What is Asfotase Alfa?
Asfotase alfa is an enzyme replacement medicine designed to treat hypophosphatasia (pronounced 'HYE-poe-FOS-fa-TAY-zha).This is a rare and elusive genetic condition where there is an insufficient amount of an enzyme that helps in the process of metabolising calcium and the mineral phosphorus. This causes abnormal development and growth of teeth and bones, such as soft or fractured bones, growth issues, and tooth loss.Asfotase alfa could be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Asfotase alfa
Take immediate medical assistance. If you are experiencing symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as dizziness, hives, nausea, vomiting, hard breathing, the sensation of choking, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
Asfotase alfa may cause serious side effects. Contact your physician immediately in the event that:
- Vision change;
- The frequency of urination is greater or less than normal.
- Urination that is painful or difficult
- Pink, red, or brown urine;
- Intense pain in your back or lower back.
Common side effects of asfotase could be:
- Discomfort, itching, swelling, bleeding, redness, pitting, hardening, or other skin conditions in the area where the medication was injected.
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects, and other effects may also be present. Consult your physician for advice regarding medical adverse effects. Report any adverse side effects directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Warnings
Follow the instructions on the medicine label and on the label of your package. Inform your health care providers about your medical issues, allergies, and the medicines you are taking.
Before you take this drug
Before you begin using asfotase, inform your physician about all medical conditions or allergies.Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.Your name might be recorded in a patient's registry during the time you're using Asfotase Alfa. This will allow you to monitor and analyse any long-term consequences of using asfotase.
How to take Asfotase alfa?
Follow the directions on the label of your prescription and also read the medication guides or instructions sheets. Make sure you use the medication exactly as prescribed.Asfotase is generally administered three to six times every week. Follow your doctor's dosage instructions with care.Asfotase alfa is injected beneath the skin. Healthcare professionals can teach you how to use the medication on your own.Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that are included along with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions.
Only inject when you are able to administer it. Avoid using any medicine that changes colour or has particles. Contact your pharmacist to inquire about a new medication.You might need to use two vials and two separate syringes to create the same dose of this medication. Follow the dosing instructions given by your doctor with care.Your physician will inform you of the area where you can inject asfotase. Make sure to inject at a different location every time you administer an injection. Don't inject the same area twice in one row.Asfotase doses of alfa are dependent on weight (especially for teenagers and children).Your dosage needs may change as you gain or shed pounds, as weight fluctuation affects them directly.It is possible that you will require frequent eye exams.This medication can alter the outcomes of certain tests. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking asfotase alfa.Keep this medicine in its original container in a refrigerator, safe from sunlight. Do not shake or freeze this medicine.You can take the medicine from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature prior to injecting the dose. Do not keep the medicine in your refrigerator for more than one hour.Every bottle is intended for a single use only. Dispose of it after one usage, even if there's still some medicine in it.Use a needle or the syringe only once and put them in the puncture-proof "sharps" container. Make sure you follow local or state laws on how to dispose of the container. Make sure your items are out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Hypophosphatasia:
2 mg/kg subcutaneously, 3 times per week, or 1 mg/kg subcutaneously six times each week.
Maximum dose: 9 mg/kg per week
Comments:
Patients suffering from hypophosphatasia resulting in insufficient efficacy (i.e. no improvement in respiratory status, growth rate or radiographic findings) may require increasing dosage up to 3 mg/kg three times weekly in order to reach optimal treatment efficacy (see the table above for additional considerations).Injection site reactions can hinder the tolerability of 6-times-a-week dosing schedules.
Use: To treat patients suffering from perinatal or infantile HPP as well as young-onset HPP.
Usual Paediatric Dose for Hypophosphatasia:
2 mg/kg subcutaneously three times per week, or 1 mg/kg subcutaneously six times each week.
Maximum dose: 9 mg/kg per week
Comments:
Hypophosphatasia of Perinatology (HPP), often first diagnosed perinatally or infantile-onset, requires increasing to 3 mg/kg three times weekly if its effect does not significantly change (i.e. no improvement in respiratory status, growth rates or radiographic findings).Patients who weigh less than 40 kilogrammes do not utilise the 80 mg/0.8 mL vial since the exposure to the system is less than that of less powerful vials and might not be appropriate for patients with these weights.
The effects of injection site reactions could hinder the adequacy of the six-times-per week dosing schedules.
Use: To treat patients suffering from perinatal or infantile HPP as well as young-onset HPP.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for the appropriate treatment if you missed the dose of asfotase.
What happens if I overdose?
Get medical attention in an emergency or contact the poison help line at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Don't inject asfotase into areas of the skin that are swollen or red.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications may interact with asfotase ALA, which includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician the medicines you are currently taking and any medicines you take or stop taking.
