Scenesse
Scenesse (afamelanotide) is an implant that's placed under the skin in adults to treat painful skin reactions from light due to a rare genetic condition called erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP). It's the first FDA-approved treatment to improve tolerance to light in adults with EPP. It's convenient to use because you only have to get the implant once every 2 months. But it might cause side effects, such as darkening of the skin or freckles. This medication is brand name only so it can be expensive.
What is Scenesse (afamelanotide)?
What is Scenesse (afamelanotide) used for?
- Phototoxicity due to erythropoietic protoporphyria (EPP)
How Scenesse (afamelanotide) works
Scenesse (afamelanotide) is a man-made form of a natural hormone found in our bodies called alpha-melanocyte stimulating hormone. This hormone raises the level of eumelanin, a pigment in the skin that helps protect your skin against light.
People with EPP are very sensitive to light and experience very painful skin reactions (phototoxicity) under sunlight and some artificial light. By raising the level of eumelanin, Scenesse (afamelanotide) helps people with EPP be less sensitive to light.
Drug facts
Side effects of Scenesse (afamelanotide)
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
- Implant site reactions, such as burning, redness, bleeding, itching, swelling (21%)
- Nausea (19%)
- Throat pain (7%)
- Cough (6%)
- Feeling tired (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Dark spots or patches on the skin or skin moles
- Dizziness
- Respiratory tract infection
- Sleepiness
- Skin irritation
The following Scenesse (afamelanotide) 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):
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Pros and cons of Scenesse (afamelanotide)
Pros
- Helps improve tolerance to light in people with EPP
- Placed under the skin every 2 months
- Implant gets absorbed into the body after about 2 months, so you don't need to get it removed
Cons
- Can't be used in children
- Brand name only, so might be expensive
- Needs to be placed under the skin by a healthcare provider (you can't do it yourself)
Pharmacist tips for Scenesse (afamelanotide)
- After you get your Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant placed under your skin, you can remove the dressing after 24 hours. If you notice any reaction at the implant site, such as swelling or redness, let your provider know.
- You'll need to get a new implant placed every 2 months, since Scenesse (afamelanotide) will dissolve and get absorbed by your body after this amount of time.
- Make sure to wear protective clothing when you go out in the sun to prevent painful skin reactions. For people with EPP, protective clothing, such as wide-brimmed hats and long sleeves, might be more effective than sunscreen at protecting you from sunlight.
- If you're pregnant, planning on becoming pregnant, or breastfeeding, speak to your provider about the risks and benefits of taking Scenesse (afamelanotide).
- Keep up with your twice-yearly skin exams so your provider can check for any skin changes that might be caused by Scenesse (afamelanotide). If you notice anything unusual about your skin like new dark spots, let your provider know.
- If your Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant comes out or feels uncomfortable, contact your provider.
Common questions about Scenesse (afamelanotide)
Once it's placed under your skin, Scenesse (afamelanotide) is slowly released by the implant over the course of about 2 months. After this time, the implant will dissolve and be absorbed by your body. Then, you'll need to get another Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant placed under your skin by a healthcare provider.
A healthcare provider will place the Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant under your skin above your pelvis in your lower belly (supra-iliac crest).
After you get the Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant placed under your skin, you might be able to feel it or have some skin irritation around where it's placed. If your implant comes out or feels uncomfortable, contact your provider. The implant will slowly dissolve over the course of about 2 months, and you'll need to get a new implant.
While Scenesse (afamelanotide) works to protect your skin from painful reactions due to light, it's still important to protect your skin from the sun because this medication might not prevent all cases of phototoxicity. For people with EPP, wearing protective clothing might be more effective than wearing sunscreen. Examples of protective clothing include wide-brimmed hat, long sleeves, gloves, and long pants.
There isn't enough information to know if Scenesse (afamelanotide) is safe or works well in children. If your child has EPP, speak to your child's provider about treatment options for them.
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Risks and warnings for Scenesse (afamelanotide)
Scenesse (afamelanotide) 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.
Skin color changes
Scenesse (afamelanotide) might lead to darkening of your skin or freckles. It's recommended to get your skin checked twice a year while taking Scenesse (afamelanotide) so your provider can check for any skin changes. Although most colored spots on your skin are harmless, they can sometimes be cancerous so it's important to get them checked. If you notice any new changes on your skin, let your provider know.
Skin reactions
Continue to practice sun safety with Scenesse (afamelanotide) to prevent skin reactions. Make sure to wear sunscreen and protective clothing when you go out in the sun.
Scenesse (afamelanotide) dosage
Implant| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 16mg | 1 implant | $48,399.05 | $48,399.05 |
Typical dosage for Scenesse (afamelanotide)
A 16 mg Scenesse (afamelanotide) implant is placed into the fatty area above your hip by a healthcare provider every 2 months. The implant slowly releases medication in your body during this time.
How much does Scenesse (afamelanotide) cost?
$48,399.05
Scenesse (afamelanotide) images
