodium 
phenylbutyrate/metabolites are excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be 
excluded. Pheburane is contra-indicated during breast-feeding (see section 4.3). 
 
Fertility 
There is no evidence available on the effect of sodium phenylbutyrate on fertility. 
 
4.7 Effects on ability to drive and use machines 
 
PHEBURANE has negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines. 
 
4.8 Undesirable effects 
 
Summary of safety profile 
In clinical trials with sodium phenylbutyrate, 56 % of the patients experienced at least one adverse 
event and 78 % of these adverse events were considered as not related to sodium phenylbutyrate. 
Adverse reactions mainly involved the reproductive and gastrointestinal system. 
 
Tabulated list of adverse reactions 
In the table below all adverse reactions are listed below, by system organ class and by frequency. 
Frequency is defined as very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1,000 to 



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<1/100), rare (≥1/10,000 to <1/1,000), very rare (<1/10,000), not known (cannot be estimated from 
the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of 
decreasing seriousness. 
 

System Organ Class Frequency Adverse reaction 

Blood and lymphatic system 
disorders 

Common anaemia, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, leukocytosis, thrombocytosis 
Uncommon aplastic anaemia, ecchymosis 

Metabolism and nutrition 
disorders Common metabolic acidosis, alkalosis, decreased appetite 

Psychiatric disorders Common depression, irritability 
Nervous system disorders Common syncope, headache 

Cardiac disorders Common oedema Uncommon arrhythmia 

Gastrointestinal disorders 
Common abdominal pain, vomiting, nausea, constipation, dysgeusia 

Uncommon pancreatitis, peptic ulcer, rectal haemorrhage, gastritis 
Skin and subcutaneous tissue 

disorders Common rash, abnormal skin odor 

Renal and urinary disorders Common renal tubular acidosis 
Reproductive system and 

breast disorders Very common amenorrhea, irregular menstruation 

Investigations Common 

Decreased blood potassium, albumin, total 
protein and phosphate. Increased blood alkaline 
phosphatase, transaminases, bilirubin, uric acid, 

chloride, phosphate and sodium. Increased 
weight 

 
Description of selected adverse reactions 
A probable case of toxic reaction to sodium phenylbutyrate (450 mg/kg/d) was reported in an 18-
year old anorectic female patient who developed a metabolic encephalopathy associated with lactic 
acidosis, severe hypokalaemia, pancytopaenia, peripheral neuropathy, and pancreatitis. She 
recovered following dose reduction except for recurrent pancreatitis episodes that eventually 
prompted treatment discontinuation. 
 
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions 
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It 
allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare 
professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the national reporting system 
listed in Appendix V. 
 
4.9 Overdose 
 
One case of overdose occurred in a 5-month old infant with an accidental single dose of 10 g 
(1370 mg/kg). The patient developed diarrhea, irritability and metabolic acidosis with hypokalaemia. 
The patient recovered within 48 hours after symptomatic treatment. 
These symptoms are consistent with the accumulation of phenylacetate, which showed dose-limiting 
neurotoxicity when administered intravenously at doses up to 400 mg/kg/day. Manifestations of 
neurotoxicity were predominantly somnolence, fatigue and light-headedness. Less frequent 
manifestations were confusion, headache, dysgeusia, hypoacusis, disorientation, impaired memory 
and exacerbation of a pre-existing neuropathy. 
 



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In the event of an overdose, the treatment should be discontinued and supportive measures be 
instituted. Haemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis may be beneficial.  
 
 
5. PHARMACOLOGICAL PROPERTIES 
 
5.1 Pharmacodynamic properties 
 
Pharmacotherapeutic group: Other alimentary tract and metabolism products, various alimentary 
tract and metabolism products, ATC code: A16AX03. 
 
Mechanism of action and pharmacodynamic effects 
Sodium phenylbutyrate is a pro-drug and is rapidly metabolised to phenylacetate. Phenylacetate is a 
metabolically active compound that conjugates with glutamine via acetylation to form 
phenylacetylglutamine which is then excreted by the kidneys. On a molar basis, 
phenylacetylglutamine is comparable to urea (each containing 2 moles of nitrogen) and therefore 
provides an alternate vehicle for waste nitrogen excretion.  
 
Clinical efficacy and safety 
Based on studies of phenylacetylglutamine excretion in patients with urea cycle disorders it is 
possible to estimate that, for each gram of sodium phenylbutyrate administered, between 0.12 and 
0.15 g of phenylacetylglutamine nitrogen are produced. As a consequence, sodium phenylbutyrate 
reduces elevated plasma ammonia and glutamine levels in patients with urea cycle disorders. It is 
important that the diagnosis is made early and treatment is initiated immediately to improve the 
survival and the clinical outcome. 
 
In late-onset deficiency patients, including females heterozygous for ornithine transcarbamylase 
deficiency, who recovered from hyperammonaemic encephalopathy and were then treated 
chronically with dietary protein restriction and sodium phenylbutyrate, the survival rate was 98 %. 
The majority of the patients who were tested had an IQ in the average to low average/borderline 
mentally retarded range. Their cognitive performance remained relatively stable during 
phenylbutyrate therapy. Reversal of pre-existing neurologic impairment is not likely to occur with 
treatment, and neurologic deterioration may continue in some patients. 
 
PHEBURANE may be required life-long unless orthotropic liver transplantation is elected. 
 
Paediatric population 
Previously, neonatal-onset presentation of urea cycle disorders was almost universally fatal within 
the first year of life, even when treated with peritoneal dialysis and essential amino acids or their 
nitrogen-free analogues. With haemodialysis, use of alternative waste nitrogen excretion pathways 
(sodium phenylbutyrate, sodium benzoate and sodium phenylacetate), dietary protein restriction, 
and, in some cases, essential amino acid supplementation, the survival rate in newborns diagnosed 
after birth (but within the first month of life) increased to almost 80 % with most deaths occurring 
during an episode of acute hyperammonaemic encephalopathy. Patients with neonatal-onset disease 
had a high incidence of mental retardation. 
 
In patients diagnosed during gestation and treated prior to any episode of hyperammonaemic 
encephalopathy, survival was 100 %, but even in these patients, many subsequently demonstrated 
cognitive impairment or other neurologic deficits. 
 
5.2 Pharmacokinetic properties 
 
Phenylbutyrate is known to be oxidised to phenylacetate which is enzymatically conjugated with 
glutamine to form phenylacetylglutamine in the liver and kidney. Phenylacetate is also hydrolysed 
by esterases in liver and blood. 



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Plasma and urine concentrations of phenylbutyrate and its metabolites have been obtained from 
fasting normal adults who received a single dose of 5 g of sodium phenylbutyrate and from patients 
with urea cycle disorders, haemoglobinopathies and cirrhosis receiving single and repeated oral 
doses up to 20 g/day (uncontrolled studies). The disposition of phenylbutyrate and its metabolites has 
also been studied in cancer patients following intravenous infusion of sodium phenylbutyrate (up to 
2 g/m²) or phenylacetate. 
 
Absorption 
Phenylbutyrate is rapidly absorbed under fasting conditions. After a single oral dose of 5 g of sodium 
phenylbutyrate, in the form of granules, measurable plasma levels of phenylbutyrate were detected 
15 minutes after dosing. The mean time to peak concentration was 1 hour and the mean peak 
concentration 195 μg/ml. The elimination half-life was estimated to be 0.8 hours. 
The effect of food on absorption is unknown. 
 
Distribution 
The volume of distribution of phenylbutyrate is 0.2 l/kg. 
 
Biotransformation 
After a single dose of 5 g of sodium phenylbutyrate, in the form of granules, measurable plasma 
levels of phenylacetate and phenylacetylglutamine were detected 30 and 60 minutes respectively 
after dosing. The mean time to peak concentration was 3.55 and 3.23 hours, respectively, and the 
mean peak concentration was 45.3 and 62.8 μg/ml, respectively. The elimination half-life was 
estimated to be 1.3 and 2.4 hours, respectively. 
 
Studies with high intravenous doses of phenylacetate showed non-linear pharmacokinetics 
characterised by saturable metabolism to phenylacetylglutamine. Repeated dosing with 
phenylacetate showed evidence of an induction of clearance. 
 
In the majority of patients with urea cycle disorders or haemoglobinopathies receiving various doses 
of phenylbutyrate (300 - 650 mg/kg/day up to 20 g/day) no plasma level of phenylacetate could be 
detected after overnight fasting. In patients with impaired hepatic function the conversion of 
phenylacetate to phenylacetylglutamine may be relatively slower. Three cirrhotic patients (out of 6) 
who received repeated oral administration of sodium phenylbutyrate (20 g/day in three doses) 
showed sustained plasma levels of phenylacetate on the third day that were five times higher than 
those achieved after the first dose. 
 
