Trutakna (atacicept) is used to help lower the amount of protein in your urine (proteinuria). It is typically prescribed for people with immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).
Like most medicines, Trutakna may cause side effects. Some are more common than others, and some side effects may improve as your body adjusts to them.
Keep reading to learn more about the possible side effects of Trutakna, what you can do to help prevent and manage them, and when to contact a health care provider.
This article does not include all of the possible side effects of Trutakna. Tell your health care provider if you have side effects that are ongoing or bother you, even if they are not listed here.
Common Trutakna Side Effects
The most common side effects reported in clinical studies include:
- Injection site reactions, such as pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Infections in the nose, throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
In most cases, these side effects are temporary and often improve on their own. However,
contact your health care provider if you experience symptoms that feel severe or last longer than a few days. Do not stop using Trutakna unless your provider recommends it.
Serious Side Effects of Trutakna
Although less common, some side effects of Trutakna may be serious, including:
- Severe allergic reactions
- Infections
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider right away. In some cases, severe symptoms may require urgent medical care. Your provider can look at your symptoms and explain what steps to take next.
Tips for Managing Trutakna Side Effects
Some side effects can be managed in simple ways. The sections below explain common Trutakna side effects and what you can do to help prevent or get rid of them.
1. Injection site reactions
Like other medicines that are given by injection, Trutakna may cause irritation or discomfort at the injection site. In studies, nearly one-third of people who used Trutakna had injection site reactions.
Symptoms at or near the injection site may include:
- Pain
- Itching
- Swelling
- Redness or discoloration
- Bruising
These symptoms are usually temporary and go away on their own within a few days. Here are some tips to prevent or ease injection site discomfort:
- Follow the step-by-step instructions that come with Trutakna.
- Rotate the injection site each time you use it.
- Avoid injecting into moles, scars, bruises, tattoos, or skin that is red, hard, tender, or injured.
- Ask your health care provider about using a cool compress on the area or if an over-the-counter (OTC) pain reliever or anti-itch medicine may help.
Ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions about proper injection technique or supplies. Let your health care provider know if injection site reactions last a long time or feel severe. They may suggest other ways to manage your symptoms.
2. Infections
Infections were another common side effect of Trutakna during studies. Infections may happen because Trutakna works to calm your immune system. This may make it harder for your body to fight infections. The most common infections reported in studies included upper respiratory infections of the nose or throat, such as a common cold.
Common symptoms include sneezing, scratchy or sore throat, or a stuffy or runny nose.
To lower the risk of infections, make sure you:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water or use hand sanitizer.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Eat a healthy and balanced diet.
- Get plenty of sleep.
Here are some things you can do at home to help ease symptoms of respiratory infections:
- Drink plenty of fluids, such as water, juices, or soups.
- Use a humidifier to keep the air moist.
- Use saline sprays to help with a stuffy nose.
- Gargle with salt water to soothe a sore throat.
Some infections can be serious, especially since your immune system may not be working as well as it should be. Contact your health care provider if you have a fever, sweats or chills, cough, or flu-like symptoms, including muscle aches.
Reducing Your Risk of Trutakna Side Effects
Here are some things you can do to lower your risk of side effects:
- Wash your hands regularly with soap and water.
- Avoid being around people who are sick.
- Use Trutakna exactly as prescribed.
- Keep a simple record of any new or changing symptoms to share with your health care provider.
- Tell your health care provider about side effects that interfere with daily activities or do not improve.
Your health care provider can examine your symptoms and help decide whether changes to your treatment plan are needed.