Frequently asked questions about XYWAV

Narcolepsy is a chronic, potentially debilitating sleep disorder that affects how your brain manages sleep and wakefulness. When these cycles are disrupted, everyday activities are challenging. Symptoms may affect life at home, school, or work. Learn more about narcolepsy and the symptoms you may experience.

There are two types of narcolepsy: type 1 and type 2. People with narcolepsy type 1 and people with type 2 both experience excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS). People with narcolepsy type 1 also have cataplexy. Learn more about narcolepsy.

Cataplexy is one of the 2 key daytime symptoms of narcolepsy type 1. Cataplexy is a brief loss of muscle control that can happen when you feel a strong emotion like embarrassment, laughter, or anger. Cataplexy can cause your head to drop, your face to droop, your jaw to weaken, or your knees to give way. Take the narcolepsy symptoms quiz to see how cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness may be affecting your daily life.

Excessive daytime sleepiness (EDS) is the other key daytime symptom of narcolepsy. EDS is the uncontrollable need to sleep during the day. EDS is usually the first symptom that people notice. Take this quiz to see how EDS and cataplexy may be impacting your life.

Narcolepsy is typically diagnosed by a sleep specialist, based on a detailed review of your symptoms and a sleep study. It’s important to find a sleep specialist who can work with you to find a treatment.

People with narcolepsy are found to be at higher risk of cardiovascular issues like stroke (2.5x)^*† and heart attack (1.6x).^*† XYWAV has ~1509 mg less sodium per maximum recommended nightly dose than high-sodium oxybates. XYWAV is the only low-sodium oxybate,^§‡ making it the cardiovascular-conscious oxbate based on its reduced sodium content.

*Odds ratio.
^†Based on an analysis of 9312 people with narcolepsy and 46,559 people without narcolepsy matched by age, sex, geographic region, and payer who had continuous insurance coverage between years of 2006 and 2010.
^‡XYWAV contains 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended nightly dose.
^§XYREM^® (sodium oxybate) oral solution and LUMRYZ™ (sodium oxybate) contain ~1640 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended 9-g nightly dose.

XYWAV is the first and only low-sodium* oxybate approved by the FDA to treat cataplexy or excessive daytime sleepiness in people 7 years and older with narcolepsy.

A clinical trial demonstrated the efficacy and safety of XYWAV for the treatment of cataplexy and excessive daytime sleepiness in adult patients with narcolepsy. Learn more about XYWAV.

*XYWAV contains 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended nightly dose.

XYWAV is thought to work during sleep to help with symptoms of cataplexy and/or EDS during the day. The exact way XYWAV works for the treatment of narcolepsy is unknown. 

XYWAV has the same active ingredient, oxybate, but with 92% less sodium than high-sodium oxybates.* Choosing XYWAV over other high-sodium oxybates like XYREM can help reduce the risk for developing cardiovascular disease from excessive sodium intake. Learn more about starting XYWAV.

*XYWAV contains 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended nightly dose.

One risk factor for cardiovascular disease is sodium consumption. Reducing excessive sodium intake can help reduce the risk for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. XYWAV is the only low-sodium* oxybate approved by the FDA, containing 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended nightly dose. Learn more about low-sodium* XYWAV.

^*XYWAV contains 131 mg of sodium at the maximum recommended dose.

XYWAV contains sucralose.

The most common side effects of XYWAV in adults include headache, nausea, dizziness, decreased appetite, parasomnia, diarrhea, excessive sweating, anxiety, and vomiting. In patients who remained on treatment, side effects tended to occur early and diminish over time.

The most common side effects of XYREM (which also contains oxybate like XYWAV) in children include nausea, bedwetting, vomiting, headache, weight decrease, decreased appetite, dizziness, and sleepwalking.

These are not all the possible side effects of XYWAV. For more information, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

Please see the full Prescribing Information and Medication Guide to learn more. A Spanish version of the Medication Guide is also available.

