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Overview: Zycubo is used to provide copper to people whose bodies cannot absorb copper from their diet due to Menkes disease. Common side effects may include infections, such as pneumonia. Keep all appointments to have your copper levels checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you are not peeing, have trouble breathing, or your skin or the whites of your eyes look yellowish in color. Zycubo is given as an injection under your skin.

Uses

What is Zycubo used for?

Zycubo (copper histidinate) is commonly used to treat Menkes disease. Menkes disease is a condition that affects how the body absorbs and uses copper from food. Copper is a mineral that is important for normal growth and brain development.

In people with Menkes disease, copper does not reach the brain and other organs in the amounts they need, while too much copper builds up in the kidneys and other areas of the body. Symptoms of Menkes disease usually begin within the first few months of life and often include kinky hair, poor growth, developmental delays, and seizures.

What to Know About Zycubo for Menkes Disease

Zycubo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zycubo work (mechanism of action)?

Zycubo is a copper replacement treatment. It works for Menkes disease by providing a form of copper that the body is able to use.

How is Zycubo supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zycubo

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 2.9 mg copper histidinate (equivalent to 0.5 mg elemental copper) single-dose vials

How should I store Zycubo?

Store sealed Zycubo vials in the refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C), in the original box. After Zycubo is mixed, it can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperatures between 68 F and 77 F (20 C and 25 C). If it is not used right away, keep it refrigerated for up to 24 hours or at room temperature for up to 4 hours. Throw it away if it is not used within these time limits.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zycubo?

The most common side effects of Zycubo are listed below. These effects may also be related to the condition being treated. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Zycubo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zycubo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zycubo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zycubo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zycubo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

High Copper Levels. Zycubo may cause too much copper buildup in your body. High copper levels (copper toxicity) can damage the kidneys or liver and prevent them from working properly. Copper toxicity can also cause blood disorders, such as anemia. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked while using Zycubo. Your health care provider will check your copper levels often to see if it is safe for you to continue using Zycubo. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of copper toxicity.

  • Peeing less than usual or not peeing
  • Metallic taste in your mouth
  • Diarrhea
  • Fever and chills
  • Abdominal pain
  • Yellowing of your eyes and skin (jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zycubo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zycubo.

  • Copper histidinate
  • Zycubo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zycubo.

What should I know about Zycubo before using it?

Do not use Zycubo unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Zycubo with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zycubo out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Zycubo. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Zycubo is injected into the upper arm, thigh, buttocks, or abdomen. Use a different injection site each time you use Zycubo. Do not give the injection into tender areas, bruises, scars, hard skin, or skin that is red or irritated. For more details on how to use Zycubo, see the Instructions for Use that comes with your medicine or talk to your health care provider. 

Keep all appointments to have your blood checked while using Zycubo.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zycubo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Zycubo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zycubo could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zycubo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Zycubo?

For more information about Zycubo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zycubo.com or call them at 888-251-2800.

Interactions

Does Zycubo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zycubo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zycubo.

Does Zycubo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Zycubo may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zycubo?

If you or someone else has used too much Zycubo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zycubo?

If you miss a dose of Zycubo, inject the dose as soon as you can. Then make sure the next dose is given at least 6 hours later, according to your health care provider’s instructions. Do not take double or extra doses.