Belzutifan, also known as Welireg, is a medication used to treat Von Hippel Lindau disease related renal cell carcinoma. It's given to you orally.
The most common side effects are decreased hemoglobin, anemia, weariness, increased creatinine, headache, dizziness, raised hyperglycemia, and nausea.
Belzutifan is a hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha inhibitor (HIF-2).
Belzutifan is the first drug to be granted a "innovation passport" by the UK Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Agency (MHRA). Belzutifan gained FDA clearance for medical use in the United States in August 2021. Belzutifan was the first hypoxia-inducible factor-2 alpha inhibitor to be approved by the US Food and Drug Administration.
Medical applications
Belzutifan is used to treat individuals with Von Hippel-Lindau disease who need treatment for renal cell carcinoma (RCC), central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET) but don't need surgery right away. Belzutifan was also reported to be effective in a teenager with polycythemia and paragangliomas who had Pacak Zhuang syndrome. Before you start taking belzutifan, and every time you get a refill, read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist. Inquire with your doctor or pharmacist if you have any concerns.
Take this medication by mouth once a day, with or without food, as instructed by your doctor. Completely swallow the tablets. The tablets should not be chewed, crushed, or split. The dosage is determined by your medical condition and treatment response.
To receive the best benefit from this drug, take it on a daily basis. Take it at the same time every day to help you remember.
Do not take another dose if you vomit after taking one. On the next day, take your next dose at the customary time. If your illness does not improve or worsens, contact your doctor.
Side effects
Nausea, dizziness, and headache are all possible side effects. Tell your doctor or pharmacist right away if any of these side effects persist or worsen.
This medicine may cause major negative effects in those who take it. You were provided this prescription, however, because your doctor determined that the benefit to you outweighs the danger of side effects. Your risk can be reduced if your doctor keeps a close eye on you.
If you experience any major side effects, such as vision abnormalities, contact your doctor straight once (such as blurred vision, decreased vision).
Anemia (a lack of red blood cells in the body) is a common side effect of this medicine. You may require a blood transfusion if your red blood cell count becomes too low. If you have symptoms of anemia such as unusual tiredness, coldness, shortness of breath, or a fast heartbeat, contact your doctor right away.
Belzutifan may cause your body's oxygen levels to drop. If you have low oxygen levels, your doctor may tell you to stop taking the drug for a while, prescribe oxygen, or admit you to the hospital. If you have signs of low oxygen, such as shortness of breath or a racing heart, call your doctor right once.
Precautions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to belzutifan or if you have any other allergies before taking it. Inactive chemicals may be included in this product, causing allergic reactions or other issues. For further information, speak with your pharmacist.
Tell your doctor or pharmacist about any medical conditions you've had before using this drug, especially if you've had any bleeding or blood problems (such as anemia). This medication may induce dizziness or impaired vision. You may become dizzy if you consume alcohol or marijuana (cannabis). Do not drive, operate machinery, or perform any other activity that requires alertness or clear vision until you are sure you can do so safely. Limit your intake of alcoholic beverages. If you use marijuana (cannabis), talk to your doctor.
Tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you consume before surgery (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
It is not recommended that you become pregnant while taking belzutifan. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with your doctor right away.
Interactions
Drug interactions can cause your prescriptions to perform differently or put you at risk for dangerous adverse effects. This list does not include all potential medication interactions. Keep a list of everything you use (including prescription and nonprescription pharmaceuticals, as well as herbal products) and discuss it with your doctor and pharmacist. Without your doctor's permission, do not begin, stop, or modify the dosage of any medications.
This medicine has the potential to hasten the elimination of other medications from your body, potentially affecting their effectiveness. Some hepatitis C medicines (such as asunaprevir, ombitasvir-paritaprevir-ritonavir), as well as lonafarnib, are among the afflicted drugs.
Hormonal birth control, such as pills, patches, or rings, may be less effective if you take this drug. This could result in a pregnancy. If you're taking this medicine, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about whether you should utilize a dependable backup birth control option. Tell your doctor if you notice any new spotting or bleeding, as these could indicate that your birth control isn't working properly.
Overdose
Call 911 if someone has overdosed and is experiencing serious symptoms such as passing out or having problems breathing. Otherwise, contact a poison control center as soon as possible. Residents in the United States can contact their local poison control center by dialing 1-800-222-1222. Residents of Canada can contact a poison control facility in their province.
Missed Dose
If you forget to take a dose, take it that day as soon as you remember. If you don't remember until the next day, skip the missing dose. Take your next dose at the same time every day. To catch up, do not increase the dose.
Storage
Store away from light and moisture at room temperature. Keep the desiccant canisters (drying agent) in the bottle. Keep out of the bathroom. All drugs should be kept out of reach of children and pets.
Notes
Do not give this medication to anybody else.
While taking this medication, you should have lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts and oxygen levels in your body). Maintain all medical and laboratory appointments.
Unless otherwise directed, do not flush or pour drugs down the toilet or into a drain. When this product has expired or is no longer needed, properly dispose of it. Consult your pharmacist or a garbage removal firm in your area.