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Pharmacy Guide

Patient leaflets and SmPCs, drug interaction checker, official dosages and NHS pharmacy opening hours — all in one place.

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Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection

⚠ This medicine appears to have been discontinued

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 Asfotase alfa may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.

Active substance: Asfotase alfa
Source: electronic medicines compendium (emc)
Official leaflet: Read the PIL on emc

What it is and what it is used for

for

What is Strensiq Strensiq is a medicine used to treat the inherited disease hypophosphatasia that started in childhood. It contains the active substance asfotase alfa. What is hypophosphatasia Patients with hypophosphatasia have low levels of an enzyme called alkaline phosphatase that is important for various body functions, including the proper hardening of bones and teeth. Patients have problems with bone growth and strength, which can lead to broken bones, bone pain, and difficulty walking, as well as difficulties with breathing and a risk of seizures (fits). What is Strensiq used for The active substance in Strensiq can replace the missing enzyme (alkaline phosphatase) in hypophosphatasia. It is used for long-term enzyme replacement treatment to manage symptoms. What benefits of Strensiq have been shown in clinical studies Strensiq has shown benefits for patients' mineralization of the skeleton and growth. 2.

What you need to know before you take it

e Strensiq

Do not use Strensiq If you are severely allergic to asfotase alfa (see section 'Warnings and precautions' below) or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6). 1

Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor before using Strensiq. • Patients receiving asfotase alfa have had allergic reactions including life threatening allergic reactions requiring medical treatment similar to anaphylaxis. Patients who experienced anaphylaxis-like symptoms had difficulty breathing, choking sensation, nausea, swelling around the eyes, and dizziness. The reactions occurred within minutes after taking asfotase alfa, and can occur in patients who were taking asfotase alfa for more than one year. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue Strensiq and seek medical help immediately. Should you experience anaphylactic reaction, or an event with similar symptoms, your doctor will discuss with you the next steps and the possibility to restart Strensiq under medical supervision. Always follow the instructions provided by your doctor. • The development of blood proteins against Strensiq, also called anti-drug antibodies, may occur during the treatment. Talk to your doctor if you experience decreased efficacy with Strensiq. • Fatty lumps or decreased fatty tissue on the surface of the skin (localized lipodystrophy) have been reported at injection sites after several months in patients using Strensiq. Read section 3 carefully to know the injection recommendations. This is important to rotate the injection from among the following sites to reduce the risk of lipodystrophy: abdominal area, thigh, or deltoid. • In studies, some eye-related side-effects (e.g. calcium build-up on the eye [conjunctival and corneal calcification]) have been reported both in patients using Strensiq and those who were not, probably associated with hypophosphatasia. Talk to your doctor in case of problems with your vision. • Early fusion of the bones of the head (craniosynostosis) in children below 5 years of age has been reported in clinical studies of infants with hypophosphatasia, with and without use of Strensiq. Talk to your doctor if you notice any change in the shape of your infant's head. • If you are treated with Strensiq, you may experience a reaction at the injection site (pain, nodule, rash, discoloration) during the injection of the medicine or during the hours following the injection. If you experience any severe reaction at the injection site, tell your doctor immediately. • Increase of parathyroid hormone concentration and low calcium levels have been reported in studies. As a consequence, your doctor may ask you to take supplements of calcium and oral vitamin D if needed. • Weight gain may occur during your treatment with Strensiq. Your doctor will provide dietary advice as necessary. Other medicines and Strensiq Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are using, have recently used or might use any other medicines. If you need to undergo laboratory tests (giving blood for testing), tell your doctor that you are treated with Strensiq. Strensiq may cause some tests to show wrongly higher or lower results. Therefore, another type of test may need to be used if you are treated with Strensiq. Pregnancy Strensiq should not be used during pregnancy. The use of effective birth control during treatment should be considered in women who are able to get pregnant. Breast-feeding It is not known whether Strensiq can pass 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 whether to stop taking Strensiq, considering the benefit of breast-feeding to the baby and the benefit of Strensiq to the mother. If you are pregnant or breast-feeding, think you may be pregnant or are planning to have a baby, ask your doctor or pharmacist for advice before taking this medicine. Driving and using machines 2

This medicine is not expected to have any effect on the ability to drive or use machines. Important information about some of the ingredients of Strensiq This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, which means it is essentially 'sodium-free'. 3.

