Vamorolone

Generic name: vamorolone [ va-MOR-oh-lone ]
Brand name: Agamree
Dosage form: oral suspension (40 mg/mL)
Drug class: Glucocorticoids

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Mar 25, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is vamorolone?

Vamorolone is a steroid medicine that is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy in people at least 2 years old.

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

Vamorolone side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, sore throat;

• mouth sores, red or swollen gums;

• weakness, diarrhea, burning when you urinate;

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding; or

• chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss.

Also call your doctor at once if you have:

• increased adrenal gland hormones--hunger, weight gain, swelling, skin discoloration, slow wound healing, sweating, acne, increased body hair, tiredness, mood changes, missed menstrual periods, sexual changes;

• signs of a blood clot--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood, pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg, sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body);

• signs of hepatitis reactivation--right-sided upper stomach pain, vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing of your skin or eyes, and not feeling well;

• low blood potassium or calcium--muscle spasms, cramps or contractions, numbness or tingly feeling (around your mouth, or in your fingers and toes), constipation, irregular heartbeats, fluttering in your chest;

• high blood sugar--increased thirst, increased urination, dry mouth, fruity breath odor;

• new or worsening depression or anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, aggressive, restless, more active or talkative, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself;

• any skin lesion, no matter how mild;

• muscle weakness, sudden pain or trouble moving your hip, wrist, or back;

• blurred vision, eye pain or redness, seeing halos around lights; or

• severe headache, pounding in your neck or ears, shortness of breath (even while lying down).

Vamorolone can affect growth in children. Tell your doctor if your child is not growing at a normal rate while using vamorolone.

Your treatment may be delayed or your dose may be reduced if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of vamorolone may include:

• weight gain, swelling;

• changes in mood or behavior;

• acne, increased facial or body hair growth;

• vomiting, tiredness; or

• low blood vitamin D levels.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection, even serious or fatal infections, or worsening an infection you already have. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, diarrhea, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

Before taking this medicine

You should not use vamorolone if you are allergic to it or any of its ingredients.

Steroids can weaken your immune system, making it easier for you to get an infection or worsen an infection you already have. Tell your doctor about any recent, active, or chronic illness, especially a bacterial, fungal or viral infection.

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• high blood pressure;

• a stomach ulcer;

• a stomach or intestinal disorder such as ulcerative colitis or diverticulitis;

• a stomach or intestinal surgery;

• heart disease or prior heart attack, congestive heart failure;

• if you recently received a vaccine or are scheduled to receive a vaccine;

• cataracts, glaucoma, or a fungal or viral infection in your eyes (including herpes simplex);

• been exposed to chickenpox or measles, or if you recently traveled;

• a problem with your thyroid, pituitary gland, or adrenal gland such as pheochromocytoma (tumor of the adrenal gland);

• diabetes;

• a blood clot or blood clotting disorder;

• a nerve-muscle disorder, such as myasthenia gravis; or

• liver or kidney disease.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start using vamorolone. Any "live" vaccines should be current 4 to 6 weeks before starting vamorolone.

Stay alert to changes in your mood or symptoms. Your family or caregivers should also watch for sudden changes in your behavior.

You may be more likely to have a broken bone while using vamorolone. Talk with your doctor about ways to keep your bones healthy. Ask your doctor about this risk.

It is not known if vamorolone will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using vamorolone.

How should I take vamorolone?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Before you use vamorolone, your doctor may test you for hepatitis B or other infections. If you've had hepatitis B, it may come back or get worse.

Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.

Vamorolone is usually taken once a day with a meal. Do not use this medicine more often than prescribed.

Shake the oral suspension (liquid) for about 30 seconds. Do not mix with any type of liquids.

Measure a dose with the supplied measuring device (not a kitchen spoon). Each measuring device can be used for 45 days. Call your pharmacist if you need more.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

You should not stop using vamorolone suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

You may need frequent medical tests, including blood sugar and bone mineral density tests. You may also need vision exams if you take this medicine for more than 6 weeks.

Store any unopened vamorolone in an upright position in its original container at room temperature, away from moisture and heat.

Store in the refrigerator after opening, do not freeze. Throw away any leftover oral suspension (liquid) after 3 months of opening the medicine.

Vamorolone dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Muscular Dystrophy:

6 mg/kg orally once a day, preferably with a meal
Maximum daily dose in patients weighing more than 50 kg: 300 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-To minimize the risk of adrenal insufficiency, patients may switch from oral corticosteroid treatment (e.g., prednisone, deflazacort) to this drug without treatment interruption or a period of prior corticosteroid dosage reduction.
-Patients switching to this drug after long-term treatment with oral corticosteroids should start this drug at a dosage of 6 mg/kg/day.
-Doses may be titrated down to 2 mg/kg/day as needed, based on individual tolerability and response.
-If this drug has been administered for more than one week, then the dosage should be decreased gradually.

Use: For the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

Usual Pediatric Dose for Muscular Dystrophy:

2 years or older: 6 mg/kg orally once a day, preferably with a meal
Maximum daily dose in patients weighing more than 50 kg: 300 mg orally once a day

Comments:
-To minimize the risk of adrenal insufficiency, patients may switch from oral corticosteroid treatment (e.g., prednisone, deflazacort) to this drug without treatment interruption or a period of prior corticosteroid dosage reduction.
-Patients switching to this drug after long-term treatment with oral corticosteroids should start this drug at a dosage of 6 mg/kg/day.
-Doses may be titrated down to 2 mg/kg/day as needed, based on individual tolerability and response.
-If this drug has been administered for more than one week, the dosage should be decreased gradually.

Use: For the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the medicine as soon as you can, but skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next dose. Do not take two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while taking vamorolone?

Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine and being near people who are sick or have infections while taking vamorolone. Call your doctor for preventive treatment if you are exposed to chickenpox or measles. These conditions can be serious or even fatal in people who are using vamorolone.

What other drugs will affect vamorolone?

Sometimes it is not safe to use certain medicines at the same time. Some drugs can affect your blood levels of other drugs you use, which may increase side effects or make the medicines less effective.

When you start or stop taking vamorolone, your doctor may need to adjust the doses of other medicines you use on a regular basis.

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines. Many drugs can affect vamorolone, especially:

• itraconazole; or

• a certain type of muscle relaxer such as rocuronium or pancuronium.

This list is not complete and many other drugs may affect vamorolone. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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

Medical Disclaimer

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