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Overview: Trutakna is used to help certain people with a kidney problem called primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). It is given as an injection under your skin. Common side effects may include infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, common cold symptoms, or pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site. Serious side effects are less common, but may include more serious infections. Contact your health care provider right away if you have or think you have an infection while using Trutakna.

Uses

What is Trutakna used for?

Trutakna (atacicept-vymj) is commonly used to reduce the amount of protein in the urine (pee) in certain people with a type of kidney disease known as primary immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN).

Understanding Trutakna for IgA Nephropathy

Trutakna may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Trutakna work (mechanism of action)?

In people with primary IgAN, an abnormal IgA antibody builds up in the kidneys and causes damage. Over time, this damage affects how well the kidneys work to filter blood, allowing protein to leak into your urine. 

Trutakna reduces the amount of protein in your urine by blocking two proteins in your body, called BAFF and APRIL. These proteins affect the immune system, telling your body to make antibodies, including the abnormal IgA involved in kidney damage in IgA nephropathy. By blocking these proteins, the medicine helps lower levels of the abnormal IgA and the amount of protein that leaks into your urine. 

How is Trutakna supplied (dosage forms)?

Trutakna is available in a 150 mg/mL single-dose autoinjector.

How should I store Trutakna?

Trutakna should be stored in the original carton (to protect it from light) in a refrigerator between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Trutakna can be stored at room temperature, no warmer than 77 F (25 C), for up to 3 days. After storing Trutakna at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator. Any Trutakna stored at room temperature that has not been used within 72 hours should be thrown away. Avoid freezing Trutakna or exposing it to heat.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Trutakna?

The most common side effects of Trutakna are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site

There may be other side effects of Trutakna that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Trutakna?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Trutakna are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Trutakna may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Trutakna and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infections. Trutakna can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Your risk for infections may be higher if you are taking certain medicines. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing
  • Flu-like symptoms, including feeling tired, fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches or pains
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Skin that is warm, tender, or discolored

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Trutakna?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Trutakna.

  • Atacicept-vymj
  • Trutakna
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Trutakna.

What should I know about Trutakna before using it?

Do not use Trutakna unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Trutakna with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Trutakna out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Trutakna. You should not shake the medicine. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Trutakna?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Trutakna is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Vaccines. Talk with your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Trutakna. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Infections. Tell your health care provider if you have an active infection, or an infection that is ongoing or keeps coming back. Using Trutakna when you have an active infection or are prone to infections may increase your risk for serious infections. See the Side Effects section for more details. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Trutakna could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Trutakna, you or your health care provider should report this to the drugmaker by calling 833-633-8372. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Trutakna passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Trutakna while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Trutakna?

For more information about Trutakna, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.trutakna.com or call them at 833-633-8372.

Interactions

Does Trutakna interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Trutakna and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Trutakna.

Does Trutakna interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are taking a corticosteroid, such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone, or prednisone, which is a medicine for certain inflammatory conditions, before using Trutakna.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Trutakna. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Trutakna?

If you or someone else has used too much Trutakna, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Trutakna?

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Use this new timing (not the original schedule) to know when your next dose will be due. Do not use double or extra doses.