Betaine

Betaine treats homocystinuria by decreasing high homocysteine blood levels. Always replace the cap tightly after using.

Betaine Overview

Updated: 

Betaine is a prescription medication used to treat homocystinuria. Betaine belongs to a group of drugs called nutrients. These work by decreasing the amount of homocysteine in the blood.  

This medication comes in powder form to be mixed with food or drink and is usually taken twice a day.  

Common side effects of betaine include nausea, upset stomach, and diarrhea.  

 

How was your experience with Betaine?

First, a little about yourself

Tell us about yourself in a few words?

What tips would you provide a friend before taking Betaine?

What are you taking Betaine for?

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  • Other
  • Homocystinuria

How long have you been taking it?

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  • Less than a week
  • A couple weeks
  • A month or so
  • A few months
  • A year or so
  • Two years or more

How well did Betaine work for you?

Did you experience many side effects while taking this drug?

How likely would you be to recommend Betaine to a friend?

Uses of Betaine

Cystadane (betaine) is a prescription medication used to treat homocystinuria. Homocystinuria is an inherited condition in which the body cannot break down a certain protein, causing a build-up of homocysteine in the blood.  Increased amounts of homocysteine can cause extreme tiredness, seizures, dislocation of the eye lens, bone problems, blood clots, decreased weight, and slowed development in children.

This medication may be prescribed for other uses.  Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Betaine Brand Names

Betaine may be found in some form under the following brand names:

Betaine Drug Class

Betaine is part of the drug class:

Side Effects of Betaine

Serious side effects have been reported with betaine. See the "Drug Precautions" section.

Common side effects of betaine include the following:

  • nausea
  • upset stomach
  • diarrhea
  • behavior changes

This is not a complete list of betaine side effects. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Tell your doctor if you have any side effect that bothers you or that does not go away.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.