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 Volanesorsen sodium may still be available. Do not stop your treatment — ask your pharmacist or GP what to use instead.
for
Waylivra contains the active substance volanesorsen, which helps to treat a condition called familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). FCS is a genetic disease which gives rise to abnormally high levels of fats called triglycerides in the blood. This can lead to inflammation of your pancreas, causing severe pain. Together with a controlled low-fat diet, Waylivra helps to lower the levels of triglycerides in your blood. Waylivra may be given after you have already received other medicines used to lower the levels of triglycerides in blood without them having much effect. You will only be given Waylivra if genetic testing has confirmed you have FCS and your risk for pancreatitis is considered very high.. You should continue the very low-fat diet that your doctor has prescribed during treatment with Waylivra. This medicine is intended for patients aged 18 years and above. 2.
e Waylivra
Do not use Waylivra: − if you are allergic to volanesorsen or any of the other ingredients in this medicine (listed in section 6). − if you have a condition called thrombocytopenia, which means that you have a very low number of platelets in your blood (less than 140 x 109/L). You may notice this if you have an injury which causes bleeding and it takes a long time to stop (more than 5-6 minutes for a skin
scratch). Your doctor will test for this before treatment with this medicine is started. You may not know that you have this condition until this point, or what might have caused it. If any of the above apply to you, or you are not sure, talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before using Waylivra. Warnings and precautions Talk to your doctor, pharmacist or nurse before using Waylivra if you have or have had any of the following medical problems: − Very high triglyceride levels which are not due to FCS. − A low number of platelets, a type of cell in your blood that clump together to help it clot (thrombocytopenia); your doctor will do a blood test before you start using this medicine to check the number of platelets in your blood. − Any liver or kidney problems. Blood tests Your doctor will do a blood test before you start using this medicine to check the number of platelets, and then at regular intervals once you have started using Waylivra to check on platelet levels. You should see your doctor immediately if you have any signs of low platelet levels, such as unusual or prolonged bleeding, patches of red appearing on the skin (called petechiae), unexplained bruising, bleeding which will not stop, or nosebleeds, or if you get neck stiffness or a severe headache. Your doctor may also do a blood test every 3 months to check for signs of damage to your liver. You should see your doctor immediately if you have any signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin and eyeballs, pain or swelling in your abdomen, feeling or being sick, confusion or a general feeling of being unwell. If necessary, your doctor may change how often you use this medicine, or may stop it for a period. It may be necessary to consult a doctor specialising in blood disorders to determine whether you should continue treatment with Waylivra or not. Urine tests Your doctor may do a urine and/or blood test every 3 months to check for signs of damage to your kidneys. You should see your doctor immediately if you have any signs of kidney damage, such as swelling in your ankles, legs and feet, passing smaller amounts of urine than usual, shortness of breath, feeling sick, confusion or feeling very tired or drowsy. Diet Before starting this medicine, you should be on a diet designed to help lower triglyceride levels in your blood. It is important that you maintain this triglyceride-lowering diet whilst using Waylivra. Children and adolescents Do not use Waylivra if you are under 18 years old. Waylivra has not been studied in patients under 18 years old. Other medicines and Waylivra Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking, have recently taken, or might take any other medicines. It is important to tell your doctor if you are already being treated with any of the following: − Medicines to prevent blood clots, e.g., acetylsalicylic acid, dipyridamol or warfarin.
−
−
Other medicines that may change how your blood clots, including non-steroidal antiinflammatory medicines like ibuprofen, medicines used to prevent heart attacks and strokes such as clopidogrel, ticagrelor and prasugrel, antibiotics such as penicillin, medicines such as ranitidine (used to reduce stomach acid), and quinine (used to treat malaria). Medicines that may cause problems with your liver, such as paracetamol.
Waylivra with alcohol The effect of using Waylivra with alcohol is not known. You should avoid alcohol during treatment with this medicine due to risk of liver issues. Pregnancy and breast-feeding 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 using this medicine. It is preferable to avoid the use of Waylivra during pregnancy. It is not known if Waylivra passes into breast milk. It is recommended that you discuss breast-feeding with your doctor to see what is best for you and your child. Driving and using machines Waylivra is not likely to affect your ability to drive or use machines. Sodium This medicine contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose, that is to say essentially 'sodiumfree'. 3.
