Eteplirsen Intravenous Advanced Patient Information - Drugs.com

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# Eteplirsen (Intravenous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 3, 2022.

## Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

- Exondys 51

Available Dosage Forms:

- Solution

Therapeutic Class: Musculoskeletal Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Antisense Oligonucleotide

## Uses for eteplirsen

Eteplirsen injection is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients with a confirmed mutation of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping. DMD is a rare, inherited muscle disease that is caused by absence of a protein called dystrophin, which helps keep muscle cells intact.

Eteplirsen is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.

## Before using eteplirsen

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For eteplirsen, the following should be considered:

### Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to eteplirsen or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

### Pediatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of eteplirsen injection in children.

### Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of eteplirsen injection in geriatric patients.

### Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

### Interactions with medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

### Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

## Proper use of eteplirsen

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you eteplirsen in a hospital. Eteplirsen is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.

Detailed Eteplirsen dosage information

## Precautions while using eteplirsen

Your doctor will check your progress closely while you are receiving eteplirsen. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you should continue to receive it.

## Eteplirsen side effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

- Loss of balance control
- vomiting

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

Incidence not known

- Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of the skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
- blistering, burning, crusting, dryness, or flaking of the skin
- itching, scaling, severe redness, soreness, or swelling of the skin

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Eteplirsen side effects (more detail)

## Frequently asked questions

- What are the new drugs for Duchenne muscular dystrophy?

## More about eteplirsen

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

### Patient resources

- Drug Information

#### Other brands

Exondys 51

### 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