Nusinersen Injection

What is this medication?

NUSINERSEN (NUE si NER sen) treats spinal muscular atrophy (SMA), a condition that causes muscle loss and weakness. It works by helping your body make more of a protein needed to support muscle function. This delays worsening symptoms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Spinraza

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Kidney disease
• Low platelet levels
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into the space around the spinal cord. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be given to children as young as newborns, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding
• Kidney injury—decrease in the amount of urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Back pain
• Constipation
• Fever
• Headache
• Vomiting

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.