Waylivra
Always use this medicine exactly as your doctor has told you. Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you are not sure. Before you are given this medicine other causes of high levels of triglycerides, such as diabetes or problems with your thyroid, will be ruled out by your doctor. Your doctor will tell you how often you should take this medicine. They may change how often you use it, or may stop it for a period or permanently, depending on the results of your blood and urine tests or occurrence of side effects. You or your caregiver will be trained on how to use Waylivra according to the instructions in this leaflet. Waylivra should be injected under your skin (subcutaneous or 'SC' administration) in the way the doctor, nurse or pharmacist has shown you, and you should make sure you inject all of the liquid in the syringe. Each single-use, pre-filled syringe of this medicine gives you a dose of 285 mg in 1.5 ml. Before using this medicine, it is important that you read, understand, and closely follow the instructions for use. Instructions for use are provided at the end of this leaflet. If you use more Waylivra than you should If you inject too much Waylivra, contact your doctor or pharmacist, or attend a hospital emergency department immediately, even if there are no symptoms. If you forget to use Waylivra If you miss a dose, contact your doctor to ask when to take your next dose. If a dose is missed and noticed within 48 hours, you should give the missed dose as soon as possible. If not noticed within 48
hours, then the missed dose should be skipped and the next planned injection given. Do not inject more than one dose within 2 days. If you stop using Waylivra Do not stop using Waylivra unless you have discussed stopping your medicine with your doctor. If you have any further questions on the use of this medicine, ask your doctor, pharmacist or nurse. 4.
Like all medicines, this medicine can cause side effects, although not everybody gets them. Serious side effects If you get any of the following side effects, contact your doctor immediately:
–
Hot flush, increased sweating, night sweats, feeling hot, pain, flu-like illness or a general feeling of being unwell Cough, difficulty breathing, a blocked nose, swelling of the throat, wheezing Feeling or being sick, dry mouth, diarrhoea, swelling of the neck, face or gums, stomach pain or swelling, indigestion Skin redness, rash, pimples, thickening or scarring, or itchiness of the skin known as 'hives' (urticaria) Pain in the hands or feet, pain in the large joint of the arms and legs including the elbows, wrists, knees and ankles, other joint pain or stiffness, back pain, neck pain, jaw pain, muscle spasms, or other body pains Severe tiredness (fatigue), weakness or lack of energy, fluid retention, chest pain unrelated to the heart
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 national reporting system: 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. By reporting side-effects you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine. 5.
Waylivra
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 syringe label after 'EXP'. Please note that the expiry date refers to the last day of that month. Store in a refrigerator (2 ° – 8 °C). Store in the original carton to protect from light. Waylivra can be kept at room temperature (up to 30 °C) in the original carton for up to 6 weeks after removing from the refrigerator. During this time this medicine may be kept at either room temperature or put back into the refrigerator, as needed. Record the date you first remove the pack from the refrigerator on the outer carton in the space indicated. If you do not use it within 6 weeks after first removing from the refrigerator, discard the medicine. If the expiry date on the syringe label has passed during the 6 week period at room temperature, do not use the syringe and discard it. Do not use this medicine if the solution is cloudy or contains particles; it should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. 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.
What Waylivra contains
The active substance is volanesorsen. Each ml contains 200 mg volanesorsen sodium, equivalent to 190 mg volanesorsen. Each single-dose pre-filled syringe contains 285 mg of volanesorsen in 1.5 ml solution. The other ingredients are water for injections, sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid (to adjust acidity level, see section 2 under 'Sodium'). What Waylivra looks like and contents of the pack Waylivra is provided in a carton as a single-dose syringe with needle and needle cap, pre-filled with a clear, colourless to pale yellow solution. It is filled to deliver 1.5 ml of solution upon full depression of the syringe's plunger. It is available as either a carton containing 1 pre-filled syringe, or as a multipack of 4 (4 packs of 1-pack cartons) pre-filled syringes. Marketing Authorisation Holder Akcea Therapeutics Ireland Ltd. St. James House 72 Adelaide Road, Dublin 2 D02 Y017, Ireland Manufacturer Almac Pharma Services Ireland Ltd. Finnabair Industrial Estate Dundalk Co. Louth Ireland This leaflet was last revised in 06/2023 This medicine has been given 'conditional approval'. This means that there is more evidence to come about this medicine.