How to use Strensiq

Always use this medicine exactly as described in this leaflet or as your doctor, or pharmacist or nurse has told you. Check with your doctor, pharmacist or nurse if you are not sure.

How to take it

Strensiq will be explained to you by a doctor who is experienced in the management of patients with metabolic or bone related diseases. After being trained by the doctor or specialized nurse, you can inject Strensiq yourself at home. Dose • The dose you receive is based on your body weight. • The correct dose will be calculated by your doctor and consists of a total of 6 mg of asfotase alfa per kg of body weight every week, given either as an injection of 1 mg/kg asfotase alfa 6 times per week or as 2 mg/kg asfotase alfa 3 times per week depending on the recommendation of your doctor. Each dose will be administered by injection under the skin (subcutaneous), (see the dosing chart below for detailed information on the volume to be injected, and the type of vials to be used, based on your weight). • Doses will need to be adjusted regularly by your doctor as the body weight changes. • The maximum volume per injection should not exceed 1 ml. If more than 1 ml is required, you need to do multiple injections immediately one after the other.

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If injecting 3 x per week

If injecting 6 x per week

Body Weight (kg)

Volume to be injected

Color code of the vial to be used

Body Weight (kg)

Volume to be injected

Color code of the vial to be used

3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 25 30 35 40

0.15 ml 0.20 ml 0.25 ml 0.30 ml 0.35 ml 0.40 ml 0.45 ml 0.50 ml 0.55 ml 0.60 ml 0.65 ml 0.70 ml 0.75 ml 0.80 ml 0.85 ml 0.90 ml 0.95 ml 1 ml 0.50 ml 0.60 ml 0.70 ml 0.80 ml

Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Orange Orange Orange Light blue Light blue Light blue Light blue Light blue Pink Pink Pink Pink Pink Pink Green Green Green Green

6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 25 30 35 40 50 60 70 80 90

0.15 ml 0.18 ml 0.20 ml 0.23 ml 0.25 ml 0.28 ml 0.30 ml 0.33 ml 0.35 ml 0.38 ml 0.40 ml 0.43 ml 0.45 ml 0.48 ml 0.50 ml 0.63 ml 0.75 ml 0.88 ml 1 ml 0.50 ml 0.60 ml 0.70 ml 0.80 ml 0.90 ml

Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Dark blue Orange Orange Orange Orange Orange Orange Light blue Light blue Light blue Pink Pink Pink Green Green Green Green Green (x2)

100

1 ml

Green (x2)

Injection recommendations • You may experience a reaction at the injection site. Read section 4 carefully to know what side effects can occur before using this medicine • When injecting regularly, the injection site should be changed between different areas of the body to help reduce potential pain and irritation • Areas with a good amount of fat below the skin (thighs, arms (deltoids), abdomen, and buttocks) are the most suitable areas to inject. Please discuss with you doctor or nurse the best sites for you. Before injecting Strensiq, please read the following instructions carefully • Each vial is for single use and should only be punctured once. Strensiq liquid should look clear, slightly opalescent or opalescent, colourless to slightly yellow and may have a few small translucent or white particles in it. Do not use it if the liquid is discoloured or contains any 4

•

lumps or large particles in it and get a new vial. Any unused medicinal product or waste material should be disposed of in accordance with local requirements. If you are injecting this medicine yourself, you will be shown how to prepare and inject the medicine by your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. Do not inject this medicine yourself unless you have received training and you understand the procedure.

How to inject Strensiq Step 1: Preparing the Strensiq dose 1. Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water. 2. Take the unopened Strensiq vial(s) out of the refrigerator 15 to 30 minutes before injecting to allow the liquid to reach room temperature. Do not warm Strensiq in any other way (for example, do not warm it in a microwave or in hot water). Upon removal of the vial(s) from refrigeration, Strensiq should be used within 3 hours maximum (see section 5. How to store Strensiq). 3. Remove the protective cap from the Strensiq vial(s). Remove the protective plastic from the syringe to be used (not included in the package). Always use a new disposable syringe. 4. Place a larger bore needle (e.g. 25G) on the empty syringe and with the protective cap on, push down and turn clockwise the needle onto the syringe until it is tight. 5. Remove the plastic cap covering the syringe needle. Pay attention not to hurt yourself with the needle. 6. Pull the plunger back to draw air into the syringe equal to your dose. Step 2: Withdrawing Strensiq solution from the vial

1. Holding the syringe and vial, insert the needle through the sterile rubber seal and into the vial. 2. Push the plunger in completely to inject air into the vial.

3. Invert the vial and syringe. With the needle in the solution, pull the plunger to withdraw the correct dose into the syringe.

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4. Before removing the needle from the 5. Once all the bubbles are at the top of vial, check that the appropriate volume the syringe, gently push on the plunger has been withdrawn and check the to force the bubbles out of the syringe syringe for air bubbles. In the event and back into the vial. that bubbles appear in the syringe, hold the syringe with the needle pointing upwards and gently tap the side of the syringe until the bubbles rise to the top. 6. After removing the bubbles, recheck the dose of medication in the syringe to be sure you have drawn up the correct amount. You may need to use several vials to withdraw the complete amount needed to reach the correct dose. Step 3: Placing the needle for injection on the syringe 1. Remove the needle from the vial. Recap with one hand by placing the cap on a flat surface, slide the needle into the cap, lift it up and snap it on securely using only one hand. 2. Carefully remove the larger bore needle pushing down and turning counterclockwise. Dispose the needle with the protective cap in your sharps container. 3. Place a smaller bore needle (e.g. 27 or 29G) on the filled syringe and with the protective cap on, push down and turn clockwise the needle onto the syringe until it is tight. Pull the cap straight off the needle. 4. Hold the syringe with the needle pointing up and tap the barrel of the syringe with your finger to remove any air bubbles. Control visually that the volume contained into the syringe is correct. The volume per injection should not exceed 1 ml. If it is the case, multiple injections should be done at different sites. You are now ready to inject the correct dose. Step 4: Injecting Strensiq 1. Choose an injection site (thighs, abdomen, arms (deltoids), buttocks). Most suitable areas for injection are marked grey in the picture. Your doctor will advise you on the possible injection sites NOTE: do not use any areas in which you feel lumps, firm knots, or pain; talk to your doctor about anything you find. 2. Gently pinch the skin of the chosen injection area between your thumb and index finger.

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3. Holding the syringe like a pencil or a dart, insert the needle into the raised skin so it is at an angle of between 45o and 90o to the skin surface. For patients who have little fat under the skin or thin skin, a 45o angle may be preferable.

4. While continuing to hold the skin, push the syringe plunger to inject the medicine slowly, and steadily all the way in. 5. Remove the needle, release the skin fold and gently place a piece of cotton wool or gauze over the injection site for a few seconds. This will help seal the punctured tissue and prevent any leakage. Do not rub the injection site after injection. If you need a second injection for your prescribed dose, get another Strensiq vial and repeat steps 1 through 4. Step 5: Disposing of supplies Please collect your syringes, vials and needle in a sharps container. Your doctor, pharmacist or nurse will advise you on how you can obtain a sharps container. If you use more Strensiq than you should If you suspect that you have been accidently administered a higher dose of Strensiq than prescribed, please contact your doctor for advice. If you forget to use Strensiq Do not inject a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose and contact your doctor for advice. For more information, please consult:

If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.

Possible side effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. If you are not sure what the side effects below are, ask your doctor to explain them to you. The most serious side effects seen in patients receiving asfotase alfa have been allergic reactions including life threatening allergic reactions requiring medical treatment similar to anaphylaxis. This 7

side effect is common [may affect up to 1 in 10 people]). Patients who experienced these serious allergic reactions had difficulty breathing, choking sensation, nausea, swelling around the eyes, and dizziness. The reactions occurred within minutes after using asfotase alfa and can occur in patients who were using asfotase alfa for more than one year. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue Strensiq and seek medical help immediately. Additionally, other allergic reactions (hypersensitivity) which may appear as redness (erythema), fever (pyrexia), rash, itchiness (pruritis), irritability, feeling sick (nausea), throwing up (vomiting), pain, chills (rigor), numbness of the mouth (hypoaesthesia oral), headache, blushing (flushing), fast beating of the heart (tachycardia), and cough may occur commonly. If you experience any of these symptoms, discontinue Strensiq and seek medical help immediately. Very common: may affect more than 1 in 10 people

  • Reactions at the injection site during the injection of the medicine or during the hours following the injection (which can lead to redness, discolorations, itching, pain, fatty lumps or decreased fatty tissue on the surface of the skin, skin hypopigmentation, and/or swelling)
  • Fever (pyrexia)
  • Irritability
  • Skin redness (erythema)
  • Pain in hands and feet (pain in extremity)
  • Bruise (contusion)
  • Headache Common: may affect up to 1 in 10 people
  • Stretched skin, skin discolouration
  • Feeling sick (nausea)
  • Numbness of the mouth (hypoaesthesia oral)
  • Aching muscles (myalgia)
  • Scar
  • Increased tendency to bruise
  • Hot flush
  • Infection of skin at injection site (injection site cellulitis)
  • Reduced levels of calcium in the blood (hypocalcaemia)
  • Kidney stones (nephrolithiasis) Reporting of side effects If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. You can also report side effects directly via the Yellow Card Scheme Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store. By reporting side effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.

How to store it

Strensiq

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date which is stated on the carton and the vial label after EXP. The expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2°C-8°C). Do not freeze. Store in the original package in order to protect from light. After opening the vial, the product should be used immediately (within 3 hours maximum at room temperature, between 23°C and 27°C).

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Do not throw away any medicines via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to throw away medicines you no longer use. These measures will help protect the environment. 6.

Contents of the pack and other information

What Strensiq contains The active substance is asfotase alfa. Each ml of solution contains 40 mg or 100 mg of asfotase alfa. Each vial of 0.3 ml solution (40 mg/ml) contains 12 mg of asfotase alfa. Each vial of 0.45 ml solution (40 mg/ml) contains 18 mg of asfotase alfa. Each vial of 0.7 ml solution (40 mg/ml) contains 28 mg of asfotase alfa. Each vial of 1 ml solution (40 mg/ml) contains 40 mg of asfotase alfa. Each vial of 0.8 ml solution (100 mg/ml) contains 80 mg of asfotase alfa. The other ingredients are sodium chloride, sodium phosphate monobasic monohydrate, sodium phosphate dibasic heptahydrate and water for injections. What Strensiq looks like and contents of the pack Strensiq is presented as a clear, slightly opalescent or opalescent, colourless to slightly yellow aqueous solution for injection in glass vials containing 0.3 ml, 0.45 ml, 0.7 ml, 0.8 ml and 1 ml of solution. A few small translucent or white particles may be present. Pack sizes of 1 or 12 vials. Not all pack sizes may be marketed in your country. Marketing Authorisation Holder Alexion Europe SAS 103-105 rue Anatole France 92300 Levallois-Perret France Manufacturer Alexion Pharma International Operations Limited College Business and Technology Park, Blanchardstown Dublin 15 Ireland For any information about this medicine, please contact the local representative of the Marketing Authorisation Holder: Alexion Europe SAS Tel: 0800 028 4394 This leaflet was last revised in January 2026. This medicine has been authorised under 'exceptional circumstances'. This means that because of the rarity of this disease it has been impossible to get complete information on this medicine. The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) will review any new information on this medicine every year and this leaflet will be updated as necessary.

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Frequently asked questions about Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection

How do I take Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection?

Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection comes as injection containing 100mg/ml. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.

What is the active substance in Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection?

The active substance in Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection is asfotase alfa.

Where does this information come from?

This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Strensiq 100 mg/ml 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.

Can I get Strensiq 100 mg/ml solution for injection without a prescription?

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.

About this leaflet

The text above reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for this medicine, restructured for easier reading.

Medical disclaimer: This page is for information only and does not replace advice from your doctor or pharmacist. Always read the leaflet supplied with your medicine. If you are unwell, call NHS 111; in an emergency, call 999.

Medicines with the same active substance: Asfotase alfa (2 medicines)
See every medicine containing this substance, or browse the full A–Z of active substances.
⚕For healthcare professionals — Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC)Full SmPC: dosage, interactions, contraindications, warnings+
Technical information intended for healthcare professionals (doctors and pharmacists). The Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) is the official document approved by the MHRA/EMA. It does not replace the patient leaflet or a doctor’s advice.

4.1. Therapeutic indications

Strensiq is indicated for long-term enzyme replacement therapy in patients of all ages with paediatric-onset hypophosphatasia to treat the bone manifestations of the disease (see section 5.1).

4.2. Posology and method of administration

Treatment should be initiated by a physician experienced in the management of patients with metabolic or bone disorders.

Posology

Recommended dosage regimen of asfotase alfa is 2 mg/kg of body weight administered subcutaneously three times per week, or a dosage regimen of 1 mg/kg of body weight administered subcutaneously six times per week.

Maximum recommended dose of asfotase alfa is 6 mg/kg/week (see Section 5.1).

Refer to the dosing chart below for more details.

Body Weight (kg)

If injecting 3x per week

If injecting 6x per week

Dose to be injected

Volume to be injected

Vial type used for injection

Dose to be injected

Volume to be injected

Vial type used for injection

3

6 mg

0.15 ml

0.3 ml

4

8 mg

0.20 ml

0.3 ml

5

10 mg

0.25 ml

0.3 ml

6

12 mg

0.30 ml

0.3 ml

6 mg

0.15 ml

0.3 ml

7

14 mg

0.35 ml

0.45 ml

7 mg

0.18 ml

0.3 ml

8

16 mg

0.40 ml

0.45 ml

8 mg

0.20 ml

0.3 ml

9

18 mg

0.45 ml

0.45 ml

9 mg

0.23 ml

0.3 ml

10

20 mg

0.50 ml

0.7 ml

10 mg

0.25 ml

0.3 ml

11

22 mg

0.55 ml

0.7 ml

11 mg

0.28 ml

0.3 ml

12

24 mg

0.60 ml

0.7 ml

12 mg

0.30 ml

0.3 ml

13

26 mg

0.65 ml

0.7 ml

13 mg

0.33 ml

0.45 ml

14

28 mg

0.70 ml

0.7 ml

14 mg

0.35 ml

0.45 ml

15

30 mg

0.75 ml

1 ml

15 mg

0.38 ml

0.45 ml

16

32 mg

0.80 ml

1 ml

16 mg

0.40 ml

0.45 ml

17

34 mg

0.85 ml

1 ml

17 mg

0.43 ml

0.45 ml

18

36 mg

0.90 ml

1 ml

18 mg

0.45 ml

0.45 ml

19

38 mg

0.95 ml

1 ml

19 mg

0.48 ml

0.7 ml

20

40 mg

1.00 ml

1 ml

20 mg

0.50 ml

0.7 ml

25

50 mg

0.50 ml

0.8 ml

25 mg

0.63 ml

0.7 ml

30

60 mg

0.60 ml

0.8 ml

30 mg

0.75 ml

1 ml

35

70 mg

0.70 ml

0.8 ml

35 mg

0.88 ml

1 ml

40

80 mg

0.80 ml

0.8 ml

40 mg

1.00 ml

1 ml

50

50 mg

0.50 ml

0.8 ml

60

60 mg

0.60 ml

0.8 ml

70

70 mg

0.70 ml

0.8 ml

80

80 mg

0.80 ml

0.8 ml

90

90 mg

0.90 ml

0.8 ml (x2)

100

100 mg

1.00 ml

0.8 ml (x2)

Missed dose

If a dose of asfotase alfa is missed, a double dose should not be injected to make up for the missed dose.