In normal volunteers gender differences were found in the pharmacokinetic parameters of 
phenylbutyrate and phenylacetate (AUC and Cmax about 30 - 50 % greater in females), but not 
phenylacetylglutamine. This may be due to the lipophilicity of sodium phenylbutyrate and 
consequent differences in volume of distribution. 
 
Excretion 
Approximately 80 - 100 % of the medicinal product is excreted by the kidneys within 24 hours as the 
conjugated product, phenylacetylglutamine. 
 
5.3 Preclinical safety data 
 
Prenatal exposure of rat pups to phenylacetate (the active metabolite of phenylbutyrate) produced 
lesions in cortical pyramidal cells; dendritic spines were longer and thinner than normal and reduced 
in number (see section 4.6).  
 
When high doses of phenylacetate (190 - 474 mg/kg) were given subcutaneously to rat pups, 
decreased proliferation and increased loss of neurons were observed, as well as a reduction in CNS 



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myelin. Cerebral synapse maturation was retarded and the number of functioning nerve terminals in 
the cerebrum was reduced, which resulted in impaired brain growth. (see section 4.6). 
 
Sodium phenylbutyrate was negative in 2 mutagenicity tests, i.e. the Ames test and the micronucleus 
test. Results indicate that sodium phenylbutyrate did not induce any mutagenic effects in the Ames 
test with or without metabolic activation. Micronucleus test results indicate that sodium 
phenylbutyrate was considered not to have produced any clastogenic effect in rats treated at toxic or 
non-toxic dose levels (examined 24 and 48 hours after a single oral administration of 878 to 
2800 mg/kg). 
 
Carcinogenicity and fertility studies have not been conducted with sodium phenylbutyrate. 
 
 
6. PHARMACEUTICAL PARTICULARS 
 
6.1 List of excipients 
 
sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch),  
hypromellose,  
ethylcellulose N7,  
macrogol 1500,  
povidone K25. 
 
6.2 Incompatibilities 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.3 Shelf life 
 
3 years. 
After the first opening, to be used within 45 days. 
 
6.4 Special precautions for storage 
 
Not applicable. 
 
6.5 Nature and contents of container  
 
HDPE bottle, child-resistant closure with desiccant, containing 174 g of granules. 
Each carton contains one bottle. 
 
A calibrated measuring spoon is provided. 
 
6.6 Special precautions for disposal and other handling 
 
In case of mixture of the granules with solid foods or liquid it is important that it is taken 
immediately after mixing. 
 
Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local 
requirements. 
 
 
7. MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eurocept International BV 



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Trapgans 5 
1244 RL Ankeveen 
The Netherlands 
 
 
8. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/13/822/001 
 
 
9. DATE OF FIRST AUTHORISATION/RENEWAL OF THE AUTHORISATION 
 
Date of first authorisation: 31 July 2013 
Date of latest renewal: 23 March 2018 
 
 
10. DATE OF REVISION OF THE TEXT 
 
 
Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the website of the European 
Medicines Agency http://www.ema.europa.eu. 



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ANNEX II 

 

A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE  

B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 

C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 
AUTHORISATION 

D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 
EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 

 



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A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE 
 
Name and address of the manufacturer(s) responsible for batch release 
Lucane Pharma 
172 rue de Charonne 
75011 Paris 
France 
 
Eurocept International BV 
Trapgans 5 
1244 RL Ankeveen 
The Netherlands 
 
 
B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE 
 
Medicinal product subject to restricted medical prescription. (see Annex I: Summary of Product 
Characteristics, section 4.2). 
 
 
C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING 

AUTHORISATION  
 
• Periodic safety update reports  
 
The requirements for submission of periodic safety update reports for this medicinal product are 
set out in the list of Union reference dates (EURD list) provided for under Article 107c(7) of 
Directive 2001/83/EC and any subsequent updates published on the European medicines web-
portal. 
 
 
D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND 

EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
• Risk Management Plan (RMP) 
 
Not applicable. 



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ANNEX III 
 

LABELLING AND PACKAGE LEAFLET 



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A. LABELLING 



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PARTICULARS TO APPEAR ON THE OUTER PACKAGING AND THE IMMEDIATE 
PACKAGING 
 
CARTON AND BOTTLE LABEL 
 
 
1. NAME OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT 
 
PHEBURANE 483 mg/g granules 
sodium phenylbutyrate 
 
 
2. STATEMENT OF ACTIVE SUBSTANCE(S) 
 
Each gram of granules contains 483 mg of sodium phenylbutyrate 
 
 
3. LIST OF EXCIPIENTS 
 
Contains sodium and sucrose. 
See package leaflet for further information. 
 
