Welireg (Belzutifan)

Description

Welireg (Belzutifan) is an anticancer agent. It is typically used to treat adults with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease who need treatment for, and do not require surgery right away for kidney cancer that has not spread to other parts of the body, tumors in the brain and spinal cord called central nervous system hemangioblastomas, or a type of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors, that has not spread to other parts of the body. It may also have other uses.

Additional information

"This medication is typically taken as three tablets once a day. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. It can be taken with or without food. Swallow the whole tablet with a full glass of water. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often than prescribed. Do not crush, break, or chew. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist.

WARNING: WELIREG can harm your unborn baby. Your healthcare professional will do a pregnancy test before you start taking the medication. Use birth control that does not contain hormones while you take this medicine. This is because it may cause hormonal birth control to not work. Keep using the birth control for at least 1 week after your last dose. For men, during your treatment with WELIREG, use a condom each time you have sex with a woman who is pregnant, may be pregnant or could get pregnant. Continue using condoms for at least 1 week after your last dose. Before you drive or do tasks that require special attention, wait until you know how you respond to WELIREG. You may feel dizzy or tired after taking it. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines until you no longer feel dizzy or tired.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:
It may cause feeling like you’re going to throw up (nausea).
It may cause dizziness, headaches, shortness of breath, feeling tired, difficulty sleeping.
It may cause muscle pain, back pain, stiff joints, chest pain, anxiety.

Contraindications: Hypersensitivity to Belzutifan, or any component of the formulation, pregnancy, breastfeeding.

Taking this medication during pregnancy may be harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with this medication requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments."

Warning

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.