Sign up

Join the PKUniverse today! Be part of the PKU online community, where you can get ideas, share your thoughts, ask questions, and make friends. Registration is free and fast.

GO

Phe in medications and supplements

Check the hidden Phe before you dose

Phe also lurks in many medications and supplements. You are most likely to find high Phe in sugar-free products, since they often include the high Phe sweetener aspartame.2

There can be a big difference in Phe between similar products. For instance, Zantac® EFFERdose® (for stomach acid) has almost 17 mg of Phe per dose.25 Competing products that treat the same symptoms may have much less Phe, or no Phe. In general, products that are sweetened with aspartame have a lot of Phe; brands that treat the same symptoms but are sweetened with sugar may have no Phe.2

Make sure to find out how much Phe is in that pill or liquid before you take it or give it to your child. Read the label every time, because food and drug formulations can change over time.

  • Read the label on over-the-counter (OTC) products.
  • Avoid products with aspartame on the label
  • Ask the pharmacist about the Phe in a prescription product, or if you have questions about your OTC choice.