LORENZO'S OIL: Overview, Uses, Side Effects, Precautions, Interactions, Dosing and Reviews

Overview

Lorenzo's oil is a combination of two chemicals called erucic acid and oleic acid. People use Lorenzo's oil as a medicine.

Lorenzo's oil is used to treat an inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD), and an inherited condition that affects the spinal cord (adrenomyeloneuropathy or AMN). ALD occurs in children, and AMN occurs in adults.

Lorenzo's oil is named after a child, Lorenzo Odone, who developed ALD. His parents discovered a mixture of fatty acids that seemed to slow progression of the disease. The mixture became known as "Lorenzo's oil."

In the US, Lorenzo's oil is only available to patients participating in a clinical trial.

How does it work ?

Two rare genetic disorders can cause a large build-up of certain chemicals called very long-chain fatty acids. The build-up of these fatty acids is thought to cause many serious problems throughout the brain and body. Lorenzo's oil might help prevent some of this build-up.

Uses & Effectiveness

Possibly Effective for

An inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD). Lorenzo's oil might help prevent nervous system problems in children who have ALD, but haven't yet shown any symptoms. Lorenzo's oil probably does not help children who already have symptoms of ALD.

Possibly Ineffective for

An inherited disorder that affects the spinal cord (adrenomyeloneuropathy or AMN). Taking Lorenzo's oil does not seem to improve symptoms or slow the progression of disease in patients with AMN.

Side Effects

When taken by mouth: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when used under the care of healthcare professionals. Side effects of Lorenzo's oil can include bruising and bleeding.

Special Precautions and Warnings

When taken by mouth: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when used under the care of healthcare professionals. Side effects of Lorenzo's oil can include bruising and bleeding.

Pregnancy and breast-feeding: There isn't enough reliable information about the safety of Lorenzo's oil when pregnant or breast-feeding. Stay on the safe side and avoid use.

Children: Lorenzo's oil is POSSIBLY SAFE when taken by mouth by children who are under the care of healthcare professionals.

Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood white cells needed to fight infections (neutropenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.

Blood disorders that cause a decrease in blood platelets needed for clotting (thrombocytopenia): Lorenzo's oil might make this condition worse.

Interactions

We currently have no information for LORENZO'S OIL overview.

Dosing

The following doses have been studied in scientific research:

BY MOUTH:

For an inherited disorder that affects the nervous system and adrenal glands (adrenoleukodystrophy or ALD): Lorenzo's oil in a dose of 2-3 mL/kg has been used.

View References

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