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Overview: Spinraza is used in people with spinal muscular atrophy. It helps the body make more of a protein needed for muscles to work properly. Spinraza is usually given by a healthcare provider to an area around the spinal cord. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any unusual bleeding, bruising, swelling, or changes in peeing patterns such as more peeing at night or making less pee.

Uses

What is Spinraza used for?

Spiranza (nusinersen) is commonly used for the treatment of pediatric and adult people with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA). This is a nervous system disorder that can lead to muscle weakness or muscle loss. 

Learn more about Spinraza for Spinal Muscular Atrophy.

Spinraza may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Spinraza work (mechanism of action)?

People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) have two copies of a broken gene. Problems with this gene can lead to problems having enough of a specific kind of protein that is needed to help muscles work correctly. Spinraza helps make more of the protein.

How is Spinraza supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Spinraza

Spinraza is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Spinraza?

Spinraza is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Spinraza?

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

  • Lung infection
  • Constipation
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Vomiting
  • Back pain

There may be other side effects of Spinraza that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Spinraza?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Spinraza may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Spinraza 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Severely Low Platelet Levels. Spinraza can cause you to have a severely 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 appointments to have your blood checked before starting and before each dose of Spinraza. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Kidney damage. Spinraza can potentially cause glomerulonephritis, which is an injury to the kidney that can be life-threatening. Keep all of your appointments to have your urine (pee) checked before starting and before each dose of Spinraza. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Blood in the urine
  • High blood pressure
  • Swelling of the ankles and face
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Fever
  • Bubbly urine
  • Frequent peeing at night
  • Peeing less than usual

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Spinraza?

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

  • Spinraza
  • Nusinersen
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Spinraza before using it?

Spinraza is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an intrathecal injection, which is an injection in the area around the spinal cord. It is important to keep all scheduled appointments. You will use Spinraza more often when you first start using the medicine.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Spinraza?

Tell your healthcare 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 determine if Spinraza is right for you.

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

  • Kidney problems
  • Thrombocytopenia, or low platelet levels 

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

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Spinraza passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your healthcare provider will advise you if you should use Spinraza while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Spinraza?

For more information about Spinraza, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.spinraza.com or call them at 844-4SPINRAZA (844-477-4672).

Interactions

Does Spinraza interact with foods or drinks?

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

There are no known interactions between Spinraza and alcohol.

Does Spinraza interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Spinraza and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare 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 Spinraza?

If you or someone else has used too much Spinraza, 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 Spinraza?

Spinraza is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Spinraza as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Spinraza dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible. 

 

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