Instructions for use Waylivra is an injection given under the skin with a single-use, disposable, pre-filled syringe. Do not use Waylivra until you completely understand the procedure described below. If you have any questions about how to use Waylivra, please contact your doctor or pharmacist. Pre-filled syringe components
Get ready to inject 1. Wash hands and gather supplies Wash your hands thoroughly with soap (for at least 3 minutes) and dry them well. Place the following items on a clean, flat surface in a well-lit area (Figure A).
Figure A 2. Allow the injection to reach to room temperature
If the syringe was in the refrigerator, allow the prefilled syringe to reach room temperature by removing it from the refrigerator at least 30 minutes before the injection. Injection with cold liquid may cause injection site reactions such as pain, redness, or swelling. Do not warm syringe in any other way, such as by microwave or warm water. Figure B 3. Check the expiry date Check the expiry date on the carton. The expiry date on the package refers to the life of the medicine when refrigerated. The date you first remove the pack from the refrigerator should be recorded on the outer carton in the space indicated. Do not use Waylivra if the expiry date has passed or if it was stored for longer than 6 weeks at room temperature. Call your doctor or pharmacist to get a new supply. 4. Remove the syringe and inspect the medicine Open the carton and remove the syringe by grasping the syringe barrel and pulling it straight out (Figure C).
Figure C Look at the liquid in the syringe. The medicine should be clear to slightly yellow in colour. It is normal to see a large air bubble (Figure D). Do not try to remove the air bubble before injecting. Injecting the solution with the air bubble is harmless. Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the liquid is cloudy or has floating particles. Figure D 5. Choose an injection site
If self-injecting: Stomach – Stomach area as shown, except for 2 inches around the belly button. Thighs – Front, middle area as shown (Figure E).
If administering an injection to someone else as a caregiver, in addition to the above sites:
Figure E
Arms – Back of upper area as shown (Figure F). For all injections: Alternate the injection area for each injection. Avoid injecting at the waistline where your clothing may rub or press the injection area.
Figure F
Do not inject into tattoos, moles, scars, birthmarks, bruises, rashes, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard, damaged, burned, or inflamed. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are unsure of where to inject. Injecting 6. Prepare injection site Clean your chosen injection site with an alcohol pad (Figure G).
Figure G 7. Remove needle cap Remove the needle cap by holding the barrel of the syringe with the needle pointing away from you and pulling the needle cap straight off (Figure H).
You may see a drop of liquid at the tip of the needle. This is normal. Do not hold the plunger rod or the plunger head while removing the needle cap. Do not use the pre-filled syringe if the needle appears damaged. Do not use the pre-filled syringe if it is dropped with the needle cap removed. Figure H 8. Pinch the skin Using your free hand, pinch the skin around the injection site (Figure I).
Figure I 9. Insert needle Insert the needle into the injection site with a quick, firm motion without touching the plunger head. The needle should be inserted at a 45 degree angle to the skin surface (Figure J).
Figure J 10. Inject Waylivra Inject the liquid by holding the syringe with your thumb on the plunger, and slowly push the plunger down as far as it will go, until the syringe is completely empty (Figure K and L).
Figure K
Figure L 11. Remove Needle Remove the needle from the injection site by pulling out at the same angle it was inserted (Figure M).
Figure M After the Injection 12. Dispose of the Used Syringe into a Sharps Container Immediately after the injection, dispose of the used syringe as instructed by your healthcare professional, usually into a sharps disposal container (Figure N) by following these steps. Throw away the needle cap after injecting. Do not recap the syringe. If you do not have a sharps disposal container, you may use a household container that is:
Figure N
public health government website (where available) for more details on how you should dispose of sharps in your location. Do not dispose of your used sharps disposal container in your household waste. Do not recycle your used sharps disposal container. Always keep your sharps container away from children and pets. 13. Treat the Injection Site If you see blood where you've injected, press the site lightly with the sterile cotton ball or gauze and bandage if needed (Figure O). Do not rub the site after you've injected.
You may also apply ice to the injection site to reduce pain, redness, or discomfort (Figure P).
Figure O
Figure P Storage Storage information When you first receive Waylivra the pre-filled syringes should be stored in their packaging in the refrigerator (2 °C-8 °C). Waylivra can be stored at room temperature (8 °C-30 °C), in the outer carton to protect from light, for up to 6 weeks. During this 6 week period, this medicine can be stored at either room temperature or put back in the refrigerator. Do not freeze the Waylivra pre-filled syringe. Do not take out of the packaging or remove the needle cap until you are ready to inject. Discard this medicine immediately if not used within the 6 weeks after the first time it is removed from the refrigerator. You should refer to the date you have written on the carton to be sure.
Waylivra (volanesorsen) 285 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe comes as injection containing 285mg. Always follow the dose your doctor or pharmacist has given you, and read the leaflet that comes with the medicine.
The active substance in Waylivra (volanesorsen) 285 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe is volanesorsen sodium.
This leaflet reproduces the patient information leaflet approved for Waylivra (volanesorsen) 285 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe, 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.
Waylivra is indicated as an adjunct to diet in adult patients with genetically confirmed familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) and at high risk for pancreatitis, in whom response to diet and triglyceride lowering therapy has been inadequate.
Posology
Treatment should be initiated by and remain under the supervision of a physician experienced in the treatment of patients with FCS. Prior to initiating Waylivra, secondary causes of hypertriglyceridemia (e.g. uncontrolled diabetes, hypothyroidism) should be excluded or appropriately addressed.
The recommended starting dose is 285 mg in 1.5 ml injected subcutaneously once weekly for 3 months. Following 3 months, dose frequency should be reduced to 285 mg every 2 weeks.
However, treatment should be discontinued in patients with a reduction in serum triglycerides <25% or who fail to achieve serum triglycerides below 22.6 mmol/L after 3 months on volanesorsen 285 mg weekly.
After 6 months of treatment with volanesorsen, increase of dose frequency to 285 mg weekly should be considered if response has been inadequate in terms of serum triglyceride reduction as evaluated by the supervising experienced specialist and in the condition that platelet counts are in the normal range. Patients should be re-downtitrated to 285 mg every 2 weeks if the higher 285 mg once weekly dose does not provide significant additional triglyceride reduction after 9 months.
Patients should be instructed to give the injection on the same day of the week, according to medically determined frequency of administration.
If a dose is missed and noticed within 48 hours, the patient should be directed to give the missed dose as soon as possible. If not noticed within 48 hours, then the missed dose should be skipped and the next planned injection given.
Platelet monitoring and dose adjustments
Before initiation of treatment, platelet count should be measured. If the platelet count is below 140 x 109/L another measurement should be taken approximately a week later to reassess. If platelet count remains below 140 x 109/L upon a second measurement, Waylivra should not be initiated (see section 4.3).
After commencing treatment, patients should have platelet levels monitored at least every two weeks, depending on the platelet levels.
Treatment and monitoring should be adjusted according to laboratory values in line with Table 1.
For any patient dose paused or discontinued due to severe thrombocytopenia, the benefits and risks of returning to treatment once platelet count ≥100 x 109/L should be carefully considered. For discontinued patients, a haematologist should be consulted prior to resuming treatment.
Table 1. Waylivra monitoring and treatment recommendations
Platelet count (x109/L)
Dose
(285 mg prefilled syringe)
Monitoring frequency
Normal (≥140)
Starting dose: Weekly
After 3 months: Every 2 weeks
Every 2 weeks
100 to 139
Every 2 weeks
Weekly
75 to 99
Pause treatment for ≥4 weeks and resume treatment after platelet levels ≥ 100 x 109/L
Weekly
50 to 74a
Pause treatment for ≥4 weeks and resume treatment after platelet levels ≥ 100 x 109/L
Every 2-3 days
Less than 50a, b
Discontinue treatment
Glucocorticoids recommended
Daily
a See section 4.4 for recommendations regarding use of antiplatelet agents/non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)/anticoagulants
b Consultation of a haematologist is needed to reconsider the benefit/risk for possible further treatment with volanesorsen.
Special populations
Elderly population
No starting dose adjustment is necessary for elderly patients. There is limited clinical data for patients aged 65 and over (see sections 5.1 and 5.2).
Renal impairment
No starting dose adjustment is necessary in patients with mild to moderate renal impairment. The safety and efficacy in patients with severe renal impairment has not been established and these patients should be closely observed.
Hepatic impairment
This medicinal product has not been studied in patients with hepatic impairment. The medicinal product is not metabolised via the cytochrome P450 enzyme system in the liver, therefore dose adjustment is unlikely to be required in patients with hepatic impairment.
Paediatric population
The safety and efficacy of this medicinal product in children and adolescents below 18 years of age have not yet been established. No data are available.
Method of administration
This medicinal product is intended for subcutaneous use only. It should not be administered intramuscularly or intravenously.
Each pre-filled syringe is for single use only.
Waylivra should be inspected visually prior to administration. The solution should be clear and colourless to slightly yellow. If the solution is cloudy or contains visible particulate matter, the contents must not be injected and the medicinal product should be returned to the pharmacy.
The first injection administered by the patient or caregiver should be performed under the guidance of an appropriately qualified health care professional. Patients and/or caregivers should be trained in the administration of this medicinal product in accordance with the patient information leaflet.
The pre-filled syringe should be allowed to reach room temperature prior to injection. It should be removed from refrigerated storage (2 ° to 8 °C) at least 30 minutes before use. Other warming methods should not be used. It is normal to see a large air bubble. It should not be attempted to remove the air bubble.
It is important to rotate sites for injection. Sites for injection include the abdomen, upper thigh region, or outer area of the upper arm. If injected in the upper arm, the injection should be administered by another person. Injection should be avoided at the waistline and other sites where pressure or rubbing may occur from clothing. This medicinal product should not be injected into tattoos, moles, birthmarks, bruises, rashes, or areas where the skin is tender, red, hard, bruised, damaged, burned, or inflamed.
Hypersensitivity to the active substance or to any of the excipients listed in section 6.1.
Chronic or unexplained thrombocytopenia. Treatment should not be initiated in patients with thrombocytopenia (platelet count <140 x 109/L).
Thrombocytopenia
Waylivra is very commonly associated with reductions in platelet count in patients with FCS, which may result in thrombocytopenia (see section 4.8). Patients with lower body weight (less than 70 kg) may be more prone to thrombocytopenia during treatment with this medicinal product. Careful monitoring for thrombocytopenia is important during treatment with this medicinal product in patients with FCS (see section 4.2). Recommendations for adjustments to monitoring frequency and dosing are specified in Table 1 (see section 4.2).
Discontinuation of antiplatelet medicinal products/NSAIDs/anticoagulants should be considered for platelet levels < 75 x 109/L. Treatment with these medicinal products must be discontinued at platelet levels < 50 x 109/L (see section 4.5).
Patients should be instructed to report to their physician immediately if they experience any signs of bleeding, which can include petechiae, spontaneous bruising, subconjunctival bleeding, or other unusual bleeding (including nosebleeds, bleeding from gums, stools, or unusually heavy menstrual bleeding), neck stiffness, atypical severe headache, or any prolonged bleeding.
LDL-C Levels
With treatment with Waylivra, LDL-C levels may rise but will usually remain within the normal range.
Renal toxicity
Renal toxicity has been observed after administration of volanesorsen and other subcutaneously and intravenously administered antisense oligonucleotides. Monitoring for evidence of nephrotoxicity by routine urine dipstick is recommended on a quarterly basis. In the case of a positive assessment, a broader assessment of renal function, including serum creatinine and a 24-hour collection to quantify the proteinuria and assess creatinine clearance, should be performed. Treatment should be discontinued if: proteinuria of ≥ 500 mg/24 hour is recorded, or an increase in serum creatinine ≥ 0.3 mg/dL (26.5 µmol/L) that is >ULN is recorded, or creatinine clearance estimated by the CKD-EPI equation is ≤ 30 mL/min/1.73m2. Treatment should also be discontinued for any clinical symptoms or signs of renal impairment pending the previous confirmatory assessments.
Hepatotoxicity
Elevations of liver enzymes have been observed after administration of other subcutaneously and intravenously administered antisense oligonucleotides. Monitoring for hepatotoxicity through serum liver enzymes and bilirubin should be assessed on a quarterly basis. Treatment should be discontinued if there is a single increase in ALT or AST > 8 x ULN, or an increase > 5 x ULN, which persists for ≥ 2 weeks, or lesser increases in ALT or AST that are associated with total bilirubin > 2 x ULN or INR > 1.5. Treatment should also be discontinued for any clinical symptoms or signs of hepatic impairment or hepatitis.
Immunogenicity and inflammation
No evidence of altered safety profile or clinical response was associated with presence of anti-drug antibodies. If formation of anti-drug antibodies with a clinically significant effect is suspected, contact the Marketing Authorisation Holder to discuss antibody testing.
