Afamelanotide Dosage
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jan 13, 2025.
Applies to the following strengths: 16 mg
Usual Adult Dose for:
Additional dosage information:
Usual Adult Dose for Porphyria
16 mg implanted subcutaneously above the anterior supra-iliac crest every 2 months
Comments:
- This drug should be implanted by a health care professional proficient in the subcutaneous implantation procedure.
- Patients should maintain sun and light protection measures during treatment to prevent phototoxic reactions.
Use: To increase pain free light exposure in patients with a history of phototoxic reactions from erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Renal Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Liver Dose Adjustments
No adjustment recommended
Precautions
CONTRAINDICATIONS:
- None
Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 18 years.
Consult WARNINGS section for additional precautions.
Dialysis
Data not available
Other Comments
Administration advice:
- This drug should be implanted by a healthcare provider who has been trained in proper implantation
- Subcutaneous implantation requires a suitable implantation cannula; implantation cannulas are not supplied with product
Storage requirements:
- Store in refrigerator 2C to 8C (36F to 46F); protect from light
Preparation techniques:
- Training programs are provided by the manufacturer (Clinuvel); a video is available at http://www.clinuvel.com/US-HCP
General:
- Studies have shown this drug allows patients with erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP) to spend more time outdoors in direct sunlight with no pain.
- Patients should maintain sun and light protection measures during treatment to prevent phototoxic reactions.
Monitoring:
- Monitor patient for 30 minutes after implant administration
- A full body skin examination should be performed twice a year to monitor preexisting nevi and other skin abnormalities
Patient advice:
- Patients should be advised to contact their healthcare provider if their implant is expelled.
- Patients should be advised that the dressing can be removed 24-hours after implantation.
- Patients should be advised to monitor insertion site and report reactions to their healthcare provider.
- Patients should be advised to maintain sun and light protection measures during treatment to prevent phototoxic reactions.
- Patients should be advised that they may see darkening of preexisting nevi or other skin abnormalities and that will undergo twice yearly full body skin examinations to monitor for this.
More about afamelanotide
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- Side effects
- During pregnancy
- Drug class: melanocortin receptor agonists
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