Last updated on RxList: 07/12/2021
Spinraza Patient Information Including Side Effects

Brand Names: Spinraza

Generic Name: nusinersen (injection)

What is nusinersen (Spinraza)?

Nusinersen works by helping the body produce a protein essential to the function of nerves that control muscle movement. This protein is lacking in people with an inherited disorder called spinal muscular atrophy caused by a mutation in a specific gene.

Nusinersen is used to treat spinal muscular atrophy in adults, children, and infants.

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

What are the possible side effects of nusinersen (Spinraza)?


Call your doctor at once if you have:

  • chest pain, shortness of breath;
  • a red skin rash; or
  • kidney problems--foamy urine; red or brown colored urine; swelling in your face, stomach, hands, or feet.


Common side effects may include:


What is the most important information I should know about nusinersen (Spinraza)?

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


Spinraza Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving nusinersen (Spinraza)?

You should not be treated with nusinersen if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • kidney disease; or
  • bleeding problems.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

How is nusinersen given (Spinraza)?

Your doctor will perform blood and urine tests to make sure you do not have conditions that would prevent you from safely receiving this medicine.

Nusinersen is injected directly into the fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord (cerebrospinal fluid). A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

The nusinersen injection takes about 1 to 3 minutes to complete. You may be given a sedative to help you relax and keep you comfortable during the injection.

Nusinersen is usually given in a series of 4 "loading dose" injections, followed by "maintenance" injections.

The first 3 loading doses are usually given 2 weeks apart, followed by a 4th loading dose given 1 month later. Maintenance doses are then given once every 4 months.


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Spinraza Patient Information including If I Miss a Dose

What happens if I miss a dose (Spinraza)?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your nusinersen injection. Your dosing schedule may need to be adjusted to allow for enough time between doses.

What happens if I overdose (Spinraza)?


What should I avoid while receiving nusinersen (Spinraza)?


What other drugs will affect nusinersen (Spinraza)?


Where can I get more information (Spinraza)?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about nusinersen.


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