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Overview: Zanvastro is used to treat a rare condition called Alexander disease. It is injected into the spinal canal. It works by causing less of an abnormal protein to be made. Common side effects may include vomiting, back pain, cough, and headache. Tell your health care provider right away if you have a severe headache, stiff neck, sensitivity to light, or fever, as these could be signs of a serious side effect.

Uses

What is Zanvastro used for?

Zanvastro (zilganersen) is used to treat Alexander disease, a rare condition that affects the brain and nervous system.

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

How does Zanvastro work (mechanism of action)?

People with Alexander disease have abnormal protein buildup in the brain and spinal cord. This can lead to problems such as weakness, trouble walking, and seizures. The protein buildup is caused by a faulty gene. Zanvastro works by affecting the gene that makes this protein, causing less of the abnormal protein to be made.

How is Zanvastro supplied (dosage forms)?

Zanvastro is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Zanvastro?

Zanvastro is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zanvastro?

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

There may be other side effects of Zanvastro 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 Zanvastro?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zanvastro may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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

Meningitis. Zanvastro may cause a condition called meningitis. People with meningitis have inflammation of the membranes that surround the brain and spinal cord. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Stiff neck
  • Confusion
  • Fever
  • Severe headache with nausea and vomiting
  • Numbness in your face
  • Sensitivity to light 

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zanvastro?

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

  • Zanvastro 
  • Zilganersen
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Zanvastro before using it?

Zanvastro is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given as an injection into the spinal canal.

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

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 Zanvastro is right for you.

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

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zanvastro 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 Zanvastro 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 Zanvastro while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zanvastro?

For more information about Zanvastro, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.zanvastro.com or call them at 844-399-5544.

Interactions

Does Zanvastro interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zanvastro.

Does Zanvastro interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zanvastro 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 Zanvastro?

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

Zanvastro is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Zanvastro dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.