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Scenesse Side Effects

Generic name: afamelanotide

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 10, 2024.

Note: This document contains side effect information about afamelanotide. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Scenesse.

Applies to afamelanotide: subcutaneous implant.

Serious side effects of Scenesse

Along with its needed effects, afamelanotide (the active ingredient contained in Scenesse) 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 while taking afamelanotide:

More common

Less common

Other side effects of Scenesse

Some side effects of afamelanotide 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:

More common

Less common

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to afamelanotide: subcutaneous implant.

General

The more commonly reported adverse effects have included implant site reaction, specifically implant site discoloration, nausea, oropharyngeal pain, cough, and fatigue.[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Implant skin reaction (21%)

Common (1% to 10%): Skin hyperpigmentation, skin irritation, melanocytic nevus, non-acute porphyria[Ref]

Implant site reactions including implant site bruising, discoloration, erythema, Haemorrhage, hypertrophy, irritation, nodule, pain, pruritus, swelling; injection site bruising and erythema; and expelled implant occurred more commonly in those receiving drug than those in the vehicle group (21% vs 10%). The most common implant site reaction reported in clinical studies was implant site discoloration (10%).

Skin hyperpigmentation included events of skin hyperpigmentation, pigmentation lip (subjects also had skin hyperpigmentation), and pigmentation disorder.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 26%)

Common (1% to 10%): Oropharyngeal pain, diarrhea, abdominal pain, toothache

Other

Common (1% to 10%): Fatigue[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (Greater than 10%): Nasopharyngitis (18%)

Common (1% to 10%): Cough, respiratory tract infection, sinusitis[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (Greater than 10%): Headache (38%)

Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness, somnolence, migraine[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Implant site pain, implant site discoloration

Musculoskeletal

Very common (Greater than 10%): Back pain (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia

References

1. Product Information. Scenesse (afamelanotide). Clinuvel, Inc. 2019.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer