Crysvita : Uses, Side Effects, Interactions & More
Why is this medication prescribed?
Crysvita (Burosumab-twza injection) is used to treat X-linked hypophosphatemia (XLH; an inherited disease in which the body does not maintain phosphorus and produces weak bones) in adults and children 6 months of age and older. It is also used to treat tumor-induced osteomalacia (a tumor that causes a loss of phosphorus in the body that leads to weak bones) that cannot be surgically removed in adults and children older than 2 years. Crysvita is in a class of drugs called fibroblast growth factor 23 (FGF23) blocking antibodies. It works by blocking the action of a certain natural substance in the body that causes XLH symptoms.
How should this medicine be used?
Crysvita (Burosumab-twza injection) comes as a solution (liquid) that a doctor or nurse must inject subcutaneously (under the skin). For the treatment of X-linked hypophosphatemia, it is usually injected once every 2 weeks for children 6 months to 17 years of age and once every 4 weeks for adults. For the treatment of tumor-induced osteomalacia, in children 2 to 17 years old, it is usually injected once every 2 weeks. For the treatment of tumor-induced osteomalacia in adults, it is usually injected every 4 weeks, and as the dose is increased, it can be injected every 2 weeks. Your doctor or nurse will inject the medicine into your upper arm, upper thigh, buttocks, or stomach area, and will use a different injection site each time.
Tell your doctor if you are taking any phosphate supplements or certain vitamin D supplements such as calcitriol (Rocaltrol) or paricalcitol (Zemplar). You should stop taking them 1 week before starting treatment.
Your doctor may increase your dose (no more than once every 4 weeks) or may skip a dose, depending on the results of your laboratory tests.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using Crysvita,
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to burosumab-twza, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in Crysvita. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- Tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you closely for side effects.
- Tell your doctor if you have kidney disease. Your doctor may tell you not to use Crysvita.
- Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had restless leg syndrome (RLS; a condition that causes discomfort in the legs and a strong need to move them, especially at night and when sitting or lying down).
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving Crysvita, call your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose, make another appointment as soon as possible.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Crysvita may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- vomiting
- fever
- pain in arms, legs, or back
- muscle pain
- constipation
- dizziness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor:
- redness, rash, hives, itching, swelling, pain, or bruising near or at the spot that the medication was injected
- rash or hives
- discomfort in the legs; a strong urge to move the legs, especially at night and when sitting or lying down
Crysvita may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medicine.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor can submit a report online to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain laboratory tests before and during your treatment to check your body’s response to Crysvita.
It is important that you keep a written list of all prescription and over-the-counter (over-the-counter) medications you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should take this list with you every time you visit a doctor or if you go into hospital. It is also important information to take with you in case of emergencies.
Brand Names
- Crysvita®
Disclaimer: DrLinex has made every effort to ensure that all information is factually accurate, comprehensive and up-to-date. However, this article should not be used as a licensed health care professional’s choice of knowledge and expertise. You should always consult your doctor or other health care professional before taking any medication. The information given here is subject to change and it has not been used to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions or adverse effects. The lack of warning or other information for any drug does not indicate that the combination of medicine or medication is safe, effective or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.