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Luxturna

Generic name: voretigene neparvovec ophthalmicvoe-RET-i-jeen-ne-PAR-voe-vek-off-THAL-mik ]
Drug class: Miscellaneous ophthalmic agents

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Oct 21, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is Luxturna?

Luxturna (for use in the eyes) is used to treat diseases of the retina that can cause night blindness, light sensitivity, and progressive vision loss.

Luxturna is for use only in people with a specific gene mutation. Before you receive Luxturna, you will need a medical test to make sure you have this gene mutation.

Your doctor will also determine whether you have enough remaining cells in your retina to be safely treated with this medicine.

Luxturna may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Luxturna side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Voretigene neparvovec can cause changes in your retina that could lead to vision loss, including:

Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Luxturna may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

Common side effects of Luxturna may include:

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings

Voretigene neparvovec can cause changes in your retina that could lead to vision loss. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of Luxturna.

Before taking this medicine

Voretigene neparvovec is not approved for use by anyone younger than 12 months or older than 65 years.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding.

How is Luxturna given?

Luxturna is given as a one-time injection into each eye. You will receive this injection in your doctor's office or other clinic setting.

You may be given a steroid medication to take by mouth, starting 3 days before your injection. Keep using the steroid for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Voretigene neparvovec is usually given into each eye at separate times, at least 6 days apart.

Your doctor will use a medicine to numb your eye before giving you the voretigene neparvovec injection.

For at least 24 hours after each injection, you will need to rest lying down as much as possible.

Your eyes will be checked periodically to make sure the medicine has been effective and has not caused serious side effects.

You should not stop using the steroid medication suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions about tapering your dose.

Small amounts of Luxturna will remain in your tears for a short period of time. For at least 7 days after each injection: place all used bandages, eye dressings, or used tissues into sealed bags and throw them away in the trash.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Voretigene neparvovec is used as a single dose and does not have a daily dosing schedule.

Call your doctor if you miss a dose of your steroid medication. The timing of your steroid doses in relation to your voretigene neparvovec injection is very important in preventing certain side effects.

What happens if I overdose?

Since Luxturna is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving Luxturna?

An air bubble will form inside your eye after treatment with this medicine. Your doctor will tell you when this air bubble has disappeared. Until that time, avoid air travel or scuba diving. These activities can cause permanent vision loss if the air bubble is still present.

What other drugs will affect Luxturna?

Medicine used in the eyes is not likely to be affected by other drugs you use. But many drugs can interact with each other. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all medicines you use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Does Luxturna interact with my other drugs?

Enter other medications to view a detailed interaction report.

Frequently asked questions

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.