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
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
Get your GoodRx coupon
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.
Common questions about Filsuvez
Yes, Filsuvez can expire. You can usually find the expiration date on the Filsuvez tube. You can also usually find it on one side of the box the tube came in. Always check the expiration date of the gel before using it. Don't use Filsuvez if it's expired. Expired medication might not work well and it might raise your risk of an infection. If your medication has expired, throw it away and get a new one from your healthcare team.
No, Filsuvez isn't an antibiotic. It's used to help your wound heal, not fight germs that could be infecting it. If your wound is more painful, red, or swollen than usual or if there's yellow or green pus, it might be infected. If this happens, stop using Filsuvez and tell your healthcare team right away. If your wound is infected, wait until it's treated and gone until you use Filsuvez on the wound again.
How long it takes Filsuvez to help wounds heal completely can be different for each person. In studies, a few people saw that their wounds completely healed within 14 days, or 2 weeks. Others had completely healed wounds within 1 to 3 months, or longer. Keep an eye on your wound and check how well it's healing with Filsuvez. Talk to your healthcare team if you're not sure how long it's taking the medication to help your wound heal.
After you apply Filsuvez, it's possible the area might hurt a little or be itchy. These side effects typically don't last long. But if they get worse or don't go away on their own after a while, let your healthcare team know.
Use each tube of Filsuvez only one time. Don't save any leftover gel from the tube to reuse later. Once you open the tube, there's a higher risk that the medication can get contaminated with germs. If you use contaminated medication, the wound can get infected. Throw away any leftover Filsuvez in your household trash. You can also discard it at a drug take-back site.
The FDA approved Filsuvez in December 2023. It's for people 6 months and older who have dystrophic and junctional epidermolysis bullosa (EB). These are genetic problems that makes the skin very fragile. Skin damage and blisters happen very easily. Filsuvez is a gel that you put on the skin wounds to help them heal.
How to save using GoodRx
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 | $27,771.73 | $1,851.45 |
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.