Monitoring of inflammation should be assessed through quarterly assessment of erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR).
Sodium content
This medicinal product contains less than 1 mmol sodium (23 mg) per dose of 285 mg, that is to say essentially 'sodium-free'.
No clinical drug interaction studies have been conducted.
Clinically relevant pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected between volanesorsen and substrates, inducers or inhibitors of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, and drug transporters. It is unknown whether triglyceride lowering by volanesorsen and the potentially ensuing decrease in inflammation leads to normalisation of CYP enzyme expression.
In clinical studies, this medicinal product has been used in combination with fibrates and fish oils with no impact on the medicinal product pharmacodynamics or pharmacokinetics. There were no adverse events related to drug-drug interactions reported during the clinical program, however this is based on limited data.
The effect of concomitant administration of this medicinal product with alcohol or medicinal products known to have potential for hepatotoxicity (e.g., paracetamol) is unknown. If signs and symptoms of hepatotoxicity develop, use of the hepatotoxic medicinal product should be discontinued.
Antithrombotic agents and medicinal products that may lower platelet count
It is not known whether the risk of bleeding is increased by concomitant use of volanesorsen and antithrombotic agents or medicinal products that may lower platelet count or affect platelet function. Discontinuation of antiplatelet medicinal products/NSAIDs/anticoagulants should be considered for platelet levels <75 x 109/L and treatment with these medicinal products should be stopped at platelet levels < 50 x 109/L (see section 4.4).
Pregnancy
There are no data on the use of volanesorsen 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 this medicinal product during pregnancy.
Breastfeeding
In non-clinical studies, levels of volanesorsen in milk were very low in lactating mice. Available pharmacodynamic/toxicological data in animals have shown excretion of very low amounts of volanesorsen in milk (see section 5.3). Due to the poor oral bioavailability of this medicinal product, it is considered unlikely that these low milk concentrations would result in systemic exposure from nursing.
It is unknown whether volanesorsen or metabolites are excreted in human milk.
A risk to the newborn infant cannot be excluded.
A decision must be made whether to discontinue breast-feeding or to discontinue/abstain from 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 this medicinal product on human fertility are available. Volanesorsen had no effect on fertility in mice.
Volanesorsen has no or negligible influence on the ability to drive and use machines.
Summary of the safety profile
In clinical studies in patients with FCS, the most commonly reported adverse reactions during treatment were platelet count decreased occurring in 29%, thrombocytopenia occurring in 21% (see section 4.4), and injection site reactions occurring in 82% of patients during the pivotal studies.
Tabulated list of adverse reactions
Table 2 presents the adverse reactions from the Phase 3 studies in patients with FCS in receiving volanesorsen subcutaneously.
The frequency of adverse reactions is defined 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); and not known (cannot be estimated from available data). Within each frequency grouping, adverse reactions are presented in order of decreasing seriousness.
Table 2: Summary of adverse reactions in clinical studies in patients with FCS (N=87)
System Organ Class
Very common
Common
Blood and lymphatic system disorders
Thrombocytopenia
Leukopenia
Lymphopenia
Eosinophilia
Immune thrombocytopenic purpura
Spontaneous haematoma
Immune system disorders
Immunisation reaction
Hypersensitivity Serum sickness-like reaction
Metabolism and nutrition disorders
Diabetes mellitus
Psychiatric disorders
Insomnia
Nervous system disorders
Headache
Syncope
Hypoaesthesia
Presyncope
Retinal migraine
Dizziness
Tremor
Eye disorders
Conjunctival haemorrhage
Vision blurred
Vascular disorders
Hypertension
Haemorrhage
Haematoma
Hot flush
Respiratory, thoracic and mediastinal disorders
Dyspnoea
Pharyngeal oedema
Wheezing
Epistaxis
Cough
Nasal congestion
Gastrointestinal disorders
Nausea
Diarrhoea
Vomiting
Abdominal distension
Abdominal pain
Dry mouth
Gingival bleeding
Mouth haemorrhage
Parotid gland enlargement
Dyspepsia
Gingival swelling
Skin and subcutaneous tissue disorders
Erythema
Pruritus
Rash
Urticaria
Hyperhidrosis
Petechiae
Ecchymosis
Night sweats
Papule
Skin hypertrophy
Swelling face
Musculoskeletal and connective tissue disorders
Myalgia
Arthralgia
Pain in extremity
Arthritis
Musculoskeletal pain
Back pain
Neck pain
Pain in jaw
Muscle spasms
Joint stiffness
Myositis
