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Spinraza Side Effects

Generic name: nusinersen

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Dec 30, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Spinraza Side Effects associated with nusinersen. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Spinraza.

Applies to nusinersen: intrathecal solution.

Serious side effects of Spinraza

Along with its needed effects, nusinersen (the active ingredient contained in Spinraza) 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 nusinersen:

More common side effects

  • 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

Other side effects of Spinraza

Some side effects of nusinersen 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 side effects

  • back pain
  • difficulty having a bowel movement (stool)
  • teething

Less common side effects

  • change in hearing
  • ear drainage
  • earache or pain in the ear

Managing side effects (general information)

For healthcare professionals

Applies to nusinersen: intrathecal solution.

General adverse events

The most commonly occurring adverse reactions have included lower respiratory infection and constipation in patients with infantile-onset SMA; pyrexia, headache, vomiting, and back pain in patients with later onset SMA.

Respiratory

Lower respiratory tract infection was the most common adverse reaction occurring in 55% of drug treated patients compared to 37% of those receiving sham. At baseline, patients receiving drug had a higher percentage of paradoxical breathing (89% vs 66%), pneumonia or respiratory symptoms (35% vs 22%) swallowing or feeding difficulties (51% vs 29%), and need for respiratory support (26% vs 15%). Lower respiratory infection includes adenovirus infection, bronchiolitis, bronchitis, viral bronchitis, corona virus infection, Influenza, lower respiratory tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection viral, lung infection, parainfluenzae virus infection, pneumonia, pneumonia bacterial, pneumonia influenza, pneumonia Moraxella, pneumonia parainfluenzae viral, pneumonia pneumococcal, pneumonia pseudomonal, pneumonia respiratory syncytial viral, pneumonia viral, and respiratory syncytial virus bronchiolitis[Ref]

Renal

In sham-controlled studies, 58% (71/123) of patients with infantile-onset and later-onset SMA receiving drug had elevated urine protein compared with 34% (22/65) of those receiving sham.[Ref]

Nervous system

Communicating hydrocephalus not related to meninigitis or bleeding has been reported; some patients have been managed with implantation of ventriculo-peritoneal shunt (VPS). Five cases have been reported to manufacturer as of July 2018.[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

In a controlled study in infants, a reduction in growth of infants was observed; it is unknown if this would be reversible with cessation of treatment.[Ref]

Hematologic

In sham-controlled studies in patients with infantile-onset and later-onset SMA, 16% (24/146) of patients receiving drug developed a platelet level below the lower limit of normal, compared to 14% (10/72) of those receiving sham. Platelet levels at baseline were high, normal, or unknown. Among patients with later-onset SMA, 2 drug treated patients developed platelet counts less than 50,000 cells/microliter; the lowest level was 10,000 cells/microliter recorded on study day 28.[Ref]

Other

Dermatologic

Rash has been reported in 2 patients. The first patient developed painless, red macular lesions on the forearm, leg, and foot over an 8-week period after being on the drug for 8 months. Over 4 weeks, the lesions ulcerated and scabbed over, and resolved over several months. In the second patient, red macular skin lesions developed on the cheek and hand after receiving the drug for 10 months. They resolved over 3 months. Both patients continued to receive the drug.[Ref]

Metabolic

Severe hyponatremia requiring salt supplementation for 14 months was reported in an infant with symptomatic SMA.[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Immunologic

References

1. (2017) "Product Information. Spinraza (nusinersen)." Biogen Idec Inc

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Spinraza side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer