Kynamro

1 What is Kynamro?

Brand: Kynamro

Generic: Mipomersen

Kynamro is used to lower cholesterol levels in the bloodstream. Mipomersen works by targeting and inhibiting the production of the protein apolipoprotein-B, which is the main component of low-density lipoprotein (LDL, or the ‘bad cholesterol’).

On the time of this writing, Mipomersen is approved to treat familial hypercholesterolemia only. Familial hypercholesterolemia is an inherited condition that causes very high cholesterol levels in the bloodstream and heart disease at an early age. Doctors use Mipomersen to lower cholesterol levels in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia, along with low-fat diet and exercise.

It is not yet known if Mipomersen also lowers risk of heart disease in patients receiving it.

Mipomersen requires a prescription. In most places, Mipomersen can be purchased only from pharmacies certified under a program called Kynamro REMS.

2 What to know before using

Before using Kynamro, you must know all about the risks and complications associated with it.

Only doctors registered under the Kynamro REMS program can prescribe Mipomersen.

Mipomersen cannot be used by patients with liver disease or have abnormal liver function test results. If you have a history or present liver problems, mention it to the doctor before receiving Mipomersen.
You cannot use Mipomersen if you are allergic to it.

Before receiving Mipomersen, tell the doctor if you have the following conditions:

  • If you drink significant quantities of alcohol or an alcoholic or have history of alcohol abuse
  • Have kidney disease
  • Having dialysis
  • Have cirrhosis or other liver diseases

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding before taking Mipomersen. The safety of Mipomersen to unborn babies in pregnant patients is not yet established. Do not breastfeed when receiving Mipomersen because it may be expressed in breast milk.

3 Proper usage

To use Kynamro properly, you must follow all instructions given by your doctor.

Mipomersen must be used according to doctor’s instructions. Mipomersen is injected just under the skin (subcutaneous route). Mipomersen is usually injected once a week. The doctor will teach you how to inject Mipomersen yourself. If you do not understand or need help, call your health provider right away.

Inspect Mipomersen first before injection. Places for Mipomersen injection include stomach, thighs or upper arm. Make sure to inject Mipomersen at different places to prevent skin problems.

Note that Mipomersen only works if you will stick to a low-fat diet, regular exercise and other strategies to lower cholesterol levels.

If you missed a dose of Mipomersen, take it as soon as you remember. Mipomersen can be injected at least three days from the next weekly dose. If you injected too much Mipomersen, call your doctor right away.

Mipomersen must be stored in the refrigerator. Leave the medication at room temperature to warm up naturally before administration. Do not heat or put Mipomersen in the microwave.

4 Precautions to take

Before using Kynamro, there are some precautions you must take.

If you are prescribed with single-use or prefilled Mipomersen, make sure not to reuse them.

Make sure to observe cleanliness and sterility when injecting Mipomersen by yourself. Failure to do so can cause contamination and infection. Make sure to use clean syringes, and dispose of used needles and syringes properly.

Do not inject Mipomersen on the irritated, broken or tattooed skin.

The doctor will order regular blood tests to check your condition and see if Mipomersen is working on your cholesterol levels. Make sure to stick to the clinic and lab appointments when receiving Mipomersen.

Do not use Mipomersen if the liquid inside the vial becomes cloudy or has particles in it.

If you are receiving Mipomersen, you must not consume alcohol at all or limit intake to no more than one drink per day. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.

Avoid consuming food items high in fat or cholesterol.

5 Potential side effects

As with many medications, there are several potential side effects associated with Kynamro.

If you are prescribed with single-use or prefilled Mipomersen, make sure not to reuse them.

Make sure to observe cleanliness and sterility when injecting Mipomersen by yourself. Failure to do so can cause contamination and infection. Make sure to use clean syringes, and dispose of used needles and syringes properly.

Do not inject Mipomersen on the irritated, broken or tattooed skin.

The doctor will order regular blood tests to check your condition and see if Mipomersen is working on your cholesterol levels. Make sure to stick to the clinic and lab appointments when receiving Mipomersen.

Do not use Mipomersen if the liquid inside the vial becomes cloudy or has particles in it.

If you are receiving Mipomersen, you must not consume alcohol at all or limit intake to no more than one drink per day. Alcohol may increase the risk of liver problems.

Avoid consuming food items high in fat or cholesterol.

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