Afamelanotide

Generic name: Afamelanotide
Brand names: Scenesse
Dosage form: subcutaneous implant (16 mg)
Drug class: Melanocortin receptor agonists

Usage of Afamelanotide

Afamelanotide is used in adults with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). EPP is a condition that can cause severe pain or other skin reactions to sunlight or artificial light.

Afamelanotide is used to help increase the amount of pain-free time you can spend in sunlight or artificial light.

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

Afamelanotide 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.

Afamelanotide may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

severe pain, swelling, or bleeding where the implant was placed;

new or worsening skin lesions;

a mole that has changed in size or color; or

if the implant sticks out of your skin or comes out by itself.

Common side effects of afamelanotide may include:

pain, itching, redness, swelling, bruising, or other irritation where the implant was placed;

skin changes such as discoloration, scarring, or a hard lump where the implant was placed;

skin irritation anywhere on your body;

new moles or hair growth on the skin;

cough, pain in your mouth or throat;

dizziness, drowsiness, tiredness;

nausea; or

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.

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.

Before taking Afamelanotide

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Afamelanotide is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.

Relate drugs

How to use Afamelanotide

Usual Adult Dose for Porphyria:

16 mg implanted subcutaneously above the anterior supra-iliac crest every 2 months Comments:-This drug should be implanted by a health care professional proficient in the subcutaneous implantation procedure. -Patients should maintain sun and light protection measures during treatment to prevent phototoxic reactions. Use: To increase pain free light exposure in patients with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria.

Warnings

Afamelanotide may cause skin darkening, especially in moles or freckles. Tell your doctor about any new moles or skin lesions.

What other drugs will affect Afamelanotide

Other drugs may affect afamelanotide, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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