Asfotase alfa (Subcutaneous)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 24, 2022.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Strensiq

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Enzyme Replacement

Pharmacologic Class: Enzyme

Uses for asfotase alfa

Asfotase alfa injection is used to treat patients with perinatal, infantile, and juvenile-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP). Hypophosphatasia is a genetic condition that weakens and softens the bones, causing abnormal development of the bones and teeth.

Asfotase alfa is available only with your doctor's prescription.

Before using asfotase alfa

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 asfotase alfa, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to asfotase alfa 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 asfotase alfa injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have been established.

Geriatric

No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of asfotase alfa injection in geriatric patients.

Breastfeeding

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.

Other medical problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of asfotase alfa. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Eye or vision problems or
• Kidney disease—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper use of asfotase alfa

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you asfotase alfa. It is given as a shot under the skin of your upper arm, buttock, stomach, or thigh. Do not inject asfotase alfa into the buttocks for infants.

You may be taught how to give asfotase alfa at home. Make sure you understand all of the instructions before giving yourself or your child an injection. Do not use more medic...