Filsuvez
Filsuvez is a gel made from birch triterpenes, a plant extract from birch bark. It's applied on skin wounds from dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB). They're rare genetic problems that make the skin get damaged and blistered very easily. Filsuvez helps with wound healing in people 6 months and older with these forms of EB. The gel is typically applied with every wound dressing change until the wound heals. Side effects aren't common, but some people might have temporary itching and pain.
What is Filsuvez?
What is Filsuvez used for?
- Wounds from dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB) in people 6 months of age and older
How Filsuvez works
Filsuvez is a topical skin product. It's made from birch triterpenes, which is an extract from the bark of birch trees.
It's not clear how this medication works. But some experts believe that Filsuvez can help your wound heal in three ways. It lowers inflammation (swelling) and it helps promote new skin tissue to grow. It also helps make the skin barrier stronger for protection.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Filsuvez |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Topical skin product |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Not a controlled medication |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Side effects of Filsuvez
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Application site reactions (e.g., itching, pain; 7%)
Filsuvez serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Allergic skin reaction: hives, severe skin irritation
The following Filsuvez side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Irritation at application site
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Pros and cons of Filsuvez
Pros
- Has very few side effects
- Okay to use for infants at or over 6 months of age
Cons
- Need to remember to use with every dressing change
- Not for treating deep wounds or skin infections
Pharmacist tips for Filsuvez
- Wash your hands before using Filsuvez. Always apply the medication with clean hands or wear gloves to apply. This helps prevent other germs from getting into the wound. Also wash your hands after using so the medication doesn't get onto other things.
- Make sure to clean your wound(s) before applying Filsuvez. Follow your care team's instructions on how to clean your wound with each dressing change.
- Follow the directions to apply Filsuvez. You can apply the gel directly onto the wound surface. Cover the entire wounded area with the gel, but don't rub it in. Then, use a new, clean, non-adhesive wound dressing to cover the area.
- Another option is to apply a layer of Filsuvez directly onto a clean, non-adhesive dressing. Cover the whole dressing with the gel. Then, place the dressing on top of the sound so that the gel is touching the wound.
- Stop using Filsuvez and talk to a healthcare professional if you think the wound is infected. Check to see if your wound hurts more or is more red or swollen over time. Also see if it has a lot of yellow or green fluid (pus) coming from it. Your wound could be infected. If it is, don't use Filsuvez until the infection gets treated and goes away.
- Each tube of Filsuvez is for one-time use only. Use this medication right after you open it. Throw away any leftover medication in the regular trash or at a drug take-back site.
- Avoid getting Filsuvez in your eyes, nose, mouth, or genital areas. If you do, rinse the area with water right away. Get help if it gets very uncomfortable.
- Keep Filsuvez at room temperature (between 68ºF and 77ºF). Don't freeze the medication.
Risks and warnings for Filsuvez
Filsuvez can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Allergic skin reaction
Watch out for signs of an allergic skin reaction. This can look like swelling, rash, itchy skin, or severe skin irritation. If this happens, stop using Filsuvez and tell your healthcare team right away.
Filsuvez dosage
Tube of gel| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 23.4g of 10% | 15 tubes | $29,162.80 | $1,944.19 |
Typical dosage for Filsuvez
Apply a thin layer (about 1 mm) of gel to the affected area(s) with each dressing change.
Use Filsuvez with every dressing change until the wound heals completely, or as directed by your healthcare team.
