Eteplirsen (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Feb 20, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- Exondys 51
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Musculoskeletal Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Antisense Oligonucleotide
Uses for eteplirsen
Eteplirsen injection is used to treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients with a confirmed mutation of the dystrophin gene amenable to exon 51 skipping. DMD is a rare, inherited muscle disease that is caused by absence of a protein called dystrophin, which helps keep muscle cells intact.
Eteplirsen is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of a doctor.
Before using eteplirsen
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 eteplirsen, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to eteplirsen 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 eteplirsen injection in children.
Geriatric
No information is available on the relationship of age to the effects of eteplirsen 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.
Proper use of eteplirsen
A nurse or other trained health professional will give you eteplirsen in a hospital. Eteplirsen is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