 
4. PHARMACEUTICAL FORM AND CONTENTS 
 
Granules. 
Carton: One bottle with 174 g granules. 
Bottle: 174 g granules.  
 
 
5. METHOD AND ROUTE(S) OF ADMINISTRATION 
 
Read the package leaflet before use.  
Oral use. 
Only use the calibrated measuring spoon provided. 

 
 
6. SPECIAL WARNING THAT THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT MUST BE STORED 
OUT OF THE SIGHT AND REACH OF CHILDREN 
 
Keep out of the sight and reach of children. 



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7. OTHER SPECIAL WARNING(S), IF NECESSARY 
 
 
8. EXPIRY DATE 
 
EXP 
After the first opening, to be used within 45 days. 
 
 
9. SPECIAL STORAGE CONDITIONS 
 
 
10. SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS FOR DISPOSAL OF UNUSED MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS OR WASTE MATERIALS DERIVED FROM SUCH MEDICINAL 
PRODUCTS, IF APPROPRIATE 
 
 
11. NAME AND ADDRESS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION HOLDER 
 
Eurocept International BV (Lucane Pharma) 
Trapgans 5 
1244 RL Ankeveen 
The Netherlands 
 
 
12. MARKETING AUTHORISATION NUMBER(S) 
 
EU/1/13/822/001 
 
 
13. BATCH NUMBER 
 
Batch 
 
 
14. GENERAL CLASSIFICATION FOR SUPPLY 
 
 
15. INSTRUCTIONS ON USE 
 
 
16. INFORMATION IN BRAILLE 
 
PHEBURANE 483 mg/g {For carton only} 
 
 
17. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER – 2D BARCODE 
 
2D barcode carrying the unique identifier included. 
 



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18. UNIQUE IDENTIFIER - HUMAN READABLE DATA 
 
PC:  
SN:  
NN:  
 
 



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B. PACKAGE LEAFLET 



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Package leaflet: Information for the patient 

 
PHEBURANE 483 mg/g granules 

Sodium phenylbutyrate 
 

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. 
 

What is in this leaflet: 
 
1. What PHEBURANE is and what it is used for 
2. What you need to know before you take PHEBURANE 
3. How to take PHEBURANE 
4. Possible side effects 
5. How to store PHEBURANE 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
 
1. What PHEBURANE is and what it is used for 
 
PHEBURANE contains the active substance sodium phenylbutyrate which is used to treat patients of 
all ages with urea cycle disorders. These rare disorders are due to a deficiency of certain liver 
enzymes which are necessary to eliminate waste nitrogen in the form of ammonia. 
 
Nitrogen is a building block of proteins, which are an essential part of the food we eat. As the body 
breaks down protein after eating, waste nitrogen, in the form of ammonia, accumulates because the 
body cannot eliminate it. Ammonia is especially toxic for the brain and leads, in severe cases, to 
reduced levels of consciousness and to coma. 
 
PHEBURANE helps the body to eliminate waste nitrogen, reducing the amount of ammonia in your 
body. However PHEBURANE must be used along with a diet reduced in proteins, designed 
especially for you by the doctor and the dietician. You must follow this diet carefully. 
 
2. What you need to know before you take PHEBURANE 
 
Do not take PHEBURANE if you: 
• are allergic to sodium phenylbutyrate or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed 

in section 6). 
• are pregnant. 
• are breast-feeding. 
 
Warnings and precautions 
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist before taking PHEBURANE if you: 
• suffer from congestive heart failure (a type of heart disease where the heart cannot pump 

enough blood around the body) or a decrease in your kidney function. 
• have decreased kidney or liver function, since PHEBURANE is eliminated from the body 

through the kidney and liver. 



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PHEBURANE will not prevent the occurrence of an acute excess of ammonia in the blood, a 
condition which usually constitutes a medical emergency. If this happens you will develop 
symptoms such as feeling sick (nausea), being sick (vomiting), confusion and will need to get urgent 
medical help. 
 
If you need laboratory tests, it is important to remind your doctor that you are taking PHEBURANE, 
since sodium phenylbutyrate may interfere with certain laboratory test results (such as blood 
electrolytes or protein, or liver function tests) 
 
In case of any doubt, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
Other medicines and PHEBURANE 
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other 
medicines. 
 