Peripheral arthritis
Renal and urinary disorders
Haematuria
Proteinuria
General disorders and administration site conditions
Injection site erythema
Injection site pain
Injection site swelling
Injection site discolouration
Injection site induration
Injection site pruritus
Injection site bruising
Chills
Injection site oedema
Injection site haematoma
Asthenia
Fatigue
Injection site reaction
Pyrexia
Injection site hypoaesthesia
Injection site haemorrhage
Injection site warmth
Injection site dryness
Injection site pallor
Injection site urticaria
Injection site vesicles
Malaise
Feeling hot
Influenza-like illness
Injection site discomfort
Injection site inflammation
Injection site mass
Oedema
Pain
Injection site paraesthesia
Injection site scab
Injection site papule
Injection site rash
Non-cardiac chest pain
Vessel puncture site haemorrhage
Investigations
Platelet count decreased
Haemoglobin decreased
White blood cell count decreased
Blood creatinine increasedBlood urea increased
Creatinine renal clearance decreased
Hepatic enzyme increased
International normalised ratio increased
Transaminases increased
Injury, poisoning and procedural complications
Contusion
Description of selected adverse reactions
Thrombocytopenia
In the pivotal Phase 3 study in patients with FCS (the APPROACH study), confirmed reductions in platelet counts to below normal (140 x 109/L) were observed in 75% of FCS patients treated with volanesorsen and 24% of placebo patients; confirmed reductions to below 100 x 109/L were observed in 47% of patients treated with volanesorsen compared with no placebo patients. In APPROACH 5 patients who discontinued therapy due to platelet levels included 2 patients with platelet counts <25 x 109/L and 3 with platelet counts between 50 x 109/L and 75 x 109/L. It was also reported in this study that platelet count decreased was reported in 11 (33%) patients versus 1 (3%), and thrombocytopenia was reported in 4 (12%) patients vs none for subjects treated with volanesorsen compared to placebo, respectively.
In the open-label extension (CS7), confirmed reductions in platelet counts to below normal (140 x 109/L) were observed in 52 (79%) patients overall, including 37 (74%) patients in the treatment-naïve group. Confirmed reductions to below 100 x 109/L were observed in 33 (50%) patients overall including 24 (48%) treatment naïve patients. In the open-label extension, 11 patients discontinued due to thrombocytopenia and platelet-related events. None of these patients had any major bleeding events and all recovered to normal platelet count following drug discontinuation and administration of glucocorticoids where medically indicated. In this open-label extension study, platelet count decreased was reported in 16 (24%) and thrombocytopenia was reported in 14 (21%) patients.
For pooled data with the APPROACH study and the CS7 study, platelet count decreased was reported in 25 (29%) patients, and thrombocytopenia was reported in 18 (21%).
Immunogenicity
In the Phase 3 clinical studies (CS16 and APPROACH), 16% and 33% of volanesorsen-treated patients tested positive for anti-drug antibodies during 6-month and 12-month treatment, respectively. No evidence of altered safety profile or clinical response was associated with presence of anti-drug antibodies; however this is based on the limited long-term data (see section 4.4).
Injection site reactions
Injection site reactions defined as any local cutaneous reaction at the injection site persisting more than 2 days occurred in 79% of volanesorsen-treated patients in the APPROACH study and 81% of patients in its open-label extension (CS7). Injection site reactions occurred in 80% of volanesorsen-treated patients across both studies. These local reactions were mostly mild and typically consisted of 1 or more of the following: erythema, pain, pruritus, or local swelling. Injection site reactions did not occur with all injections and resulted in discontinuation for 1 patient in the APPROACH study and 1 patient in the open label extension (CS7).
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;
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.
There is no clinical experience with overdose of this medicinal product. In the case of overdose, patients should be carefully observed and supportive care administered, as appropriate. Symptoms of overdose are expected to be limited to constitutional symptoms and injection site reactions.
Haemodialysis is unlikely to be beneficial given that volanesorsen is rapidly distributed into cells.
Medicines sold in Romania with the same active substance: Cunoscut în România ca
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 →
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 Waylivra (volanesorsen) 285 mg solution for injection in pre-filled syringe. 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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