afamelanotide

Contraindicated in:

Hypersensitivity.

Use Cautiously in:

OB: Safety not established in pregnancy;
Lactation: Use while breastfeeding only if potential maternal benefits justify potential risks to infant;
Pedi: Safety and effectiveness not established in children.

Adv. Reactions/Side Effects ⬆ ⬇

Derm: hyperpigmentation, moles

GI: nausea, oropharyngeal pain

Local: implant site reaction

Neuro: dizziness, drowsiness

Resp: cough, respiratory tract infection

Misc: fatigue, HYPERSENSITIVITY REACTIONS (INCLUDING ANAPHYLAXIS)

Interactions ⬆ ⬇

Drug-drug:

None reported.

Availability ⬆ ⬇

Subcutaneous implant: 16 mg

Route/Dosage ⬆ ⬇

SC (Adults ): One implant (16 mg) inserted every 2 mo.

US Brand Names ⬆ ⬇

Action ⬆ ⬇

Acts as a melanocortin 1 receptor agonist, which stimulates production of eumelanin.

Therapeutic effects:

Reduction in pain caused by light exposure.

Classifications ⬆ ⬇

Therapeutic Classification: none assigned

Pharmacologic Classification: melanocortin receptor agonists

Pharmacokinetics ⬆ ⬇

Absorption: Unknown.

Distribution: Unknown.

Metabolism/Excretion: Unknown.

Half-Life: 15 hr.

Time/Action Profile ⬆ ⬇

(plasma concentrations)

ROUTE	ONSET	PEAK	DURATION
SUBQ	unknown	36 hr	96 hr

Patient/Family Teaching ⬆ ⬇

Explain purpose and side effects of medication to patient.
Advise patient to notify health care professional of all Rx or OTC medications, vitamins, or herbal products being taken and to consult health care professional before taking other medications.
Advise patient to notify health care professional if hypersensitivity reactions occur and to seek immediate medical attention if needed and for possible implant removal.
Advise patient to maintain sun- and light-protection measures during treatment to prevent phototoxic reactions related to erythropoietic protoporphyria.
Advise patient that darkening of pre-existing nevi and ephelides may occur with treatment. A full-body skin examination is recommended twice yearly to monitor pre-existing and new skin pigmentary lesions.
Advise patient to contact health care provider if implant is expelled.
Advise patient the dressing can be removed after 24 hr, to monitor insertion site after dressing removal, and to report any reaction observed at the site to health care professional.
Rep: Advise women of reproductive potential to notify health care professional if pregnancy is planned or suspected or if breastfeeding.

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Indications ⬇

Contraind./Precautions ⬆ ⬇