Viltolarsen Uses, Side Effects & Warnings - Drugs.com

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# Viltolarsen

Generic name: viltolarsen [ VIL-toe-LAR-sen ]
Brand name: Viltepso
Dosage form: intravenous solution (50 mg/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 5, 2021. Written by Cerner Multum.

## What is viltolarsen?

Viltolarsen is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in adults and children who have a certain gene mutation. Your doctor will test you for this gene mutation.

Viltolarsen was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to viltolarsen, but further studies are needed.

Viltolarsen may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

## Warnings

Before using viltolarsen tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

## Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have ever had kidney problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

## How is viltolarsen given?

Your doctor will perform blood tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely using viltolarsen.

Viltolarsen is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once per week. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

viltolarsen must be given slowly, and the infusion can take about 60 minutes to complete.

Your kidney function may need to be checked while you are using this medicine.

Viltolarsen doses are based on weight. Your dose needs may change if you gain or lose weight.

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your viltolarsen injection.

## What happens if I overdose?

Since viltolarsen is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

## What should I avoid while receiving viltolarsen?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Viltolarsen side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, itching, rash, blistering or peeling; fever; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Viltolarsen may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

- pink, brown, or red urine;

- foamy urine; or

- swelling in your face, hands, feet, or stomach.

Common side effects of viltolarsen may include:

- redness, bruising, or swelling where an injection was given;

- fever;

- cough; or

- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Viltolarsen side effects (more detail)

## Related/similar drugs

deflazacort, Emflaza, Exondys 51, Viltepso, casimersen, eteplirsen

## Viltolarsen dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Muscular Dystrophy:

80 mg/kg via IV infusion once a week
Comments:
-This drug has been approved under an accelerated approval process based on demonstrated increased dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in treated patients; continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Use: For the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping.

Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscular Dystrophy:

80 mg/kg via IV infusion once a week
Comments:
-This drug has been approved under an accelerated approval process based on demonstrated increased dystrophin production in skeletal muscle observed in treated patients; continued approval may be contingent upon verification and description of clinical benefit in a confirmatory trial.
Use: For the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients who have a confirmed mutation of the DMD gene that is amenable to exon 53 skipping.

Detailed Viltolarsen dosage information

## What other drugs will affect viltolarsen?

Other drugs may affect viltolarsen, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

## Where can I get more information?

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

## Popular FAQ

What are the new drugs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

The new drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) are Amondys 45 (casimersen), Viltepso (viltolarsen), Vyondys 53 (golodirsen), Exondys 51 (eteplirsen), and Emflaza (deflazacort).

Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is a genetic disease that causes progressive weakness, loss of motor function and damage to skeletal and heart muscles. DMD, which has no cure, primarily affects males starting in early childhood, usually between 2 and 3 years of age. Continue reading

How long does it take for Viltepso to work?

The length of time it takes for Viltepso (viltolarsen) to work in Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) is still being evaluated in an ongoing study. Small studies showed an increase in the dystrophin protein (a "marker") in the muscle cells of patients with DMD after 20 to 24 weeks. Researchers believe that this increase in dystrophin may predict a clinical benefit in patients, but that is not yet proven. Continue reading

## More about viltolarsen

- Side effects
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: miscellaneous uncategorized agents
- En español

### Patient resources

- Advanced Reading

#### Other brands

Viltepso

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

Copyright 1996-2023 Cerner Multum, Inc. Version: 1.01.