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Uses

What is Wainua used for?

Wainua (eplontersen) is commonly used to treat nerve problems caused by a rare inherited condition called hereditary transthyretin amyloidosis (hATTR).

Your Guide to Wainua for Amyloidosis – What You Need to Know   

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

How does Wainua work (mechanism of action)?

A type of amyloidosis can happen when a protein called transthyretin (TTR) becomes abnormally shaped and forms deposits called amyloids. Amyloid deposits build up in your tissues, causing nerve problems. Wainua works by decreasing the amount of TTR protein. The decreased protein amount slows the progression of the nerve problems.

How is Wainua supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Wainua

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 45 mg/0.8 mL single-dose autoinjector 

How should I store Wainua?

Store Wainua in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze. Keep it in the original carton, which helps protect it from light.  Keep the cap on the medicine between uses.

If needed, you can store Wainua at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) in the original carton, and use it within 6 weeks. If your medicine is left at room temperature for more than 6 weeks, throw it out. Do not expose the medicine to heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Wainua?

The most common side effects of Wainua include decreased vitamin A and vomiting. Tell your healthcare provider if you have these side effects and if it bothers you.

  • Low vitamin A levels (see below)
  • Vomiting

There may be other side effects of Wainua 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 Wainua?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Wainua may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Wainua 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

Low Vitamin A Levels. Wainua may cause you to have a low level of vitamin A in your blood, which can be serious. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of vitamin A deficiency.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Wainua?

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

  • Eplontersen
  • Wainua
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Wainua before using it?

Do not use Wainua unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Wainua with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Wainua out of the reach of children. Since this medicine is kept in the refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin on the same day of each month. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Wainua. If you have any questions, use the “Instructions for Use” that comes with your medicine or talk to your healthcare provider.

If your healthcare provider tells you to take vitamin A, only take the amount you are told to take. 

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Wainua?

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 Wainua is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Wainua may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Wainua, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Wainua can affect pregnancy or harm your unborn baby. Changes in your vitamin A levels caused by Wainua may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or think you are pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

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

How can I get more information about Wainua?

For more information about Wainua, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.wainua.com or call them at 800-236-9933.

Interactions

Does Wainua interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Wainua.

Does Wainua interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. In particular, make sure you discuss if you are taking vitamin A or beta-carotene supplements before using Wainua.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Wainua. Always check with your healthcare provider.

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 Wainua?

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

If you miss a dose of Wainua, use the missed dose as soon as you remember. Then, use Wainua one month later to get back on a monthly schedule. Do not use double or extra doses.