Ketotifen-Fumarate Explained

Drug

Ketotifen Fumarate

Common brand names:

Zaditen

Pronounced

"key-toe-TIFF-en"

Uses

Ketotifen is used as a long-term (maintenance) treatment in children to prevent or decrease wheezing and troubled breathing caused by allergic-type asthma. It is usually used along with other medications for asthma (including corticosteroids such as prednisone, inhaled beta agonists such as salbutamol). This medication is an antihistamine. It improves breathing by decreasing swelling and inflammation of the airways in the lungs. Controlling symptoms of asthma can increase the ability to exercise/play and decrease time lost from school.

This medication does not work right away and should not be used for sudden attacks of shortness of breath/asthma. Your doctor must prescribe a quick-relief medicine/inhaler (such as salbutamol, albuterol) for sudden shortness of breath/asthma attacks while you are on this medication. You should always have a quick-relief inhaler with you. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for more details.

How to Use This Medication

Take this medication by mouth with or without food as directed by your doctor, usually twice daily. Do not crush or chew the tablets. Doing so may increase side effects.

Dosage is based on your age and response to treatment. Your doctor may start you at a lower dose and slowly adjust the dose to lessen side effects (such as drowsiness). Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same times each day.

Do not stop using this medication or change your dose without consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is suddenly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.

This medication does not work right away. It may take 2 to 3 months for this medication to have an effect. Your doctor may also adjust the dosage of your other asthma medications while you are taking ketotifen. If you are regularly taking corticosteroids (such as prednisone, fluticasone), you should not stop using them, and you should not replace them with ketotifen. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for taking all your medicines.

Prescription prices may vary from pharmacy to pharmacy and are subject to change. The pricing estimates given are based on the most recent information available and may change based on when you actually fill your prescription at the pharmacy.

DISCOUNT ONLY - NOT INSURANCE. Discounts are available exclusively through participating pharmacies. The range of the discounts will vary depending on the type of prescription and the pharmacy chosen. This program does not make payments directly to pharmacies. Members are required to pay for all prescription purchases. Cannot be used in conjunction with insurance. You may contact customer care anytime with questions or concerns, to cancel your registration, or to obtain further information. This program is administered by Medical Security Card Company, LLC, Tucson, AZ.

*Average and up to savings percentages are based on all discounted prescriptions that were run through the WellRx program in 2022. Discount percentages represent savings provided off of pharmacies’ retail prices for consumers who do not have a discount program and pay cash.

The day supply is based upon the average dispensing patterns for the specific drug and strength. The Program, as well as the prices and the list of covered drugs, can be modified at any time without notice.

Ketotifen Fumarate

Drug