Special population

Adult patients

The pharmacokinetics, pharmacodynamics, and safety of asfotase alfa have been studied in patients with hypophosphatasia > 18 years old. Dose adjustment is not needed in adult patients with paediatric-onset hypophosphatasia (HPP) (see Sections 5.1 and 5.2).

Elderly

The safety and efficacy of asfotase alfa in elderly patients have not been established and no specific dose regimen can be recommended for these patients.

Renal impairment

The safety and efficacy of asfotase alfa in patients with renal impairment have not been evaluated and no specific dose regimen can be recommended for these patients.

Hepatic impairment

The safety and efficacy of asfotase alfa in patients with hepatic impairment have not been evaluated and no specific dose regimen can be recommended for these patients.

Method of administration

Strensiq is for subcutaneous use only. It is not intended for intravenous or intramuscular injection.

The maximum volume of medicinal product per injection should not exceed 1 ml. If more than 1 ml is required, multiple injections may be administered at the same time.

Strensiq should be administered using sterile disposable syringes and injection needles. The syringes should be of small enough volume that the prescribed dose can be withdrawn from the vial with reasonable accuracy.

Injections sites should be rotated and carefully monitored for signs of potential reactions (see section 4.4).

Patients can self-inject only if they have properly been trained on administration procedures.

For handling of the medicinal product before administration, see section 6.6.

4.3. Contraindications

Severe or life-threatening hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients if hypersensitivity is not controllable (see section 4.4).

4.4. Special warnings and precautions for use

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.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions including signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis have been reported in patients treated with asfotase alfa (see section 4.8). These symptoms included difficulty breathing, choking sensation, periorbital edema, and dizziness. The reactions have occurred within minutes after subcutaneous administration of asfotase alfa and can occur in patients on treatment for more than 1 year. Other hypersensitivity reactions included vomiting, nausea, fever, headache, flushing, irritability, chills, skin erythema, rash, pruritus, and oral hypoaesthesia. If these reactions occur, immediate discontinuation of treatment is recommended and appropriate medical treatment should be initiated. The current medical standards for emergency treatment should be observed.

Consider the risks and benefits of re-administering asfotase alfa to individual patients following a severe reaction, taking other factors into account that may contribute to the risk of a hypersensitivity reaction, such as concurrent infection and/ or use of antibiotics. If the decision is made to re-administer the product, the re-challenge should be made under medical supervision and consideration may be given to use of appropriate pre-medication. Patients should be monitored for recurrence of signs and symptoms of a severe hypersensitivity reaction.

The need for supervision for subsequent administrations and need for emergency treatment for home care should be at the discretion of the treating physician.

Severe or potentially life-threatening hypersensitivity is a contraindication to re-challenge, if hypersensitivity is not controllable (see section 4.3).

Injection reaction

Administration of asfotase alfa may result in local injection site reactions (including, but not limited to, erythema, rash, discoloration, pruritus, pain, papule, nodule, atrophy) defined as any related adverse event occurring during the injection or until the end of the injection day (see section 4.8). Rotation of injection sites may help to minimize these reactions.

Strensiq administration should be interrupted in any patient experiencing severe injection reactions and appropriate medical therapy administered.

Lipodystrophy

Localized lipodystrophy, including lipoatrophy and lipohypertrophy, has been reported at injection sites after several months in patients treated with asfotase alfa in clinical trials (see section 4.8). Patients are advised to follow proper injection technique and to rotate injection sites (see section 4.2).

Craniosynostosis

In asfotase alfa clinical studies adverse events of craniosynostosis (associated with increased intracranial pressure), including worsening of pre-existing craniosynostosis and occurrence of Arnold-Chiari malformation, have been reported in hypophosphatasia patients < 5 years of age. There are insufficient data to establish a causal relationship between exposure to Strensiq and progression of craniosynostosis. Craniosynostosis as a manifestation of hypophosphatasia is documented in published literature and occurred in 61.3% of patients between birth and 5 years of age in a natural history study of untreated infantile-onset hypophosphatasia patients. Craniosynostosis can lead to increased intracranial pressure. Periodic monitoring (including fundoscopy for signs of papilloedema) and prompt intervention for increased intracranial pressure is recommended in hypophosphatasia patients below 5 years of age.

Ectopic calcification

In asfotase alfa clinical studies ophthalmic (conjunctival and corneal) calcification and nephrocalcinosis have been reported in patients with hypophosphatasia. There are insufficient data to establish a causal relationship between exposure to asfotase alfa and ectopic calcification. Ophthalmic (conjunctival and corneal) calcification and nephrocalcinosis as manifestations of hypophosphatasia are documented in published literature. Nephrocalcinosis occurred in 51.6% of patients between birth and 5 years of age in a natural history study of untreated infantile-onset hypophosphatasia patients. Ophthalmology examination and renal ultrasounds are recommended at baseline and periodically in hypophosphatasia patients.

Serum Parathyroid Hormone and Calcium

Serum parathyroid hormone concentration may increase in hypophosphatasia patients administered asfotase alfa, most notably during the first 12 weeks of treatment. It is recommended that serum parathyroid hormone and calcium be monitored in patients treated with asfotase alfa. Supplements of calcium and oral vitamin D may be required. See section 5.1.

Disproportionate weight gain

Patients may display disproportionate weight increase. Dietary supervision is recommended.

Excipients

This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per vial, i.e. the product is essentially 'sodium-free'.

4.5. Interaction with other medicinal products and other forms of interaction

No interaction studies have been performed with asfotase alfa. Based on its structure and pharmacokinetics, asfotase alfa is unlikely to affect Cytochrome P-450 related metabolism.

Asfotase alfa contains a catalytic domain of tissue non-specific alkaline phosphatase. Administration of asfotase alfa will interfere with routine measurement of serum alkaline phosphatase by hospital laboratories resulting in serum alkaline phosphatase activity measurements of several thousand units per litre. Asfotase alfa activity results must not be interpreted as the same measure as serum alkaline phosphatase activity owing to differences in enzyme characteristics.

Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) is used as the detection reagent in many routine laboratory assays. If asfotase alfa is present in clinical laboratory samples, aberrant values could be reported.

The treating physician should inform the testing lab that the patient is treated with medication affecting the ALP levels. Alternative assays (i.e. not utilizing an ALP-conjugated reporter system) may be considered in patients treated with Strensiq.

4.6. Fertility, pregnancy and lactation

Pregnancy

There are insufficient data from the use of asfotase alfa in pregnant women.

Following repeated subcutaneous administration to pregnant mice in the therapeutic dose range (>0.5 mg/kg), asfotase alfa levels were quantifiable in fetuses at all doses tested, suggesting cross‑placental transport of asfotase alfa. Animal studies are insufficient with respect to reproductive toxicity (see section 5.3). Asfotase alfa is not recommended during pregnancy and in women of childbearing potential not using contraception.

Breast-feeding

There is insufficient information on the excretion of asfotase alfa 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 asfotase alfa therapy taking into account the benefit of breast-feeding for the child and the benefit of therapy for the woman.

Fertility

Preclinical fertility studies were conducted and showed no evidence of effect on fertility and embryo‑fetal development (see section 5.3).

4.7. Effects on ability to drive and use machines

Strensiq has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.

4.8. Undesirable effects

Summary of the safety profile

Supportive safety data reflect exposure in 112 patients with perinatal/infantile (n=89), juvenile-onset (n = 22), adult onset (n = 1) HPP (age at enrollment from 1 day to 66.5 years) treated with asfotase alfa, with a treatment duration range from 1 day to 391.9 weeks [7.5 years]). The most common adverse reactions observed were injection site reactions (74%). A few case reports of anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reaction have been received.

Tabulated list of adverse reactions

Adverse reactions with asfotase alfa are listed by system organ class and preferred term using MedDRA frequency 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) and not known (cannot be estimated from the available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.

Table 1: Adverse Reactions Reported in clinical trials in hypophosphatasia patients

System Organ Class

Frequency category

Adverse reaction

Infections and infestations

Common

Injection site cellulitis

Blood and lymphatic system disorders

Common

Increased tendency to bruise

Immune system disorders

Common

Anaphylactoid reactions

Hypersensitivity2

Metabolism and nutrition disorders

Common

Hypocalcaemia

Nervous system disorders

Very common

Headache

Vascular disorders

Common

Hot flush

Gastrointestinal disorders

Common

Hypoaesthesia oral

Nausea

Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders

Very common

Erythema

Common

Skin discolouration

Skin disorder (stretched skin)

Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders

Very common

Pain in extremity

Common

Myalgia

Renal and urinary disorders

Common

Nephrolithiasis

General disorders and administration site conditions

Very common

Injection site reactions1

Pyrexia

Irritability

Common

Chills

Injury, poisoning and procedural complications

Very common

Contusion

Common

Scar

1- Preferred terms considered as injection site reactions are presented in section below

2- Preferred terms considered as hypersensitivity are presented in the section below

Description of selected adverse reactions

Injection site reactions

Injection site reactions (including injection site atrophy, abscess, erythema, discolouration, pain, pruritus, macule, swelling, contusion, bruising, lipodystrophy (lipoatrophy or lipohypertrophy), induration, reaction, nodule, rash, papule, haematoma, inflammation, urticarial, calcification, warmth, haemorrhage, cellulitis, scar, mass, extravasation, exfoliation and vesicles) are the most common adverse reactions observed in about 74% of the patients in clinical studies. Most injection site reactions were mild and self-limiting, and the majority (> 99%) were reported as non-serious. In the clinical trial setting, the majority of patients who experienced an injection site reaction had the first occurrence within the first 12 weeks of treatment with asfotase alfa, and some patients continued to experience injection site reactions until 1 or more years after initiating asfotase alfa dosing.

One patient withdrew from the trial due to injection site hypersensitivity.

Hypersensitivity

Hypersensitivity reactions include erythema/redness, pyrexia/fever, rash, pruritis, irritability, nausea, vomiting, pain, rigor/chills, hypoaesthesia oral, headache, flushing, tachycardia, cough, and signs and symptoms consistent with anaphylaxis (see section 4.4). A few case reports of anaphylactoid/hypersensitivity reaction have also been received and were associated with signs and symptoms of difficulty breathing, choking sensation, periorbital edema and dizziness.

Immunogenicity

There is potential for immunogenicity. Among 109 hypophosphatasia patients enrolled in the clinical studies and who have post baseline antibody data available, 97/109 (89.0%) tested positive for anti-drug antibodies at some time point after starting Strensiq treatment. Among those 97 patients, 55 (56.7%) also showed the presence of neutralizing antibodies at some time point post-baseline. The antibody response (with or without presence of neutralizing antibodies) was time variant in nature. In clinical trials, the development of antibodies has not been shown to affect clinical efficacy or safety (see section 5.2). Data from post-marketing cases suggests that the development of antibodies may affect clinical efficacy.

No trends in adverse events based on antibody status were observed in clinical trials. Some patients confirmed positive for antidrug antibodies experienced injection site reactions (ISRs) and/or hypersensitivity, however there was no consistent trend in the frequency of these reactions over time noted between ADA ever positive and ADA always negative patients.

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 national reporting system detailed below:

Yellow Card Scheme

Website: www.mhra.gov.uk/yellowcard or search for MHRA Yellow Card in the Google Play or Apple App Store.

4.9. Overdose

There is limited experience with overdose of asfotase alfa. The maximum dose of asfotase alfa used in clinical studies is 28 mg/kg/week. No dose-related toxicity or change in the safety profile has been observed in clinical studies. Therefore, no overdose level has been determined. For management of adverse reactions, see sections 4.4 and 4.8.

🇷🇴 Known in Romania as

Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca

  • STRENSIQ 100 mg/ml prescriptionASFOTASE ALFA · injection / infusion
  • STRENSIQ 40 mg/ml prescriptionASFOTASE ALFA · injection / infusion

Same active substance. The strength, the form and whether you need a prescription can differ. Always ask a pharmacist before you switch. Romanian medicines in the UK →

🇵🇱 Known in Poland as

Medicines sold in Poland with the same active substance: W Polsce znany jako

  • StrensiqAsfotasum alfa · injection / infusion

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 →

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