Revcovi
Revcovi (elapegademase or elapegademase-lvlr) is an enzyme replacement for people with adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID). It was made to replace another medication used for ADA-SCID called Adagen (pegademase).
What is Revcovi (elapegademase)?
What is Revcovi (elapegademase) used for?
- Adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID)
How Revcovi (elapegademase) works
Revcovi (elapegademase) is an enzyme replacement for people with adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID). People with ADA-SCID are missing an enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA), which leads to frequent infections. Revcovi (elapegademase) works by replacing ADA in your body. This helps strengthen your immune system to better fight off infections.
Drug facts
Side effects of Revcovi (elapegademase)
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
- Cough
- Vomiting
Less Common Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Infections
- Nausea
- Migraine
- Stomach pain
- Muscle pain
Pros and cons of Revcovi (elapegademase)
Pros
- Only given twice per week
- Works well to treat ADA-SCID
- Can be given at home or at a provider's office
- Not made from animals
Cons
- Brand name only, which can be expensive
- Needs to be injected into the muscle
- Symptoms can come back when stopped
- Unknown if safe in pregnancy
Pharmacist tips for Revcovi (elapegademase)
- If your provider has instructed you to take Revcovi (elapegademase) at home, make sure you carefully review the instructions for use. Ask your pharmacist or provider if you have any questions about how to take the medication.
- Store Revcovi (elapegademase) in the refrigerator (but don't freeze). When you're ready for a dose, take the medication out of the refrigerator and allow it to come to room temperature by letting it stand for 30 minutes before your injection. This will help the injection be more comfortable.
- Make sure to mark your appointments in your calendar to see your provider and receive your doses of Revcovi (elapegademase) if you're not taking it at home. This will help make sure you're being properly monitored and that you don't miss any of your doses. Missing doses of this medication can make it work less well for you.
- Revcovi (elapegademase) can cause bleeding at the injection site, especially if you have a history of low platelets (platelets are cells that help your blood clot when you get injured). Make sure to tell your provider if you have a history of low platelets before starting Revcovi (elapegademase).
- Even when starting Revcovi (elapegademase), it's best to continue to take precautions against infections until your provider is sure your immune system is working normally. This is so you don't get any potentially severe infections.
- If you're pregnant or thinking of getting pregnant, talk to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Revcovi (elapegademase) for you and your baby. There haven't been studies about this medication in pregnancy, so it's not known if it's safe to use during pregnancy.
- Throw away your used syringes in a sharps container or other puncture-resistant container to prevent needlestick injuries.
Common questions about Revcovi (elapegademase)
Adenosine deaminase severe combined immune deficiency (ADA-SCID) is a genetic problem that makes it hard for your body to fight off infections. This happens because your body doesn't have enough of an enzyme called adenosine deaminase (ADA). When ADA is missing, the levels of a toxic chemical in your body called dAXP build up. This toxic chemical can damage and remove cells in your blood called lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are responsible for fighting off infections. Signs and symptoms of ADA-SCID include recurrent infections, slowed growth, rash, and long-term diarrhea.
Revcovi (elapegademase) helps people with ADA-SCID, because it acts like ADA. This helps keep the levels of your lymphocytes up, dAXP (toxic chemicals that damage these lymphocytes) down, and your immune system strong enough to fight off infections. Your provider will measure your lymphocyte and dAXP levels, as well as examine and screen you for infections. This is how your provider makes sure Revcovi (elapegademase) is working well for you.
Yes, you can give yourself the injection into the muscle at home after your provider has taught you how to safely inject the medication. Ask your provider if taking Revcovi (elapegademase) at home is an option for you. If not, your provider can give you the injection in their office.
Revcovi (elapegademase) has been proven to be safe and works well in children and adults. Speak to your provider to see if it's right for you or your child.
Revcovi (elapegademase) and Adagen (pegademase) both treat the same condition. But, Adagen (pegademase) is made from cows, whereas Revcovi (elapegademase) is made without animal products. Revcovi (elapegademase) is also made with a substance called polyethylene glycol (PEG) to make it last longer in your body. This lowers the need for more frequent injections. Adagen (pegademase) has been discontinued by the manufacturer and is no longer available in the United States. Talk with your provider if you have additional questions about switching from Adagen (pegademase) to Revcovi (elapegademase).
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Revcovi (elapegademase) dosage
Typical dosage for Revcovi (elapegademase)
- Not previously receiving Adagen (pegademase): The typical starting dose is 0.2 mg/kg of body weight injected into the muscle twice per week for 3 to 6 months until your immune system is working well. Then, your provider might slowly lower your dose based on certain lab values and how well you're responding to the medication.
- Previously receiving Adagen (pegademase): Your dose of Revcovi (elapegademase) will be calculated by your provider, depending on your dose of Adagen and certain lab values.
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