Why is this medication prescribed?
Vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg is used for certain types of melanoma (a type of skin cancer). Vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg is in a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
How should this medicine be used?
Vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg comes as a suspension (liquid) to be injected directly into the tumor. It will be given by your healthcare provider every 2 weeks for 8 doses.
Keep all appointments for vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg injections.
Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- you should know that some medications should not be taken with vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg. Make sure you have discussed any medications, including nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and herbal products, you are currently taking or plan to take before starting vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg with your doctor and pharmacist. Before starting, stopping, or changing any medications while taking vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg, please get the advice of your doctor or pharmacist.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had herpes infection or cold sores.
- tell your doctor if you or your partner are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are taking vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg. You may have to take a pregnancy test before starting treatment. You and your partner should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during treatment for 90 days after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about what birth control would work best for you and your partner. If you or your partner become pregnant while using vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg, call your doctor immediately. Is it unknown how vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg affects the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breast-feeding. You should not breast-feed during treatment or for 90 days after your last injection.
- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are getting vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg.
- do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.
- you should know that vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg has caused injection procedure complications. Call your doctor right away if you have any of the following symptoms: fever, bleeding, injection site redness or swelling, or any other symptoms your healthcare provider reviews with you.
- you should know that vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg can be accidentally transferred to others, causing a herpes infection. To reduce this risk: avoid unprotected contact with the injection site, bodily fluids, and dressings; avoid touching or scratching the area; wash hands after touching or changing dressings; cover the injection site for 48 hours; wear gloves when changing dressings; place used gloves, dressings, and cleaning materials in a sealed plastic bag before placing in the trash.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
Keep all appointments with your doctor for injections. If you miss a scheduled appointment call to reschedule as soon as possible.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- constipation
- decreased appetite
- joint or muscle pain
- fatigue
- chills
- flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, cough, shortness of breath
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fluid filled blisters or sores on the mouth (cold sores) or genital area
- frequent or urgent bowel movements; blood or mucus in the stool
- abdominal pain in the upper right side, dark urine, yellowing of the skin or eyes
- chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, swelling of the arms or legs
- numbness, tingling, burning pain, loss of sensation
- rash, skin changes, itchy, burning or red skin
- loss of color in the skin
- swelling of the hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; weight gain; shortness of breath; fainting; dizziness or lightheadedness; or fast or irregular heartbeat
Vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are taking vusolimogene oderparepvec-wtpg
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.
Brand names
- Tudriqev®