Because of the risk of central nervous system (CNS) depression, abuse, and misuse, XYWAV is available only through a restricted distribution program called the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. You or your child must be enrolled in this program to receive XYWAV.

In addition, the Certified Pharmacy is the only pharmacy in the United States that is permitted to fill your XYWAV prescription and send it directly to you. Learn more about the Certified Pharmacy.

Because XYWAV contains calcium, magnesium, and potassium, it will taste different than XYREM.

The recommended starting dose of XYWAV in adults is 4.5 g at bedtime and again 2.5 to 4 hours later. Your doctor may adjust your dose at first to find what works best for you. Be open and share with your doctor how you’re feeling as your dose changes. Learn more about individualizing your dose.

Please see the Medication Guide for detailed information about preparing and taking XYWAV.

It’s easy to understand why you might worry about taking your second dose. You may want to set an alarm to help you wake up for your second dose of XYWAV. If you miss your second dose, skip that dose. Do not take XYWAV again until the next night. Never take 2 doses of XYWAV at one time. If you have questions about how taking XYWAV may impact you, please talk to your doctor.

Please refer to the XYWAV Instructions for Use found within the Medication Guide for detailed instructions. 

If your doctor prescribes you XYWAV, he or she will give you detailed instructions on how to take your nightly doses. You will also receive additional materials to ensure that you understand how to mix and take your nightly XYWAV doses. Learn more about dosing. Please refer to the Medication Guide for detailed information about preparing and taking XYWAV.

You will not be able to take other sleep medicines or sedatives (medicines that cause sleepiness) or drink alcohol while on XYWAV. Your doctor will discuss this with you at length and can answer any specific questions you might have.

Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Especially, tell your doctor if you take other medicines to help you sleep (sedatives).

Know the medicines you take. Keep a list of them to show your doctor and pharmacist when you get a new prescription.

XYREM contains ~1640 mg of sodium per day at the maximum recommended nightly dose for adults.* XYWAV, with 131 mg of sodium per maximum recommended total nightly dose for adults, was developed to provide a lower-sodium^† oxybate option. Learn more about XYWAV.

Because of the risks of central nervous system (CNS) depression, abuse, and misuse, all patients who are prescribed XYWAV must be enrolled in the XYWAV and XYREM REMS. Before you receive XYWAV, your doctor and a pharmacist will make sure you understand how to take XYWAV safely and effectively. Before you get started you will get two calls:

Connect with your JazzCares^® Nurse Case Manager

Your JazzCares Nurse Case Manager will call to welcome you, help with enrollment in the XYWAV and XYREM REMS, answer questions about the prior authorization process, verify your insurance coverage, and discuss your eligibility for cost‑savings programs.

Speak with the Certified Pharmacy and arrange your shipment

A pharmacist is also available 24/7 to answer any questions you may have about your prescription through the specialty pharmacy that dispenses XYWAV, called the Certified Pharmacy.

Call the Certified Pharmacy at 1-866-997-3688 for more information.

More information about the REMS can be found at XYWAVXYREMREMS.com. If you have any questions, you can ask your doctor or call XYWAV and XYREM REMS specialists at 1-866-997-3688. You can visit the Getting XYWAV page for more information.

JazzCares can help you start and keep your XYWAV treatment journey on track with continuous support, including access to dedicated nursing assistance, prescription refill reminders, and connections with other patients through the XYWAV Mentor Program. The online refill reminder and scheduling program and the XYWAV Mentor Program are only available to patients who complete and sign the JazzCares Patient Consent Form.

You can also register for and download the myWAV app. myWAV is easy to access and helps you get started and track your symptoms, organizes instructions for use, support programs, and treatment tips, and supports you through your treatment. Get more info about the myWAV app here.

Jazz Pharmaceuticals is committed to supporting access for people who are prescribed XYWAV. Explore the financial assistance options for qualified patients.