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Overview: Ryzneuta is given as an injection under the skin to help prevent infections in certain people who have low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia). One of the most common side effects from Ryzneuta is nausea. Serious side effects are less common but can include spleen, lung, kidney, or blood vessel problems. Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain in your upper left stomach area or left shoulder, dizziness, trouble breathing, swelling (especially in your face or ankles), or a fever.

Uses

What is Ryzneuta used for?

Ryzneuta (efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw) is commonly used to lower the risk of infection in certain people with or at high risk of febrile neutropenia. Febrile neutropenia can happen in people with cancer who are receiving certain types of chemotherapy.

Ryzneuta may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Ryzneuta work (mechanism of action)?

Ryzneuta works by stimulating the growth of a type of white blood cell in your body (called neutrophils). People with neutropenia have low levels of neutrophils. Neutrophils help prevent infections. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infections.

How is Ryzneuta supplied (dosage forms)?

Ryzneuta is available as a shot that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Ryzneuta?

Ryzneuta is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you will store Ryzneuta at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Ryzneuta?

The most common side effects of Ryzneuta are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Ryzneuta that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Ryzneuta?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Ryzneuta are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Ryzneuta may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Ryzneuta and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown, depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Spleen Problems. Ryzneuta may cause your spleen to get bigger or to rupture. This can be serious and possibly lead to death. Tell your health care provider right away if you have pain in your upper stomach area (especially on the left side) or left shoulder area.

Lung Problems. Using Ryzneuta may lead to a serious lung problem known as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). ARDS can possibly lead to death. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of ARDS.

  • Shortness of breath (with or without a fever)
  • Fast breathing
  • Trouble breathing

Kidney Damage. Glomerulonephritis, which is a specific type of kidney damage, can happen when using Ryzneuta. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of glomerulonephritis.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your face, feet, ankles, or legs
  • Dark-colored pee, blood in your pee, or foamy pee

Capillary Leak Syndrome (CLS). Ryzneuta may cause capillary leak syndrome (CLS), where protein and fluid leak out of your blood vessels into your body tissues. CLS can be serious or life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of CLS.

  • Low blood pressure
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting upon standing
  • Swelling or fluid retention (can happen in your stomach area and may make you feel full)
  • Reduced need to pee
  • Weight gain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Feeling unusually tired

Aorta Problems. Ryzneuta may cause inflammation of your aorta (aortitis). Your aorta is the main blood vessel that carries blood from your heart to the rest of your body. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of aortitis.

  • Fever
  • Stomach or back pain
  • Tiredness

Low Platelet Levels. Ryzneuta may cause you to have a low number of platelets in your blood, also called thrombocytopenia. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Keep all of your appointments, including for lab work, while you are using Ryzneuta so your health care provider can check these levels.

High White Blood Cell Levels. Ryzneuta may cause you to have high white blood cell levels (leukocytosis). White blood cells help you fight infections. If the levels get too high in certain people, this can cause problems. Keep all of your appointments, including for lab work, while you are using Ryzneuta so your health care provider can check these levels.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Ryzneuta?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Ryzneuta.

  • Efbemalenograstim alfa-vuxw
  • Ryzneuta
  • Any other medicine known as a granulocyte-stimulating factor, such as filgrastim or pegfilgrastim
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Ryzneuta.

What should I know about Ryzneuta before using it?

Ryzneuta is usually given under the skin (subcutaneously) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Keep all appointments, including for lab work, while you are using Ryzneuta. Your health care provider will likely check labs to see how well Ryzneuta is working and to watch for side effects.

Ryzneuta may affect the results of certain lab tests, such as bone scans. Tell all of your health care providers that you are using this medicine before any lab tests.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Ryzneuta?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Ryzneuta is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

Sickle Cell Disease. Using Ryzneuta if you have sickle cell disease can lead to a sickle cell crisis and possibly death. Talk with your health care provider if you have sickle cell disease.

Certain Cancers. Talk with your health care provider if you are being treated for either breast cancer or lung cancer with chemotherapy or radiation. If you have these conditions and use Ryzneuta, you may have a higher risk of myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) or acute myeloid leukemia (AML), which are types of blood cancers.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Ryzneuta could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Ryzneuta passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Ryzneuta while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Ryzneuta?

For more information about Ryzneuta, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.ryzneuta.com or call them at 888-292-9617.

Interactions

Does Ryzneuta interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Ryzneuta and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Ryzneuta.

Does Ryzneuta interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Ryzneuta and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Ryzneuta?

If you or someone else has used too much Ryzneuta, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Ryzneuta?

Ryzneuta is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Ryzneuta as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Ryzneuta dose, call your health care provider to see when you should get your next dose.