Agamree has been launched in China, but it is not included in China's national medical insurance catalog. Currently, there are no generic versions available on the market. As an innovative drug for Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD), it has attracted widespread attention since its launch. While any drug exerts therapeutic effects, it may be accompanied by a series of side effects. Long-term use of Agamree may lead to Cushingoid-like changes.
What are the side effects of Agamree?
During the use of Agamree, patients must undergo comprehensive physical examinations regularly to detect and address any potential problems in a timely manner.
Cushingoid-like changes
Agamree is a glucocorticoid drug. Long-term use may result in Cushingoid-like changes, including moon face (rounded face), hirsutism (excessive hair growth), and fragile skin. Although most of these changes are cosmetic, they may also affect patients' mental health. Especially for adolescent patients, such changes may have a negative impact on their self-esteem and social activities.
Psychiatric and behavioral disorders
Agamree may also cause psychiatric and behavioral disorders, such as mood swings, insomnia, restlessness, and even depression or psychotic symptoms. These side effects are particularly prominent in the early stage of drug use, and some patients may need a period of time to adapt to the drug. For patients with severe psychiatric symptoms, they should seek medical attention promptly, and adjustments to the drug dosage or a change in the treatment plan should be considered.
Dosage and Administration of Agamree
The recommended regular dosage of Agamree is 6mg per kilogram of body weight, taken orally once a day, preferably with meals. For patients with a body weight exceeding 50 kilograms, the maximum daily dosage is 300mg.
Evaluation before the first dose
Before initiating Agamree treatment, patients should complete all necessary immunizations. In particular, live vaccines or attenuated live vaccines should be administered at least 4 to 6 weeks before the start of treatment. This step is crucial for reducing the risk of infection.
Important Preparation and Administration Procedures
Before administration, the Agamree oral suspension should be shaken well for approximately 30 seconds, and only the oral syringe provided with the product should be used for dosing. Any remaining liquid in the opened bottle that has not been used within 3 months should be discarded.
Drug Interactions of Agamree
During the use of Agamree, patients should inform their doctors of all other drugs they are taking.
Interaction with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors
When Agamree is used concomitantly with strong CYP3A4 inhibitors (such as itraconazole), the systemic exposure of vamorolone (the active ingredient of Agamree) may increase. It is recommended that the dosage of Agamree be adjusted to 4mg per kilogram of body weight per day when used together, and the maximum daily dosage should not exceed 200mg for patients weighing more than 50 kilograms.
Interaction with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors
No special dosage adjustment of Agamree is required when it is used concomitantly with moderate or weak CYP3A4 inhibitors. In vitro studies have shown that vamorolone has the effect of inducing CYP3A4, which may reduce the blood concentration of other drugs that are substrates of CYP3A4.
During the use of Agamree, patients should fully understand information such as the drug's side effects, dosage and administration, and drug interactions, and use the drug rationally under the guidance of a doctor.
