Nusinersen (Intrathecal)

Generic name: nusinersen [ nue-si-NER-sen ]
Brand name: Spinraza
Drug class: Miscellaneous uncategorized agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Dec 30, 2024.

Uses for nusinersen

Nusinersen injection is used to treat children and adults with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA).

This medicine is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.

Before using nusinersen

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 this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine 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 Spinraza™ in children.

Geriatric

Use of Spinraza™ is not indicated in geriatric patients.

Breast Feeding

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 nusinersen

A doctor or other trained health professional will give you or your child this medicine in a hospital. This medicine is given through a needle placed into your spinal cord.

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you or your child miss a dose of this medicine, call your doctor for instructions.

Precautions while using nusinersen

It is very important that your doctor check your or your child's progress closely while you are receiving this medicine. This will allow your doctor to see if the medicine is working properly and to decide if you or your child should continue to receive it. Blood and urine tests will be needed to check for unwanted effects.

This medicine may increase your risk for bleeding problems. Call your doctor right away if you have bleeding gums, pinpoint red spots on the skin, or unexpected or unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness after receiving this medicine.

Severe kidney problems may occur after receiving this medicine. Tell your doctor right away if you or your child have the following symptoms after receiving the medicine: agitation, confusion, decreased urine output, dizziness, headache, muscle twitching, rapid weight gain, or swelling of the face, ankles, or hands.

Side Effects of nusinersen

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

Agitation
black, tarry stools
bleeding gums
blood in the urine or stools
body aches or pain
chills
coma
confusion
cough
decreased urine output
depression
difficulty with breathing
dizziness
ear congestion
fever
headache
irritability
lethargy
loss of voice
muscle twitching
nausea
pinpoint red spots on the skin
rapid weight gain
runny or stuffy nose
seizures
sneezing
sore throat
stupor
swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusual tiredness or weakness

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:

More common