What is Casimersen?
Casimersen can be used to treat Duchenne muscle dystrophy in adults and children with a specific gene mutation. You will be tested by your doctor for this mutation. Casimersen has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration on an "accelerated basis". Some people responded positively to casimersen in clinical trials, but more studies are required. Casimersen can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Casimersen
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives; itching; rash; blistering or peeling skin; fever.
Casimersen may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Pink, brown, or red urine
- Foaming urine
- You may experience swelling of the face, hands, or feet.
Casimersen can cause a variety of side effects.
- Headache;
- Fever;
- Joint pain
- Cold symptoms like stuffiness in your nose and sneezing.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; to report such effects directly with the FDA call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Deflazacort, Elevidys, Viltepso, Emflaza, delandistrogene moxeparvovec, eteplirsen
Warnings
Tell your doctor before using casimersen about any medical conditions, allergies, medicines that you take, and whether you are pregnant or nursing.
Before you take this drug
Inform your doctor if kidney problems have ever occurred.Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or nursing.
How to take Casimeren?
Casimersen is only safe if you are healthy. Your doctor will test your blood to ensure you're not suffering from any conditions that could make it unsafe for you to use the drug. Casimersen infusions are given into veins, typically once a week. An injection will be administered by a healthcare provider.
The infusion of casimersen can take between 35 and 60 minutes. You may need to have your kidney function checked if you use this medication. Casimersen dosage is based on weight. Your dosage needs may change with weight fluctuations and may fluctuate based on whether or not you gain or shed.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for muscle dystrophy:
30 mg/kg IV once a week
Comments:
This drug was approved under an expedited approval process based on an increased production of dystrophin in the skeletal muscles. Continued approval could be conditional upon verification of clinical benefit through confirmatory trials.
Use: To treat DMD in patients with a confirmed mutation that allows exon 45 to be skipped.
The usual paediatric dose for muscular dystrophy:
30 mg/kg IV once a week
Comments:
This drug was approved under an expedited approval process based on the increase in dystrophin in skeletal muscles. Continued approval could be conditional upon confirmation of clinical benefit through confirmatory trials.
Use: To treat DMD in patients with a confirmed mutation that allows exon 45 to be skipped.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for the Casimersen shot, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Overdoses are unlikely because casimersen will be administered by a healthcare provider in a medical environment.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Casimersen may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbal remedies. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are currently taking and those that you have started or stopped using.
