Please ensure JavaScript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility Talking With Your Family About Genetic OTC Deficiency

Getting the conversation started

Since OTC-D is a genetic condition, it’s important to share your OTC-D diagnosis along with information on signs and symptoms with others in your family. You may have family members interested in genetic testing as well, especially if they experience symptoms themselves. Use the information and resources below to help get started.

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Create your Family Map

Use the Family Map to help identify all the females
on your maternal side who may be at risk for OTC-D.

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When I talked to my family about being tested, the initial thought was they were a little bit hesitant. Especially my mom. And I think, for her, it was because she didn’t want to think that she might have passed this on to me.”

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Roleplay with a friend or family member

You may be nervous about having these conversations with certain family members, and it never hurts to practice! Grab a friend and a cup of coffee and go through these example conversation starters to help get used to and overcome resistance when talking about OTC-D.

Conversation starters

  • Scenario: Your sister tells you she is thinking about starting a family soon.

    Response: "Congratulations, that’s so exciting! You would make a great mom! Now that you are considering having kids, it’s a good time to speak with your doctor about testing for OTC-D. Since the condition is genetic, you may want to know as much as you can to prepare! I can share genetic testing information with you if interested."

  • Scenario: Your niece has been experiencing some symptoms that are common for women living with OTC-D.

    Response: “Ugh. I’m so sorry you’re not feeling well. I’ve experienced some of the symptoms you’re describing, which my doctor has confirmed have to do with my OTC-D diagnosis. You may want to discuss your symptoms with your doctor as it helped me learn how to manage and minimize them—especially my headaches. I can refer you to my doctor if you’re interested.

Conversation resistance

  • Starter: “I doubt I have OTC-D.”

    Response: "I totally hope you are not affected either! I just know OTC-D is genetic so I wanted to make sure you had the same information I have, especially if you experience any common symptoms of OTC-D like headache, fatigue, or brain fog.”

  • Starter: “We don’t talk about that.”

    Response: "Trust me, the last thing I want to talk about are health problems, but I have been diagnosed with OTC-D and I feel it’s my duty to share that information with my family since it’s genetic. I care about you and want to make sure you are OK and know everything I know. I’m always here if you ever want to talk in confidence.”

  • Starter: “How do I start the process of getting genetically tested?”

    Response: "It can be overwhelming to find out where to start. You can use this OTC-D Specialist Finder to find a specialist near you who can help walk you through the process and give you the additional information or resources you may need. I’m also here to support you and help with any questions along the way.”

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Ready to learn more about genetic testing?

Connect with a healthcare team that understands how to diagnose and manage OTC-D.

PAL

Taking RAVICTI?

Your Patient Access Liaison (PAL) can provide more information on genetic testing for your family.

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Your OTC-D Diagnosis Letter to Family

Personalize this template to share OTC-D information with relatives who may be at risk themselves.

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Your Trusted Person Letter to Family

Need support in your outreach? Here's a template someone you trust can use to share the OTC-D information on your behalf.

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Your OTC-D Diagnosis Doctor Letter

Your doctor can be a good partner in providing at-risk relatives with information. Here's an easy-to-customize template your doctor can use.

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Ready to learn more about genetic testing?

Connect with a healthcare team that understands how to diagnose and manage OTC-D.

OTC-D conversations with your partner

Discussions around OTC-D with your partner can be difficult depending on the topics of conversation, such as family planning.

USE and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about RAVICTI?

RAVICTI may cause serious side effects, including:

Nervous system side effects (Neurotoxicity) Phenylacetate (PAA), a breakdown product of RAVICTI, may cause nervous system side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of these symptoms while taking RAVICTI:

  • sleepiness
  • lightheadedness
  • change in taste
  • problems with hearing
  • confusion
  • problems with memory
  • worsening of numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet
  • headache
  • feeling very tired (fatigue)
  • nausea
  • vomiting

Your doctor may do blood tests to measure the amount of PAA in your blood during your treatment with RAVICTI.

What is RAVICTI?

  • RAVICTI (glycerol phenylbutyrate) Oral Liquid is a prescription medicine used for long-term management of high blood levels of ammonia (hyperammonemia) caused by a condition called a urea cycle disorder (UCD). RAVICTI should be used if the UCD cannot be managed with a low-protein diet and dietary supplements alone. RAVICTI must be used along with a low-protein diet and in some cases dietary supplements.
  • RAVICTI is not used for the acute treatment of hyperammonemia in people with UCD.
  • It is not known if RAVICTI is safe and effective for the treatment of N-acetylglutamate synthase (NAGS) deficiency.

Do not take RAVICTI if you are allergic to phenylbutyrate. Call your doctor or go to the nearest hospital emergency room if you have wheezing, shortness of breath, cough, low blood pressure, flushing, nausea or a rash while taking RAVICTI.

Before taking RAVICTI, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, including if you:

  • have liver or kidney problems.
  • have pancreas or bowel (intestine) problems.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known if RAVICTI will harm your unborn baby. If you become pregnant during treatment with RAVICTI, call Horizon at 1-866-479-6742 to report the pregnancy.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if RAVICTI passes into your breast milk. Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with RAVICTI. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you take RAVICTI.

What are possible side effects of RAVICTI?

RAVICTI may cause serious side effects, including:

  • See "What is the most important information I should know about RAVICTI?"

The most common side effects of RAVICTI in adults include:

  • diarrhea
  • gas
  • headache
  • abdomen (stomach) pain
  • vomiting
  • tiredness
  • decreased appetite
  • indigestion or heartburn

The most common side effects of RAVICTI in children 2 years to 17 years of age include:

  • upper abdomen (stomach) pain
  • rash
  • nausea
  • vomiting
  • diarrhea
  • decreased appetite
  • headache

The most common side effects of RAVICTI in children 2 months to less than 2 years of age include:

  • low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
  • vomiting
  • constipation
  • diarrhea
  • fever
  • reduced food intake
  • cough
  • stuffy nose
  • runny nose
  • skin rash
  • small round bumps on the skin

The most common side effects of RAVICTI in children less than 2 months of age include:

  • vomiting
  • rash
  • gastroesophageal reflux
  • increased levels of liver enzymes in the blood
  • decreased appetite and reduced food intake
  • low red blood cell count (anemia)
  • cough
  • loss of too much body fluid (dehydration)
  • too much acid in the blood (acidosis)
  • high blood platelet count (thrombocytosis)
  • low blood platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • low blood neutrophil count (type of white blood cell) (neutropenia)
  • high white blood cell count (lymphocytosis)
  • diarrhea
  • gas
  • constipation
  • fever
  • drowsiness (lethargy)
  • irritability
  • agitation

These are not all of the possible side effects of RAVICTI. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

For additional Important Safety Information, click here for the Medication Guide and discuss with your doctor.

USE and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is the most important information I should know about RAVICTI?

RAVICTI may cause serious side effects, including:

Nervous system side effects (Neurotoxicity) Phenylacetate (PAA), a breakdown product of RAVICTI, may cause nervous system side effects.