Spinraza (Nusinersen) for SMA

Overview
Spinraza is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children and adults. Spinraza is also known by its drug name, Nusinersen.¹

People with SMA don’t produce enough of a substance called survival motor neuron (SMN) protein, which is important for healthy motor functioning.² Spinraza is believed to work by increasing the body’s production of SMN protein.²

How do I take it?
Spinraza is administered intrathecally, which means it’s injected into the fluid surrounding the spinal cord. After three loading doses at 14-day intervals, the fourth is administered 30 days later. After the fourth loading dose, maintenance doses are given once every four months.¹

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Spinraza lists common side effects including respiratory infections and constipation in babies with SMA. Fever, headache, vomiting, and back pain may be experienced in people with later-onset of SMA.¹

Rare but serious side effects listed for Spinraza can include increased risk of bleeding and kidney damage or failure.¹

Sources:

1. Spinraza – Prescribing Information
2. Spinal Muscular Atrophy Diagnosis & Treatment