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Overview: Yuviwel is an injection used by certain people with growth problems to improve bone growth. It works by promoting normal growth of bone and cartilage. Common side effects can include nausea, vomiting, pain in your arms, legs, feet, or hands, and problems at the injection site, such as pain, redness, or itching. Serious side effects are rare, but may include low blood pressure. You or a caregiver can be trained to give Yuviwel injections at home.

Uses

What is Yuviwel used for?

Yuviwel (navepegritide) is commonly used in certain people with a growth problem known as achondroplasia, which is the most common form of dwarfism.

Learn more about Yuviwel for Achondroplasia.

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

How does Yuviwel work (mechanism of action)?

Achondroplasia is a rare genetic condition that leads to shorter height because of slowed bone growth. Yuviwel works by releasing a substance called C-type natriuretic peptide (CNP), which acts in the body the same way as the natural form of CNP. It attaches to specific receptors on tissue cells, which supports the normal growth and development of cartilage and bone. This helps improve bone growth in people with achondroplasia.

How is Yuviwel supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Yuviwel

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 1.3 mg vial
  • 2.8 mg vial
  • 5.5 mg vial

How should I store Yuviwel?

Before preparing Yuviwel for injection, it should be stored in the original packaging to protect it from light in a refrigerator, between 36 F and 46 F (2 C and 8 C). Do not freeze it. 

Yuviwel can also be stored at room temperature, up to 86 F (30 C), for up to 6 months. You can put Yuviwel back in the refrigerator as long as it is within 6 months of taking it out. Throw it away if it is not used within 6 months of removing it from the refrigerator or by the expiration date, whichever is earlier. 

After preparing (mixing) your injection, Yuviwel can be stored at room temperature, up to 86 F (30 C), for up to 4 hours. Throw away any unused medicine left in the vial after using your dose. You cannot save any leftover medicine to use later. 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Yuviwel?

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

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Pain, itching, swelling, bruising, skin color changes, small blisters with fluid in them, or redness near the injection site
  • Pain in your arms, legs, hands, or feet

There may be other side effects of Yuviwel 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 Yuviwel?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Yuviwel may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Yuviwel 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

Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension). Yuviwel may cause low blood pressure. If you feel faint or dizzy, lie down. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low blood pressure.

  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Nausea
  • Confusion
  • Feeling weak or tired

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Yuviwel?

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

  • Navepegritide
  • Yuviwel
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Yuviwel before using it?

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

Yuviwel is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Yuviwel. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider.

Follow the “Instructions for Use” when using Yuviwel for the first time or when you have not used it in a while. The dose you use will depend on your body weight. Do not change your dose unless your health care provider tells you to do so. Tell your health care provider about any changes in your body weight. They will use this information to know how much medicine you should use. 

Do not share Yuviwel with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them. Do not share needles or syringes with another person. Always use a new needle or syringe for each injection.

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

If you store Yuviwel in the refrigerator, take the vial and liquid (diluent syringe) you will use to prepare your injection out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before you mix them. 

Do not use the same exact spot for each Yuviwel injection. Do not inject where your skin is red, swollen, or scarred. Doing these things may reduce your risk of having reactions where you inject the medicine. See the Side Effects section for more information. 

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

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 Yuviwel is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Heart disease
  • Low blood pressure
  • Kidney problems

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Yuviwel could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Yuviwel 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 Yuviwel while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Yuviwel?

For more information about Yuviwel, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.yuviwel.com or call them at 844-442-7236.

Interactions

Does Yuviwel interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Yuviwel.

Does Yuviwel interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Yuviwel and other medicines. 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.

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 Yuviwel?

If you or someone else has used too much Yuviwel, 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 Yuviwel?

Missing doses of Yuviwel can cause it to not work as well over time. So it is important not to miss or skip doses. 

To avoid missed doses, Yuviwel can be given up to 2 days before or after your scheduled dose. If you miss a dose and it has not been more than 2 days since your dose was due, give the missed dose as soon as you remember. If you miss a dose and it has been more than 2 days since your dose was due, skip the missed dose and use your next dose when you normally would. Do not use double or extra doses. 

If you miss a dose and are not sure what to do, or if you want to change the day of the week that you typically use Yuviwel, contact your health care provider.