Vutrisiran

What is this medication for?

Vutrisiran is used in the treatment of cardiac amyloidosis. This is a protein disorder in which clumps of abnormal protein are produced by your liver and build up in the heart. This causes your heart muscles to stiffen, making it harder for your heart to pump blood around your body.

It is also used in the treatment of amyloidosis in patient with polyneuropathy, a condition in which multiple peripheral nerves are damaged by the abnormal protein deposits.

This medication works by stopping the production of these abnormal proteins and reduces the build-up of these deposits on the nerves and heart. By doing so, it can slow down the progression of the disease and reduce the risk of hospitalisations related to heart problems. It can also improve the neuropathic symptoms. 

How should I take or use this medication?

• This medication should be administered at the scheduled times as advised by your physician. If there are any issues sticking to the prescribed regimen, please seek the advice of a healthcare professional.
• This injection is only to be administered by a healthcare professional. It will be injected into the skin of your tummy (abdomen) or the skin of your upper arm or thigh

What should I do if I forget to take or use this medication?

If you miss your appointment to have your Vutrisiran administered, contact your healthcare provider as soon as you remember so that you can arrange your next treatment within three months of the scheduled date. Otherwise, you may need to start your schedule again.

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You have liver problems
• You have kidney problems, or are receiving dialysis
• You have Vitamin A deficiency
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Injection-site reactions – redness, pain or swelling where the injection is administered
• Low vitamin A level in the body
  • Monitor for symptoms such as:
    • Reduced night vision or night blindness
    • Persistent dry eyes
    • Eye inflammation
  • Do not drive or operate tools or heavy machinery if your vision is affected.  
  • Your doctor may recommend Vitamin A supplement to reduce the risk of eye complications associated with vitamin A deficiency. 

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

The symptoms of a drug allergy include one or more of the following:

• Swollen face/eyes/lips/tongue
• Difficulty in breathing
• Itchy skin rashes over your whole body

If you experience any of these symptoms, you should stop your medication and see your healthcare professional immediately

You can also find out about drug allergies by watching these videos:

For videos in 中文, Melayu and தமிழ், click here

How should I store this medication?

You may be asked to collect Vutrisiran injections from your pharmacy and to store them until your scheduled appointments.

Store in a cool and dry place, away from direct sunlight. Keep this medication away from children.

How do I throw away this medication safely? ​

As your healthcare provider will be administering the injection for you, he/she will handle the disposal of the medication.