It is especially important to tell your doctor if you are taking medicines containing: 
• valproate (an antiepileptic medicine), 
• haloperidol (used in certain psychotic disorders), 
• corticosteroids (medicines that are used to provide relief for inflamed areas of the body), 
• probenecid (for treatment of hyperuricaemia, high levels of uric acid in the blood, associated 

with gout) 
 
These medicines may change the effect of PHEBURANE and you will need more frequent blood 
tests. If you are uncertain if your medicines contain these substances, you should check with your 
doctor or pharmacist. 
 
Pregnancy and breast-feeding 
Do not use PHEBURANE if you are pregnant, because this medicine can harm your unborn baby.  
 
If you are a woman who could get pregnant, you must use reliable contraception, during 
treatment with PHEBURANE. Talk to your doctor for the details. 
 
Do not use PHEBURANE if you are breast-feeding, because this medicine can pass into the breast 
milk and may harm your baby. 
 
Driving and using machines 
PHEBURANE is unlikely to affect your ability to drive and use machines. 
 
PHEBURANE contains sodium and sucrose 
This medicine contains 124 mg (5.4 mmol) of sodium per 1 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. Talk to your 
doctor or pharmacist if you need 3 or more grams daily for a prolonged period, especially if you have 
been advised to follow a low salt (sodium) diet.  
 
This medicine contains 768 mg of sucrose per 1 g of sodium phenylbutyrate. This should be taken 
into account if you have diabetes mellitus. If you have been told by your doctor that you have an 
intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before taking this medicine.  
 
 
3. How to take PHEBURANE 
 
Always take this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist 
if you are not sure. 
 
Dosage 



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The daily dose of PHEBURANE will be based on your body weight or body surface and adjusted 
according to your protein tolerance and diet. You will need regular blood tests to determine the 
correct daily dose. Your doctor will tell you the amount of granules you should take. 
 
Method of administration 
You should take PHEBURANE by mouth. Because it dissolves slowly, PHEBURANE should not be 
administered through a gastrostomy (tube that goes through the abdomen to the stomach) or through 
a nasogastric tube (tube that goes through the nose to the stomach). 
 
PHEBURANE must be taken with a special diet reduced in protein. 
 
You should take PHEBURANE with each meal or feeding. In small children this can be 4 to 6 times 
per day. 
 
A calibrating measuring spoon which dispenses up to 3 g of sodium phenylbutyrate is provided with 
the medicine. Only use this measuring spoon to measure out the dose. 
 
To measure the dose: 
• Lines on the spoon indicate the amount (in gram of sodium phenylbutyrate). Take the correct 

amount as prescribed by your doctor. 
• Pour granules directly into the spoon as shown by the picture (on the outer carton and at the 

end of/page 2 of this leaflet) 
• Tap the spoon once on a table to give a horizontal level of granules and continue filling if 

necessary 
 
 
The granules can be directly swallowed with a drink (water, fruit juices, protein-free infant formulas) 
or sprinkled on to a spoonful of solid foods (mashed potatoes or apple sauce). If you mix them with 
food, it is important that you take it immediately. This will keep the granules from producing any 
taste. 
 
You will need to take this medicine and to follow a diet throughout your life. 
 
If you take more PHEBURANE than you should 
Patients who have taken very high doses of sodium phenylbutyrate experienced: 
• sleepiness, tiredness, light-headedness and less frequently confusion, 
• headache, 
• changes in taste (taste disturbances), 
• decrease in hearing, 
• disorientation, 
• impaired memory, 
• worsening of existing neurological conditions. 
 
If you experience any of these symptoms, you should immediately contact your doctor or the nearest 
hospital emergency department for supportive treatment. 
 
If you forget to take PHEBURANE 
You should take a dose as soon as possible with your next meal. Make sure that there are at least 
3 hours between two doses. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose. 
 
If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or pharmacist. 
 
 
4. Possible side effects 



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Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. 
 
If persistent vomiting occurs, you should contact your doctor immediately. 
 
Very common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): irregular menstrual periods and 
stopping of menstrual periods in fertile women. 
If you are sexually active and your period stops altogether, do not assume that this is caused by 
PHEBURANE. If this occurs, please discuss it with your doctor, because the absence of your period 
may be caused by pregnancy (see ‘Pregnancy and breast-feeding’ section above) or by menopause.  
 
