How to take Nusinersen?
Nusinersen helps the body make a protein that is essential to the function of nerves, which regulate muscle movement. The protein is deficient in people suffering from an inheritable condition known as spinal muscular atrophy due to an inherited mutation in a particular gene.
Nusinersen can be used for treating spinal muscle atrophy in children, adults, and infants. Nusinersen can be used for other purposes that are not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Nusinersen
Contact a medical professional immediately. If you are experiencing warning signs of an allergic response, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and tongue,
Nusinersen may cause serious side effects. Contact your doctor immediately. If you suffer from:
- Easily bleeding, bruising that is not common (nose, vagina, mouth, or rectum), and red or purple areas of skin;
- Chest pains, shortness of breath;
- A red skin rash; or
- Kidney issues: foamy urine; brown or red-hued urine Also, you may notice swelling on your stomach, feet, hands, or face.
Nusinersen may affect the growth of children. Inform your doctor when your child isn't growing at a normal pace when using nusinersen.
Common negative effects of nusinersen could include:
- Headache;
- Back pain;
- Nausea, vomiting, constipation, or
- Cold symptoms like congestion, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This is not a comprehensive list of all side effects. Others could happen. Contact your physician to seek medical advice on adverse effects. You may report any adverse reactions to the fda at 1-800-fda-1088.
Warnings
Consult your physician for the proper procedure in the event that you don't make the appointment for the nusinersen injection.
Before you take this drug
It is not recommended to treat with nusinersen if an allergic person is to this.
Speak to your doctor if you have ever suffered from:
- Kidney disease or
- Problems with bleeding.
Consult your physician if you are nursing or pregnant.
How to take Nusinersen?
The doctor will conduct blood and urine test to confirm that there are no issues that make it impossible for you to receive nusinersen. Nusinersen is directly injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord and brain (cerebrospinal fluid). The healthcare professional will provide the injection. The nusinersen injection can take between 1 and 3 minutes to complete. You could be offered a sedative that will help you relax and remain comfortable throughout the procedure.
Nusinersen is usually administered in the form of a series of four "loading dose" injections, followed by "maintenance" injections. The first three loading doses are typically given two weeks apart, followed by an additional dose one month later. Maintenance doses are given every 4 months.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Spinal Muscular Atrophy:
Dosage: loading 12 mg intrathecally every 14 days for three doses. Then, 30 days after the 3rd dose, you will receive 12 mg of intrathecally following the 3rd dose.
Dosage for maintenance Dosage: 12 mg intrathecally, once every 4 months.
Comments:
If you are considering administration, think about the possibility of sedation. Consider an ultrasound and other techniques for imaging to aid in the treatment.
Prior to administering, remove 5 mL of cerebrospinal liquid and inject it as an intravenous bolus injection for 1 to 3 minutes with a spinal anesthesia needle.
If a loading dose gets missed or delayed, take it as quickly as you can, with a minimum of 14 days between doses, and keep doing so according to your prescription.
If a dose for maintenance is missed or delayed, take it as quickly as possible. Then, continue to do so every 4 months.
Use: To treat spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
Usual Pediatric Dose for Spinal Muscular Atrophy:
Dosage of Loading: 12 mg administered intrathecally each 14 days for three doses, and then 12 mg intrathecally for 30 days after the third dose.
Dosage for maintenance Dosage: 12 mg intrathecally, once every 4 months.
Comments:
If you are considering administration, you should consider the use of sedation, using ultrasound, or other imaging methods to aid in therapy, particularly for patients who are younger.
Prior to administration, take 5 mL of cerebrospinal liquid and inject it as an intravenous Bolus injection for 1 to 3 minutes with the needle for spinal anesthesia.
If a loading dose is not delivered or is missed, give it as quickly as you can for at least 14 days between doses, and then continue to dosing according to the prescription.
If a dose for maintenance is missed, delayed, or missed, take it as fast as is possible. Then, continue to dosing every 4 months.
Use: To treat spinal muscle atrophy (SMA)
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your doctor for the appropriate treatment in the event that you don't make an appointment to receive your nusinersen injector. Your schedule for dosing could need to be altered to allow sufficient space between each dose.
What happens if I overdose?
Because nusinersen is administered by a health specialist in a medical setting, it is extremely unlikely for an overdose to occur.
What should be avoided?
Follow the doctor's advice regarding any limitations on foods, drinks, or any activity.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medicines can be incompatible with nusinersen. This includes medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your health professionals about any medications you take in the present and any medication you stop or start using.
