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Scenesse Implants Dosage

Generic name: AFAMELANOTIDE 16mg in 16mg
Dosage form: subcutaneous implant
Drug class: Melanocortin receptor agonists

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 16, 2023.

SCENESSE should be administered by a health care professional. All healthcare professionals should be proficient in the subcutaneous implantation procedure and have completed the training program provided by CLINUVEL prior to administration of the SCENESSE implant [ see Dosage and Administration]. Additional information, including a video, is available at http://www.clinuvel.com/US-HCP. The additional information has not been evaluated or approved by the FDA.


A single SCENESSE implant is inserted subcutaneously above the anterior supra-iliac crest every 2 months.


Use the SFM Implantation Cannula to implant SCENESSE. Contact CLINUVEL INC. for other implantation devices that have been determined by the manufacturer to be suitable for implantation of SCENESSE.


Maintain sun and light protection measures during treatment with SCENESSE to prevent phototoxic reactions related to EPP.

Instructions for Implantation of SCENESSE

Insert a single SCENESSE implant (containing 16 mg of afamelanotide) subcutaneously above the anterior supra-iliac crest.
Implant SCENESSE observing an aseptic technique. The following equipment is needed for the implant insertion:

  • SCENESSE implant
  • SFM Implantation Cannula; use of a device that has not been determined to be suitable could result in damage to the SCENESSE implant [ see Dosage and Administration].
  • Sterile gloves
  • Local anesthetic, needle and syringe
  • Blunt forceps suitable for removing the SCENESSE implant from the glass vial and placement of the SCENESSE implant
  • Sterile gauze, adhesive bandage, pressure bandage

Step 1

  • Take the carton containing SCENESSE out of the refrigerator to allow the product to gradually warm up to ambient temperature.
  • Remove the seal and stopper from the glass vial containing SCENESSE. Remove the implant from the vial using the blunt forceps under aseptic conditions and place the implant on a sterile gauze.


Step 2
Put the patient in a comfortable reclined supine position.
Identify the insertion site 3-4 cm above the anterior supra-iliac crest and disinfect the skin surface.

Step 2


Step 3 (optional)
Anesthetize the area of insertion (puncture) if deemed necessary and in consultation with the patient.

Step 3


Step 4
While pinching the skin of the insertion site, insert the cannula with the bevel facing upwards (away from the abdomen) at a 30-45° angle into the subcutaneous layer.
Advance the cannula 2 cm into the subcutaneous layer.

Step 4


Step 5

  • Remove the stylet (obturator) from the cannula maintaining aseptic precautions.
  • Load the implant into the cannula.
  • Using the stylet (obturator) gently push the implant down the full length of the cannula’s shaft.

Step 5


Step 6
Apply pressure to the site of the implant while removing the stylet (obturator) and the cannula. Verify that no implant or
implant portion remains in the cannula.

Step 6


Step 7
Verify the correct insertion and placement of the implant by palpating the skin overlying the implant.

Step 7


Step 8
Apply dressing to the insertion site. Leave dressing in place for 24 hours.

Step 8


Step 9
Monitor the patient for 30 minutes after the implant administration.

Step 9

Further information

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