Common side effects (may affect more than 1 in 100 people): changes in number of blood cells (red 
cells, white cells and platelets), changes in the amount of bicarbonate in the blood, reduced appetite, 
depression, irritability, headache, fainting, fluid retention (swelling), changes in taste (taste 
disturbances), stomach ache, vomiting, nausea, constipation, abnormal skin odor, rash, abnormal 
kidney function, weight gain, altered laboratory test values. 
 
Uncommon side effects (may affect more than 1 in 1,000 people): deficiency in red blood cells due 
to failure of the bone marrow, bruising, altered heart rhythm, rectal bleeding, inflammation of the 
stomach, stomach ulcer, inflammation of the pancreas. 
 
Reporting of side effects 
If you get 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 via 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. How to store PHEBURANE 
 
Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. 
 
Do not use PHEBURANE after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the bottle label after 
EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. 
 
After the first opening, PHEBURANE can be used within 45 days. 
 
Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to 
throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 
 
 
6. Contents of the pack and other information 
 
What PHEBURANE contains 
The active substance is sodium phenylbutyrate. 
Each gram of granules contains 483 mg of sodium phenylbutyrate. 
The other ingredients are: sugar spheres (sucrose and maize starch, see section 2 ‘PHEBURANE 
contains sucrose), hypromellose, ethylcellulose N7, macrogol 1500, povidone K25. 
 
What PHEBURANE looks like and contents of the pack 
PHEBURANE granules are white to off-white. 
 
The granules are packaged in a plastic bottle with child-resistant closure and a dessicant.  
Each bottle contains 174g of granules. 



22 

Each carton contains 1 bottle. 
 
A calibrating measuring spoon is provided. 
 
Marketing Authorisation Holder  
Eurocept International BV 
Trapgans 5 
1244 RL Ankeveen 
The Netherlands 
 
Manufacturer 
Lucane Pharma 
172 rue de Charonne  
75011 Paris 
France 
 
Eurocept International BV 
Trapgans 5 
1244 RL Ankeveen 
The Netherlands 
 
For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing 
Authorisation Holder: 
 
België/Belgique/Belgien 
Lucane Pharma 
Tél/Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

 

Lietuva  
FrostPharma AB 
Tel: +46 775 86 80 02 
info@frostpharma.com 
 

България 
Lucane Pharma 
Teл.: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Luxembourg/Luxemburg 
Lucane Pharma 
Tél/Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Česká republika 
Lucane Pharma 
Tél/Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Magyarország 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Danmark 
FrostPharma AB 
Tlf: +45 808 20 101 
info@frostpharma.com 
 

Malta 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Deutschland 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Nederland 
Eurocept International BV 
Tel: +31 35 528 39 57 
info@eurocept.nl 

Eesti 
FrostPharma AB 
Tel: +46 775 86 80 02 

Norge 
FrostPharma AB 
Tlf: +47 815 03 175 



23 

info@frostpharma.com 
 

info@frostpharma.com 

Ελλάδα 
Lucane Pharma 
Τηλ: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Österreich 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

España 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Polska 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

France 
Lucane Pharma 
Tél: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Portugal 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Hrvatska 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

România 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Ireland 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Slovenija 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Ísland 
Lucane Pharma 
Sími: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Slovenská republika 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Italia 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 

Suomi/Finland 
FrostPharma AB 
Puh/Tel: +35 875 32 51 209 
info@frostpharma.com 
 

Κύπρος 
Lucane Pharma 
Τηλ: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

Sverige 
FrostPharma AB  
Tel: +46 775 86 80 02 
info@medicalneed.com 

Latvija 
FrostPharma AB 
Tel: +46 775 86 80 02 
info@frostpharma.com 

United Kingdom 
Lucane Pharma 
Tel: + 33 153 868 750 
info@lucanepharma.com 
 

  
 
This leaflet was last revised in:  



24 

 
Detailed information on this medicine is available on the European Medicines Agency web site: 
http://www.ema.europa.eu. 
 
There are also links to other websites about rare diseases and treatments. 
 

 
 


	SUMMARY OF PRODUCT CHARACTERISTICS
	A. MANUFACTURER(S) RESPONSIBLE FOR BATCH RELEASE
	B. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS REGARDING SUPPLY AND USE
	C. OTHER CONDITIONS AND REQUIREMENTS OF THE MARKETING AUTHORISATION 
	D. CONDITIONS OR RESTRICTIONS WITH REGARD TO THE SAFE AND EFFECTIVE USE OF THE MEDICINAL PRODUCT
	A. LABELLING
	B. PACKAGE LEAFLET