Why is this medication prescribed?

Adults with a specific genetic makeup may be treated with tofersen injection for a specific form of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease; a condition in which the nerves that regulate muscle movement eventually die, causing the muscles to shrivel and weaken). Antisense oligonucleotides are a family of drugs that includes Tofersen injection. It functions by reducing the production of an unfavorable protein that accumulates in ALS patients’ brains and spinal cords.

How should this medicine be used?

Tofersen injection is available as a solution (liquid) to inject intrathecally (into the spinal canal’s fluid-filled area). In a hospital or doctor’s office, a doctor administers the tofersen injection. It is typically administered in three first doses (once every two weeks) and then once every 28 days after that.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and contact them if you have any questions or concerns about the use of Tofersen injection. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention promptly. Additionally, note that this information is general, and individual circumstances may vary, so it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.

Other uses for this medicine

Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details if you believe this drug should be used for something else.

What special precautions should I follow?

When using Tofersen injection, several special precautions should be followed:

• If you have an allergy to tofersen, any other drugs, or any of the ingredients in tofersen injection, let your doctor and pharmacist know right away. Request a list of the components from your pharmacist.
• Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription and over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, dietary supplements, and herbal products you are now taking or intend to use.
• If you have or have ever had any additional medical conditions, let your doctor know.
• Inform your doctor if you are expecting, intend to get pregnant, or are nursing a baby. Call your doctor if you get pregnant while taking tofersen injection.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication packaging. If you have any concerns or questions, consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice based on your individual health status.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Special Dietary Instructions:

• Some medications may have specific dietary instructions, such as taking them with or without food. Follow the guidance provided by your healthcare provider or the prescribing information for Tofersen.
• If there are any known interactions between Tofersen and certain foods or dietary restrictions, your healthcare provider will provide guidance.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If You Forget a Dose:

• If you miss a dose of a prescribed medication, contact your healthcare provider or follow the specific instructions provided in the prescribing information.
• It is generally not advisable to double up on doses to make up for a missed one, as this can increase the risk of side effects.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Side effects from tofersen injection are possible. If any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away, let your doctor know right once:

• Fatigue
• Muscle or joint pain

Some adverse effects can be very harmful. Call your doctor right away if any of these symptoms occur to you:

• Hands, arms, feet, or legs experiencing tingling, burning, or numbness
• The neck or back
• Inability to regulate your bowels or bladder
• Headaches, including ones that are strange or persistent
• Double vision, blindness, vision loss, or other vision changes
• Hearing ringing or buzzing
• Fever, headache, nauseous, vomiting, light sensitivity, disorientation, and stiff neck

These side effects are generally mild and may go away on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. However, if any of these side effects persist or worsen, it’s important to contact your healthcare provider.

Other adverse effects from tofersen injection are possible. If you experience any strange issues while taking this medicine, contact your doctor right away.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage:

• Tofersen should typically be stored according to the instructions on the medication label. This often involves keeping it in a specific temperature range and protecting it from light or moisture.
• It’s important to store medications out of reach of children and in a secure place.

Disposal:

• Follow local regulations or guidelines for the proper disposal of medical waste.
• Do not flush medications down the toilet unless instructed to do so.

In case of emergency/overdose

• In case of an emergency or suspected overdose, contact emergency services immediately.
• If possible, have the medication packaging or information on hand to provide details to healthcare professionals.

What other information should I know?

• Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including prescription and over-the-counter drugs, as well as any supplements.
• Keep a record of your medication schedule and any changes made by your healthcare provider.
• Report any side effects or concerns promptly to your healthcare provider.
• Attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to monitor your response to the medication and discuss any adjustments needed.

Always follow the specific instructions provided by your healthcare provider or on the medication packaging. If you have any concerns or questions, it’s best to consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice.