Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.
The electronic medicines compendium (emc) no longer publishes a Summary of Product Characteristics for this product, which usually means it is no longer marketed in the UK. The patient leaflet below is kept for reference, but the product may not be available.
If you were prescribed this medicine, other products containing Voretigene neparvovec may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Luxturna is a gene therapy product that contains the active substance voretigene neparvovec. Luxturna is used for the treatment of adults and children with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. These mutations prevent the body from producing a protein needed for vision and so lead to loss of sight and eventual blindness. The active substance in Luxturna, voretigene neparvovec, is a modified virus that contains a working copy of the RPE65 gene. After injection it delivers this gene into the cells of the retina, the layer at the back of the eye that detects light. This enables the retina to produce the proteins needed for vision. The virus used to deliver the gene does not cause disease in humans. Luxturna will be given to you only if genetic testing shows that your vision loss is caused by mutations in the RPE65 gene. 2.
Luxturna
You will not be given Luxturna if you are allergic to voretigene neparvovec or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6) if you have an eye infection if you have eye inflammation If any of the above applies to you, or if you are unsure of any of the above, please talk to your doctor before you receive Luxturna. Warnings and precautions Before receiving treatment with Luxturna: • Tell your doctor if you have signs of an eye infection or eye inflammation, for example if you 1
•
have eye redness, sensitivity to light, eye swelling or eye pain. Tell your doctor if you have an active infection of any sort. Your doctor may delay your treatment until your infection is gone because this medicine may make it more difficult for you to fight an infection. See also section 3.
After receiving Luxturna: • Get immediate care from your doctor if your eye or eyes become red, painful, sensitive to light, you see flashes or floaters in your vision, or if you notice any worsening or blurred vision. • You should avoid air travel or other travel to high elevations until advised by your doctor. During treatment with this medicine, the doctor inserts an air bubble in the eye, which is slowly absorbed by your body. Until the bubble is fully absorbed, air travel or other travel to high elevations may make the bubble expand and lead to eye damage, including vision loss. Please talk to your doctor before travelling. • You should avoid swimming because of an increased risk of infection in the eye. Please talk to your doctor before going to swim after receiving treatment with Luxturna. • You should avoid strenuous physical activity because of an increased risk of injury to the eye. Please talk to your doctor before beginning to engage in strenuous physical activity after receiving Luxturna. • You may have temporary visual disturbances, such as light sensitivity, and blurred vision. Tell your doctor about any visual disturbances that you experience. Your doctor may be able to help reduce any discomfort caused by these temporary disturbances. • The active substance in Luxturna may temporarily be excreted through your tears. You and your caregiver should place any used dressings and waste material with tears and nasal secretions in sealed bags before disposing of them. You should follow these precautions for 14 days. • You might not be able to donate blood, organs, tissues and cells for transplantation after you have been treated with Luxturna. Children and adolescents Luxturna has not been studied in children below 4 years of age. Data are limited. Other medicines and Luxturna Tell your doctor if you are taking, have recently taken or might take any other medicines. Pregnancy, breast-feeding and fertility If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you might be pregnant, or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or nurse for advice before being treated with Luxturna. The effects of this medicine on pregnancy and the unborn child are not known. As a precaution, you should not receive Luxturna while you are pregnant. Luxturna has not been studied in breast-feeding women. It is not known whether it passes into breast milk. Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding or plan to do so. Your doctor will then help you decide whether to stop breast-feeding or to not receive Luxturna, taking into account the benefit of breastfeeding for your baby and the benefit of Luxturna for you. Driving and using machines You may have temporary visual disturbances after receiving Luxturna. Do not drive or use heavy machines until your vision has recovered. Talk to your doctor before resuming these activities. Luxturna contains sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'. 3.
to you
Luxturna will be given to you in an operating room by surgeons experienced in performing eye 2
surgery. Luxturna is given under anaesthesia. Your doctor will talk to you about the anaesthesia and how it will be given to you. Your doctor will carry out eye surgery to remove the clear gel inside the eye, and then inject Luxturna directly under your retina, the thin light-sensing layer at the back of that eye. This will be repeated on your other eye at least 6 days afterwards. You will need to stay for post-operative observation for a few hours after each procedure to monitor your recovery and watch for any side effects from the surgery or the anaesthesia. Before Luxturna treatment is started your doctor may ask you to take a medicine that will suppress your immune system (the body's natural defences) so that it will not try to fight the Luxturna when it is given. It is important that you take this medicine according to the instructions given. Do not stop taking the medicine without first talking to your doctor. If you are given more Luxturna than you should be As this medicine is given to you by a doctor, it is unlikely that you will be given too much. If it does occur, your doctor will treat the symptoms as necessary. Tell your doctor or nurse if you have any visual problems. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor or nurse. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. The following side effects may happen with Luxturna: Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • Deposits under the retina Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) • Atrophy of the (chorio)retina The following side effects may happen with the injection procedure: Very common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people) • Redness of the eye • Cataract (clouding of the lens) • Increased pressure in the eye Common (may affect up to 1 in 10 people) • Break in the retina • Eye pain • Eye swelling • Detachment of the retina • Bleeding in the back of the eye • Pain or increased discomfort in the eye • Blurring of central vision due to hole in the centre of the retina • Thinning of the surface of the eye (dellen) • Eye irritation • Eye inflammation • Foreign body sensation in the eye • Eye discomfort 3
• • • • • • • •
Abnormalities in the back of the eye Nausea (feeling sick), vomiting, abdominal (belly) pain, lip pain Change of the electrical activity of the heart Headache, dizziness Rash, facial swelling Anxiety Problems associated with the placement of a breathing tube in the windpipe Breakdown of the surgical wound
Not known (frequency cannot be estimated from the available data) • Clouding in the gel-like substance inside the eye (vitreous opacities) • Atrophy of the (chorio)retina Damage to the tissues of the eye may be accompanied by bleeding and swelling and an increased risk of infection. There is reduced vision in the days after surgery that usually improves; tell your doctor if vision does not return. Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly (see below details). By reporting side effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. United Kingdom Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. 5.
How Luxturna is stored
Luxturna will be stored by the healthcare professionals at your healthcare facility. Concentrate and solvent must be stored and transported frozen at ≤-65 oC. Once thawed, the medicine should not be re-frozen and should be left at room temperature (below 25 °C). Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the label and carton after EXP. 6.
What Luxturna contains The active substance is voretigene neparvovec. Each mL of concentrate contains 5 × 1012 vector genomes (vg). The concentrate (0.5 mL extractable volume in a single-dose 2 mL vial) requires a 1:10 dilution prior to administration. Each dose of diluted solution contains 1.5 × 1011 vector genomes of voretigene neparvovec in a deliverable volume of 0.3 mL. The other ingredients of the concentrate are sodium chloride (see "Luxturna contains sodium" in section 2 of this leaflet), sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate (for pH adjustment), disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (for pH adjustment), poloxamer 188 and water for injections. The solvent contains sodium chloride (see end of section 2), sodium dihydrogen phosphate monohydrate (for pH adjustment), disodium hydrogen phosphate dihydrate (for pH adjustment), poloxamer 188 and water for injections. This medicine contains genetically modified organisms. What Luxturna looks like and contents of the pack Luxturna is a clear, colourless concentrate for solution for subretinal injection, supplied in a clear 4
plastic vial. The solvent is a clear, colourless liquid supplied in a clear plastic vial. Each foil pouch includes a carton containing 1 vial of 0.5 mL concentrate and 2 vials of solvent (each containing 1.7 mL). Marketing Authorisation Holder Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Limited 2nd Floor, The WestWorks Building White City Place, 195 Wood Lane London, W12 7FQ United Kingdom Manufacturer Novartis Pharma GmbH Sophie-Germain-Strasse 10 90443 Nuremberg Germany For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder: United Kingdom Novartis Pharmaceuticals UK Ltd. Tel: +44 1276 698370 This leaflet was last revised in 11/2025 Other sources of information This leaflet is available as an audio file and in a large print from the web site: http://www.voretigeneneparvovec.support ———————————————————————————————————————–The following information is intended for healthcare professionals only: Precautions to be taken before handling or administering the medicinal product This medicinal product contains genetically modified organisms. Personal protective equipment (to include laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves) should be worn while handling or administering voretigene neparvovec. Intraocular pressure should be monitored prior to and following administration of the medicinal product and managed appropriately. Following the administration, patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay and should be managed appropriately. Preparation prior to administration Each pack contains 1 vial of concentrate and 2 vials of solvent for single use only. Luxturna should be inspected visually prior to administration. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the single-dose vial must not be used. Preparation of Luxturna should be performed within 4 hours of beginning the administration 5
procedure, in accordance with the following recommended procedure performed under aseptic conditions. Thaw one single-dose vial of concentrate and two vials of solvent at room temperature. Once all 3 vials (1 vial of concentrate and 2 vials of diluent) are thawed, dilution should be initiated. Gently invert the vials five times to mix the contents. Inspect for any visual particulates or any anomalies. Any anomalies or appearance of visual particulates should be reported to the Marketing Authorisation Holder and product should not be used. Transfer 2.7 mL of solvent taken from the two thawed vials and dispense into a sterile 10 mL empty glass vial using a 3 mL syringe. For dilution, draw 0.3 mL of thawed concentrate into a 1 mL syringe and add it to the 10 mL sterile vial containing the solvent. Gently invert the vial at least five times for proper mixing. Inspect for any visual particulates. The diluted solution should be clear to slightly opalescent. Label the 10 mL glass vial containing the diluted concentrate as follows: 'Diluted Luxturna'. Do not prepare syringes if the vial shows any damage or if any visual particulates are observed. Prepare the syringes for injection by drawing 0.8 mL of the diluted solution into a sterile 1 mL syringe. Repeat the same procedure to prepare a backup syringe. The product-filled syringes should then be transferred in a designated transport container to the surgical suite. Measures to take in case of accidental exposure Accidental exposure must be avoided. Local biosafety guidelines for preparation, administration and handling of voretigene neparvovec should be followed. Personal protective equipment (to include laboratory coat, safety glasses and gloves) should be worn while handling or administering voretigene neparvovec. Accidental exposure to voretigene neparvovec, including contact with skin, eyes and mucous membranes, is to be avoided. Any exposed wounds should be covered before handling. All spills of voretigene neparvovec must be treated with a virucidal agent such as 1% sodium hypochlorite and blot using absorbent materials. All materials that may have come in contact with voretigene neparvovec (e.g. vial, syringe, needle, cotton gauze, gloves, masks or dressings) must be disposed of in accordance with local biosafety guidelines. Accidental exposure –
In the event of an accidental occupational exposure (e.g. through a splash to the eyes or mucous membranes), flush with clean water for at least 5 minutes. In the event of exposure to broken skin or needlestick injury, clean the affected area thoroughly with soap and water and/or a disinfectant.
Precautions to be taken for the disposal of the medicinal product This medicinal product contains genetically modified organisms. Unused medicinal product or waste material must be disposed of in compliance with the local guidance for pharmaceutical waste. Posology Treatment should be initiated and administered by a retinal surgeon experienced in performing macular surgery. Patients will receive a single dose of 1.5 × 1011 vector genomes voretigene neparvovec in each eye. Each dose will be delivered into the subretinal space in a total volume of 0.3 mL. The individual administration procedure to each eye is performed on separate days within a close interval, but no 6
fewer than 6 days apart. Immunomodulatory regimen Prior to initiation of the immunomodulatory regimen and prior to administration of voretigene neparvovec, the patient must be checked for symptoms of active infectious disease of any nature, and in case of such infection the start of treatment must be postponed until after the patient has recovered. Starting 3 days prior to the administration of voretigene neparvovec to the first eye, it is recommended that an immunomodulatory regimen is initiated following the schedule below (Table 1). Initiation of the immunomodulatory regimen for the second eye should follow the same schedule and supersede completion of the immunomodulatory regimen of the first eye. Table 1
Pre- and post-operative immunomodulatory regimen for each eye
Pre-operative
3 days prior to Luxturna administration 4 days (including the day of administration)
Post-operative
Followed by 5 days Followed by 5 days of one dose every other day
Prednisone (or equivalent) 1 mg/kg/day (maximum of 40 mg/day) Prednisone (or equivalent) 1 mg/kg/day (maximum of 40 mg/day) Prednisone (or equivalent) 0.5 mg/kg/day (maximum of 20 mg/day) Prednisone (or equivalent) 0.5 mg/kg every other day (maximum of 20 mg/day)
Special populations Elderly The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec in patients ≥65 years old have not been established. Data are limited. However, no adjustment in dose is necessary for elderly patients. Hepatic and renal impairment The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec have not been established in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in these patients (see section 5.2). Paediatric population The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec in children aged up to 4 years have not been established. Data are limited. No adjustment in dose is necessary for paediatric patients. Method of administration Subretinal use. Luxturna is a sterile concentrate solution for subretinal injection that requires thawing and dilution prior to administration. This medicinal product must not be administered by intravitreal injection. Luxturna is a single-use vial for a single administration in one eye only. The product is administered as a subretinal injection after vitrectomy in each eye. It should not be administered in the immediate vicinity of the fovea to maintain foveal integrity. The administration of voretigene neparvovec should be carried out in the surgical suite under controlled aseptic conditions. Adequate anaesthesia should be given to the patient prior to the procedure. The pupil of the eye to be injected must be dilated and a broad-spectrum microbiocide should be topically administered prior to the surgery according to standard medical practice. 7
Administration Follow the steps below to administer voretigene neparvovec to patients: • Diluted Luxturna should be inspected visually prior to administration. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the medicinal product must not be used. • Connect the syringe containing the diluted product to the extension tube and subretinal injection cannula. The product is slowly injected through the extension tube and subretinal injection cannula to eliminate any air bubbles in the system. • The volume of product available for injection is confirmed in the syringe, by aligning the plunger tip with the line that marks 0.3 mL. • After vitrectomy is completed, Luxturna is administered by subretinal injection using a subretinal injection cannula introduced via pars plana. • Under direct visualisation, the tip of the subretinal injection cannula is placed in contact with the retinal surface. The recommended site of injection should be located along the superior vascular arcade, at least 2 mm distal to the centre of the fovea. A small amount of the product is slowly injected until an initial subretinal bleb is observed, and then the remaining volume is slowly injected until the total 0.3 mL is delivered (Figure 1). Figure 1
• • • •
Tip of the subretinal injection cannula placed within recommended site of injection (surgeon's view)
At the completion of the injection, the subretinal injection cannula is removed from the eye. After injection, any unused product must be discarded. The back-up syringe may not be retained. Fluid-air exchange is performed, carefully avoiding fluid drainage near the retinotomy created for the subretinal injection. Supine head positioning is initiated immediately in the post-operative period and, upon discharge should be maintained by the patient for 24 hours.
8
Luxturna concentrate and solvent for solution for injection comes as injection. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Luxturna concentrate and solvent for solution for injection is voretigene neparvovec.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Luxturna concentrate and solvent for solution for injection, as published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). The version printed inside your medicine’s packaging is the one that applies to you.
Whether a medicine is available over the counter or on prescription only depends on its licence. Check the leaflet, or ask your pharmacist — they can tell you straight away.
The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.
Luxturna is indicated for the treatment of adult and paediatric patients with vision loss due to inherited retinal dystrophy caused by confirmed biallelic RPE65 mutations and who have sufficient viable retinal cells.
Treatment should be initiated and administered by a retinal surgeon experienced in performing macular surgery.
Posology
Patients will receive a single dose of 1.5 × 1011 vector genomes voretigene neparvovec in each eye. Each dose will be delivered into the subretinal space in a total volume of 0.3 mL. The individual administration procedure to each eye is performed on separate days within a close interval, but no fewer than 6 days apart.
Immunomodulatory regimen
Prior to initiation of the immunomodulatory regimen and prior to administration of voretigene neparvovec, the patient must be checked for symptoms of active infectious disease of any nature, and in case of such infection the start of treatment must be postponed until after the patient has recovered.
Starting 3 days prior to the administration of voretigene neparvovec to the first eye, it is recommended that an immunomodulatory regimen is initiated following the schedule below (Table 1). Initiation of the immunomodulatory regimen for the second eye should follow the same schedule and supersede completion of the immunomodulatory regimen of the first eye.
Table 1 Pre- and post-operative immunomodulatory regimen for each eye
Pre-operative
3 days prior to Luxturna administration
Prednisone (or equivalent)
1 mg/kg/day
(maximum of 40 mg/day)
Post-operative
4 days
(including the day of administration)
Prednisone (or equivalent)
1 mg/kg/day
(maximum of 40 mg/day)
Followed by 5 days
Prednisone (or equivalent)
0.5 mg/kg/day
(maximum of 20 mg/day)
Followed by 5 days of one dose every other day
Prednisone (or equivalent)
0.5 mg/kg every other day
(maximum of 20 mg/day)
Special populations
Elderly
The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec in patients ≥65 years old have not been established. Data are limited. However, no adjustment in dose is necessary for elderly patients.
Hepatic and renal impairment
The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec have not been established in patients with hepatic or renal impairment. No dose adjustment is required in these patients (see section 5.2).
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of voretigene neparvovec in children aged up to 4 years have not been established. Data are limited. No adjustment in dose is necessary for paediatric patients.
Method of administration
Subretinal use.
Luxturna is a sterile concentrate solution for subretinal injection that requires thawing and dilution prior to administration (see section 6.6).
This medicinal product must not be administered by intravitreal injection.
Luxturna is a single-use vial for a single administration in one eye only. The product is administered as a subretinal injection after vitrectomy in each eye. It should not be administered in the immediate vicinity of the fovea to maintain foveal integrity (see section 4.4).
The administration of voretigene neparvovec should be carried out in the surgical suite under controlled aseptic conditions. Adequate anaesthesia should be given to the patient prior to the procedure. The pupil of the eye to be injected must be dilated and a broad-spectrum microbicide should be topically administered prior to the surgery according to standard medical practice.
For instructions for preparation, accidental exposure to and disposal of Luxturna, see section 6.6.
Administration
Follow the steps below to administer voretigene neparvovec to patients:
• Diluted Luxturna should be inspected visually prior to administration. If particulates, cloudiness, or discoloration are visible, the medicinal product must not be used.
• Connect the syringe containing the diluted product to the extension tube and subretinal injection cannula. The product is slowly injected through the extension tube and subretinal injection cannula to eliminate any air bubbles in the system.
• The volume of product available for injection is confirmed in the syringe, by aligning the plunger tip with the line that marks 0.3 mL.
• After vitrectomy is completed, Luxturna is administered by subretinal injection using a subretinal injection cannula introduced via pars plana (Figure 1A).
• Under direct visualisation, the tip of the subretinal injection cannula is placed in contact with the retinal surface. The recommended site of injection should be located along the superior vascular arcade, at least 2 mm distal to the centre of the fovea (Figure 1B). A small amount of the product is slowly injected until an initial subretinal bleb is observed, and then the remaining volume is slowly injected until the total 0.3 mL is delivered.
Figure 1A Subretinal injection cannula introduced via pars plana
Figure 1B Tip of the subretinal injection cannula placed within the recommended site of injection (surgeon's view)
• At the completion of the injection, the subretinal injection cannula is removed from the eye.
• After injection, any unused product must be discarded. The back-up syringe may not be retained.
• Fluid-air exchange is performed, carefully avoiding fluid drainage near the retinotomy created for the subretinal injection.
• Supine head positioning is initiated immediately in the post-operative period and upon discharge should be maintained by the patient for 24 hours.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance(s) or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Ocular or periocular infection.
Active intraocular inflammation.
Traceability
In order to improve the traceability of biological medicinal products, the name and the batch number of the administered product should be clearly recorded.
Subretinal injection-related reactions
Proper aseptic techniques should always be used for the preparation and administration of Luxturna.
The following adverse reactions have been observed with the administration procedure:
• Eye inflammation (including endophthalmitis), retinal tear and retinal detachment. Patients should be instructed to report any symptoms suggestive of endophthalmitis or retinal detachment without delay and should be managed appropriately.
