Voxzogo

Generic name: Vosoritide
Drug class: Miscellaneous hormones

Usage of Voxzogo

Voxzogo (vosoritide) is a C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP) analog that is given by suBCutaneous injection and may be used to increase linear bone growth in children with achondroplasia with open bone growth plates (epiphyses).

Achondroplasia affects endochondral bone growth, which is the process during which growing cartilage is systematically replaced with bone tissue to form the growing skeleton. Endochondral bone growth occurs in over 90% of bones in the body. In children with achondroplasia, bone growth is impaired because of an imbalance in the relationship between fibroblast growth factor receptor 3 (FGFR3) and CNP signaling pathways within the cells of the growth plate. FGFR3 slows bone growth while CNP promotes bone growth. Voxzogo works by stimulating CNP, improving the balance between FGFR3 and CNP, and increasing bone growth in children with open growth plates.

Voxzogo was approved on November 19, 2021, under the accelerated approval criteria for children with achondroplasia with open epiphyses. This criterion is dependent upon continued benefit being shown in clinical trials.

Voxzogo side effects

Voxzogo may cause serious side effects, including temporary low blood pressure.

To help reduce the risk of low blood pressure and its symptoms (dizziness, feeling tired, or nausea), your child should have adequate food and fluid within 1 hour before receiving Voxzogo.

The most common side effects include:

injection site reactions (redness, itching, swelling, bruising, rash, hives, pain)

high levels of blood alkaline phosphatase (shown in blood tests)

vomiting

joint pain

decreased blood pressure

stomach ache.

These are not all the possible side effects. For more information, ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

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How to use Voxzogo

To reduce the risk of low blood pressure ensure your child:

Has had adequate food intake before Voxzogo administration

Drinks approximately 240 to 300 mL (8 to 10 ounces) of fluid in the hour before administration.

The recommended dosage is based on your child’s actual body weight. Your healthcare provider will calculate the dosage and volume to administer for you.

Your healthcare provider will also give you instructions about the right way to store, prepare, and give Voxzogo injections at home. Do not try to inject it until you have been shown the right way to do so.

Voxzogo is administered under the skin (subcutaneously) of the abdomen once daily.

Try to inject it at about the same time each day.

Your doctor will monitor and assess your child’s body weight, growth, and physical development regularly every 3 to 6 months and adjust the dosage accordingly.

Voxgogo should be stopped once your healthcare provider has confirmed there is no further growth potential, as indicated by the closure of the growth plates.

Warnings

May cause a temporary decrease in blood pressure, with symptoms such as dizziness, fatigue, or nausea. Children on antihypertensive medicines may be more at risk. To reduce the risk of low blood pressure, make sure your child is well-hydrated and has had enough food before you administer the infection.

Not recommended in children with renal impairment (eGFR <60 mL/min/1.73 m2).

What other drugs will affect Voxzogo

Tell your child’s healthcare provider about all the medicines your child takes, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Studies have shown that Voxzogo does not inhibit or induce cytochrome p450 enzymes but no studies investigating the drug-drug interaction potential of vosoritide have been conducted.

Know the medicines your child takes. Keep a list of them to show your child’s healthcare provider and pharmacist when your child gets a new medicine.

Disclaimer

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