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Patisiran

Brand names: Onpattro

What is patisiran used for?

  • Patisiran is used to treat nerve problems in people with amyloidosis.

Before taking patisiran, tell your doctor:

  • If you are allergic to patisiran; any part of this medicine; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.

This medicine may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take patisiran with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take patisiran?

  • Tell all of your health care providers that you take patisiran. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
  • Infusion reactions have happened with patisiran. Tell your doctor if you have back or neck pain, muscle pain, chest pain, fast heartbeat, heartbeat that does not feel normal, flushing, headache, shortness of breath, stomach pain or upset, swelling of the face, very bad dizziness, passing out, or any other effects during the infusion.
  • You may need to take vitamin A while taking patisiran. Be sure to follow what your doctor has told you.
  • Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan on getting pregnant. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks of using patisiran while you are pregnant.
  • Do not take more vitamin A than what your doctor told you to take. Taking too much vitamin A during pregnancy may cause birth defects. If you have questions, talk with your doctor.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about any risks to your baby.

How is patisiran best taken?

Use patisiran as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

  • It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time.
  • Other drugs will be given with patisiran to help avoid side effects.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

  • Call your doctor to find out what to do.

What are the side effects of patisiran that I need to call my doctor about immediately?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

  • Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
  • Change in eyesight.
  • Lowered night eyesight.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • This medicine may irritate the vein. If the drug leaks from the vein, it may also cause irritation around that area. Tell your nurse if you have any redness, burning, pain, swelling, or leaking of fluid where the drug is going into your body.

What are some other side effects of patisiran?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:

  • Signs of a common cold.
  • Upset stomach.
  • Muscle spasm.
  • Joint pain.
  • Redness.
  • Dizziness.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-332-1088. You may also report side effects at https://www.fda.gov/medwatch.

If overdose is suspected:

If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

How do I store and/or throw out patisiran?

  • If you need to store patisiran at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

Consumer information use and disclaimer

  • If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
  • Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
  • Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
  • Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
  • Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. Check with your pharmacist. If you have any questions about patisiran, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
  • If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

This information should not be used to decide whether or not to take patisiran or any other medicine. Only the healthcare provider has the knowledge and training to decide which medicines are right for a specific patient. This information does not endorse any medicine as safe, effective, or approved for treating any patient or health condition. This is only a brief summary of general information about this medicine. It does NOT include all information about the possible uses, directions, warnings, precautions, interactions, adverse effects, or risks that may apply to patisiran. This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from the healthcare provider. You must talk with the healthcare provider for complete information about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

Source: Wolters Kluwer Health. Last updated April 5, 2023.