Nitisinone Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Sep 26, 2024.

Applies to nitisinone: oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet.

Serious side effects of nitisinone

Along with its needed effects, nitisinone may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking nitisinone:

Less common side effects

• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blindness
• blood in the urine or stools
• bloody nose
• blurred vision
• burning, dry, or itching eyes
• change in color vision
• chest pain or discomfort
• chills
• cough
• decreased vision
• difficulty seeing at night
• excessive eye tearing
• eye redness, irritation, or pain
• fever
• increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
• painful or difficult urination
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• redness, pain, swelling of the eye, eyelid, or inner lining of the eyelid
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• swollen or painful glands
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness

Rare side effects

• agitation
• back pain
• bluish color of the fingernails, lips, skin, palms, or nail beds
• confusion
• cough with mucus
• difficulty with breathing
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fast heartbeat
• headache
• irritability
• seeing or hearing things that are not there
• seizures
• stiff neck
• tightness in the chest
• vomiting

Other side effects of nitisinone

Some side effects of nitisinone may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Less common side effects

• dry skin
• hair loss or thinning
• itching or skin rash
• red, swollen skin
• scaly skin

Rare side effects

• cold sweats
• cool, pale skin
• depression
• headache
• increased hunger
• nausea
• nightmares
• shakiness
• slurred speech
• stomach pain

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nitisinone: oral capsule, oral suspension, oral tablet.

General adverse events

The more commonly reported side effects have included elevated tyrosine levels, thrombocytopenia, leukopenia, conjunctivitis, corneal opacity, keratitis, photophobia, eye pain, blepharitis, cataracts, granulocytopenia, epistaxis, pruritus, exfoliative dermatitis, dry skin, maculopapular rash, and alopecia.^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Liver failure (7%), porphyria (1%)
• Frequency not reported: Hepatic function disorder, elevated hepatic enzymes, liver enlargement^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Thrombocytopenia (3%), leucopenia (3%), granulocytopenia (1%), epistaxis (1%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Anemia^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Elevated tyrosine levels (10% or greater)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Dehydration, hypoglycemia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Frequency not reported: Seizures, brain tumor, encephalopathy, headache, hyperkinesia, nervousness, somnolence^[Ref]

Ocular

• Common (1% to 10%): Conjunctivitis (2%), corneal opacity (2%), keratitis (2%), photophobia (2%), blepharitis (1%), eye pain (1%), cataracts (1%)^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Hepatic neoplasm (hepatic neoplasm [3.2%]; hepatic neoplasm, malignant [4.4%])
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Benign brain neoplasm; lymphoma, malignant^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Pruritus (1%), exfoliative dermatitis (1%), dry skin (1%), maculopapular rash (1%), alopecia (1%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Abdominal pain, diarrhea, enanthema, gastritis, gastroenteritis, gastrointestinal hemorrhage, melena, tooth discoloration^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Amenorrhea, hematuria^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Frequency not reported: Pathological fracture^[Ref]

Other

• Frequency not reported: Death, cyanosis, thirst, infection, septicemia, otitis^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Frequency not reported: Bronchitis, respiratory insufficiency, cyanosis^[Ref]

Further information

Nitisinone side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer