Uses
Nusinersen injection is used for the treatment of spinal muscular atrophy (an inherited condition that reduces muscle strength and movement) in infants, children, and adults.
Nusinersen injection is in a class of medications called antisense oligonucleotide inhibitors. It works by increasing the amount of a certain protein necessary for the muscles and nerves to work normally.
Side Effects Of Nusinersen Injection
Nusinersen injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- gas
- weight loss
- headache
- vomiting
- back pain
- falling
- runny or stuffed nose, sneezing, sore throat
- ear pain, fever, or other signs of ear infection
- fever
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- decreased urination; foamy, pink, or brown-colored urine; swelling in hands, face, feet, or stomach
- frequent, urgent, difficult, or painful urination
- cough, shortness of breath, fever, chills
- The injection may slow an infant’s growth. Your child’s doctor will watch his or her growth carefully. Talk to your child’s doctor if you have concerns about your child’s growth while he or she is receiving this medication.
Nusinersen injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before taking nusinersen injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to nusinersen, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in nusinersen injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had kidney disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving the injection, call your doctor.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are receiving nusinersen injection.
Dosage Of Nusinersen Injection
Nusinersen injection comes as a solution (liquid) to inject intrathecally (into the fluid-filled space of the spinal canal). Nusinersen injection is given by a doctor in a medical office or clinic. It is usually given as 4 initial doses (once every 2 weeks for the first 3 doses and again 30 days after the third dose) and then is given once every 4 months thereafter.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain labs before starting treatment before you receive each dose, and as needed during treatment to check your body’s response to nusinersen injection.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about nusinersen injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
