Afamelanotide (By injection)
Afamelanotide (a-fam-e-LAN-oh-tide)
Used to increase pain free light exposure in patients with light irritation caused by erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Brand Name(s):
Scenesse
There may be other brand names for this medicine.When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to afamelanotide.How to Use This Medicine:
Implant
- A doctor will give you this medicine. The afamelanotide implant will be placed under your skin above your hip bone once every 2 months, before and during periods of high sunlight exposure, (such as from spring to autumn).
- You will be monitored 30 minutes after receiving the implant for any allergic reactions caused by the medicine.
- Call your doctor right away if you feel the implant is not in the proper place.
Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.
Warnings While Using This Medicine:
- Tell your doctor if you are pregnant of breastfeeding.
- You may have some darkening of the skin and skin lesions while receiving this medicine. A regular full body skin examination (twice yearly) is needed to check for pre-existing and new skin lesions.
- Wear protective clothing and hats and stay out of any bright light, or direct sunlight especially between the hours of 10 am and 3 pm. Avoid sunlamps and tanning beds.
- Your doctor will check your progress and the effects of this medicine at regular visits. Keep all appointments.
Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:
- Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
- Bruising, discoloration of the skin, itching, redness, swelling, or pain at the implant site
- Darkening of the skin
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
- Nausea
- Tiredness
If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088
Last Updated: 9/6/2024
