Fitusiran

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Qfitlia

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to prevent and lower the number of bleeding episodes in people who have hemophilia.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.
• If your child has liver disease.
• If your child is taking another drug to help with bleeding like rFVIIA, activated prothrombin complex concentrate (aPCC), factor VIII (FVIII), or factor IX (FIX). Ask the doctor if you are not sure if your child is taking another drug to help with bleeding. Talk to the doctor about how to use other drugs for bleeding with this drug if needed.

This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Do not stop giving this drug without calling the doctor who ordered it for your child.
• Call your child’s doctor right away if your child has unexplained bruising or bleeding or if bleeding does not stop after giving this drug. This may be a sign that your child’s normal dose is not working as well.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• Birth control pills and other hormone-based birth control may raise the risk of blood clots if used with this drug. If your child uses hormone-based birth control, talk with your child’s doctor about having your child use some other kind of birth control, like a condom, before starting this drug and while taking it.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Signs of liver problems like dark urine, tiredness, decreased appetite, upset stomach or stomach pain, light-colored stools, throwing up, or yellow skin or eyes.
• Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Nose or throat irritation.
• Signs of a common cold.
• Joint pain.
• Pain, redness, swelling, or other reaction where the injection was given.
• Headache.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Leave it at room temperature for at least 30 minutes. Do not heat this drug.
• Wash your hands before and after use.
• This drug is colorless to light yellow. Do not use if the solution turns dark yellow or any other color, is cloudy, leaking, or has flakes or particles.
• Do not shake.
• Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
• Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
• Do not give into skin that is tender, damaged, bruised, or scarred.
• Do not inject through clothes.
• Do not rub the site where you give the shot.
• Each pen or vial is for 1 use only. Throw away the used pen or vial after the dose is given.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
• After giving a missed dose, start a new schedule based on when the dose is given.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

Prefilled pens:

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• If needed, you may store unopened containers at room temperature for up to 3 months. If stored at room temperature and not used within 3 months, throw this drug away.

Vials:

• Store at room temperature or in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.

All products:

• Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
• Keep out of direct sunlight.
• Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your child’s doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2025-04-03

Copyright

© 2025 UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates and/or licensors. All rights reserved.