• Retinal disorder (foveal thinning, loss of foveal function), macular hole, maculopathy (epiretinal membrane, macular pucker) and eye disorder (foveal dehiscence).
• Increase in intraocular pressure. Intraocular pressure should be monitored prior to and following administration of the medicinal product and managed appropriately. Patients should be instructed to avoid air travel or other travel to high elevations until the air bubble formed as a result of administration of Luxturna has completely dissipated from the eye. A time period of up to one week or more following injection may be required before dissipation of the air bubble; this should be verified on ophthalmic examination. A rapid increase in altitude while the air bubble is still present can cause a rise in eye pressure and irreversible vision loss.
Temporary visual disturbances, such as blurred vision and photophobia (see section 4.8), may occur during the weeks that follow the treatment. Patients should be instructed to contact their healthcare professional if visual disturbances persist. Patients should avoid swimming because of an increased risk of infection in the eye. Patients should avoid strenuous physical activity because of an increased risk of injury to the eye. Patients may resume swimming and strenuous activity, after a minimum of one to two weeks, on the advice of their healthcare professional.
Shedding
Transient and low-level vector shedding may occur in patient tears (see section 5.2). Patients/caregivers should be advised to handle waste material generated from dressings, tears and nasal secretion appropriately, which may include storage of waste material in sealed bags prior to disposal. These handling precautions should be followed for 14 days after administration of voretigene neparvovec. It is recommended that patients/caregivers wear gloves for dressing changes and waste disposal, especially in case of underlying pregnancy, breast-feeding and immunodeficiency of caregivers.
Blood, organ, tissue and cell donation
Patients treated with Luxturna should not donate blood, organs, tissues and cells for transplantation.
Immunogenicity
To reduce the potential for immunogenicity patients should receive systemic corticosteroids before and after the subretinal injection of voretigene neparvovec to each eye (see section 4.2). The corticosteroids may decrease the potential immune reaction to either vector capsid (adeno-associated virus serotype 2 [AAV2] vector) or transgene product (retinal pigment epithelial 65 kDa protein [RPE65]).
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
There are no known clinically significant interactions. No interaction studies have been performed.
Based on non-clinical studies and clinical data from trials of AAV2 vectors, and considering the subretinal route of administration of Luxturna, inadvertent germ-line transmission with AAV vectors is highly unlikely.
Pregnancy
There are no or limited amount of data (less than 300 pregnancy outcomes) from the use of voretigene neparvovec in pregnant women. Animal studies do not indicate direct or indirect harmful effects with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3).
As a precautionary measure, it is preferable to avoid the use of Luxturna during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
Luxturna has not been studied in breast-feeding women. It is unknown whether voretigene neparvovec is excreted in human milk. A risk to the newborns/infants cannot be excluded. A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from voretigene neparvovec therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.
Fertility
No clinical data on the effect of the medicinal product on fertility are available. Effects on male and female fertility have not been evaluated in animal studies.
Voretigene neparvovec has minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. Patients may experience temporary visual disturbances after receiving subretinal injection of Luxturna. Patients should not drive or use heavy machines until visual function has recovered sufficiently, as advised by their ophthalmologist.
Summary of the safety profile
In the phase 1 and phase 3 clinical studies, there were three non-serious adverse reactions of retinal deposits in three of 41 (7%) subjects that were considered to be related to voretigene neparvovec. All three of these events were a transient appearance of asymptomatic subretinal precipitates inferior to the retinal injection site, 1-6 days after injection and resolved without sequelae.
Serious adverse reactions related to the administration procedure were reported in three subjects. One of 41 (2%) subjects reported a serious event of intraocular pressure increased (secondary to administration of depo-steroid) that was associated with treatment for endophthalmitis related to the administration procedure and resulted in optic atrophy, and one of 41 (2%) subjects reported a serious event of retinal disorder (loss of foveal function) that was assessed as related to the administration procedure. One of 41 (2%) subjects reported a serious event of retinal detachment that was assessed as related to the administration procedure.
The most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥5%) related to the administration procedure were conjunctival hyperaemia, cataract, increased intraocular pressure, retinal tear, dellen, macular hole, subretinal deposits, eye inflammation, eye irritation, eye pain and maculopathy (wrinkling on the surface of the macula).
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
The adverse reactions are listed by system organ class and frequency using the following convention: very common (≥1/10), common (≥1/100 to <1/10), uncommon (≥1/1 000 to <1/100), rare (≥1/10 000 to <1/1 000), very rare (<1/10 000), not known (cannot be estimated from the available data).
Table 2 Adverse reactions related to voretigene neparvovec
System organ class
Frequency
Adverse reaction
Eye disorders
Common
Retinal deposits
Not known
Chorioretinal atrophy*
*Includes retinal degeneration, retinal depigmentation and injection site atrophy
Table 3 Adverse reactions related to administration procedure
System organ class
Frequency
Adverse reactions
Psychiatric disorders
Common
Anxiety
Nervous system disorders
Common
Headache, dizziness
Eye disorders
Very common
Conjunctival hyperaemia, cataract
Common
Retinal tear, dellen, macular hole, eye inflammation, eye irritation, eye pain, maculopathy, choroidal haemorrhage, conjunctival cyst, eye disorder, eye swelling, foreign body sensation in eyes, macular degeneration, endophthalmitis, retinal detachment, retinal disorder, retinal haemorrhage
Not known
Vitreous opacities, chorioretinal atrophy*
Gastrointestinal disorders
Common
Nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain upper, lip pain
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Common
Rash, swelling face
Investigations
Very common
Intraocular pressure increased
Common
Electrocardiogram T wave inversion
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Common
Endotracheal intubation complication, wound dehiscence
*Includes retinal degeneration, retinal depigmentation and injection site atrophy
Description of select adverse reactions
Chorioretinal atrophy
Chorioretinal atrophy has been reported as an adverse reaction during post-marketing experience and reported as progressive in some patients. Events were temporally related to treatment and occurred in the estimated treated area of the bleb site and outside of the bleb area. Retinal atrophy may involve the fovea with possible negative effects on central vision.
Following reports of chorioretinal atrophy in the post-marketing setting, a retrospective review of fundus photographs available from 39 out of 41 patients enrolled in the clinical studies was performed.
In the phase 3 study, chorioretinal atrophy of the macula of treated eyes was found in 15.4% prior to treatment, in 42.6% at year 1 and in 55.6% after year 1. In the phase 1 study, chorioretinal atrophy of the macula was present in 35% prior to treatment, in 66.7% at year 1 and in 73.9% after year 1. Untreated control eyes showed the following rates of chorioretinal atrophy: 5.9% at baseline and 11.1% at year 1 in the phase 3 study; 40% at baseline, 42.9% at year 1 and 41.7% after year 1 in the phase 1 study.
Some of these atrophies involved the fovea. In the phase 3 study, there was involvement of the fovea in 1.9% of treated eyes prior to treatment, as well as at year 1, and in 5.6% after year 1. In the phase 1 study, the fovea was involved in 30% of treated eyes prior to treatment, in 38.9% at year 1 and in 47.8% after year 1. In the phase 3 study, atrophies in untreated control eyes did not involve the fovea. In the phase 1 study, 40% of atrophies in untreated control eyes involved the fovea at baseline, 42.9% at year 1 and 33.3% after year 1.
Reporting of suspected adverse reactions
Reporting suspected adverse reactions after authorisation of the medicinal product is important. It allows continued monitoring of the benefit/risk balance of the medicinal product. Healthcare professionals are asked to report any suspected adverse reactions via the Yellow Card Scheme at: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.
There is no clinical experience with overdose of voretigene neparvovec. Symptomatic and supportive treatment, as deemed necessary by the treating physician, is advised in case of overdose.
Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako
Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Polish medicines in the UK →
Ask anything about Luxturna concentrate and solvent for solution for injection. The assistant answers only from this leaflet — if the leaflet does not cover it, it will say so. It does not give medical advice.
Answers come from the patient leaflet published on the electronic medicines compendium (emc). They are not medical advice. Ask a pharmacist or your GP if you are unsure. For urgent help call NHS 111, or 999 in an emergency.
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