Tryngolza
Tryngolza (olezarsen) is an prescription medication used along with a low-fat diet to lower triglyceride (fat) levels in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). It’s an injection given once a month under the skin, either around the stomach or the outer thigh. Injections can also be given in the back of the upper arm if someone else is helping you. Potential side effects include injection site reactions such as swelling, redness, and irritation where the medication was injected.
What is Tryngolza (olezarsen)?
What is Tryngolza (olezarsen) used for?
How Tryngolza (olezarsen) works
People who have FCS have problems breaking down triglycerides, leading to very high levels of triglycerides in their blood. This raises the risk for a serious condition called pancreatitis, or inflammation of the pancreas.
Tryngolza (olezarsen) is an APOC-III antisense oligonucleotide (ASO). It works on apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III), a protein responsible for keeping triglycerides (fats) in the blood. Specifically, it blocks the creation of apoC-III so less of it is made. This helps your body break down triglycerides more easily, which lowers levels of triglycerides in the blood.
Drug facts
Side effects of Tryngolza (olezarsen)
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
- Redness, swelling, or pain at the injection site (19%)
- Lower platelet count (12%)
- Joint pain (9%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Increased blood sugar
- Increase in liver enzymes
- Increase in LDL cholesterol
Tryngolza (olezarsen) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Serious allergic reactions: difficulty breathing, facial swelling, muscle pain, itching, chills, widespread redness of the skin
The following Tryngolza (olezarsen) 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):
Pros and cons of Tryngolza (olezarsen)
Pros
- Injected once a month
- Safe to store at room temperature for up to 6 weeks (but usually refrigerated)
- First FDA-approved medication for FCS
Cons
- Must be injected under the skin
- Still have to follow a low-fat diet
- Can cause joint pain
Pharmacist tips for Tryngolza (olezarsen)
- Inject Tryngolza (olezarsen) under the skin in the stomach or front of the thigh once a month. It can also be injected into the back of the upper arm if someone else is injecting the medication for you.
- If you miss a dose of Trygolza (olezarsen), inject it as soon as you remember. Then, inject your next dose 1 month from the date of your last dose.
- Some people have had severe allergic reactions to Tryngolza (olezarsen). Get immediate medical attention and contact your prescriber if you notice any signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction such as facial swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives.
- Tryngolza (olezarsen) can cause joint pain or stiffness. You can try over-the-counter pain relievers like diclofenac gel or lidocaine, or natural methods like massage or heat therapy. Contact your prescriber if your joint pain doesn’t go away or is too uncomfortable.
- It’s important that you continue to follow a low-fat diet while taking Tryngolza (olezarsen). Try to lower your fat intake to 10-15% of your daily calories. Reach out to your healthcare team if you need help with meal planning.
- You can store Tryngolza (olezarsen) in the refrigerator until the expiration date printed on the medication. You can also keep it at room temperature but only for up to 6 weeks. Protect it from light and heat.
How to use Tryngolza (olezarsen)
- Your healthcare professional will teach you how to use Tryngolza (olezarsen) before your first injection. If you still have questions, watch this instructional video or read the instructions that come in each package. You can also talk to your prescriber or pharmacist at any time.
- After removing Tryngolza (olezarsen) from the fridge, let the medication come to room temperature for 30 minutes before you inject. Don’t try to speed up the warming process by using other heat sources like a microwave or hot water
- Wash your hands with soap and water. Then, clean the injection site using an alcohol wipe and let the skin air dry.
- Inject Tryngolza (olezarsen) at least 2 inches away from your belly button or on the front of your thigh. A caregiver or healthcare professional can also help you inject it into the back of the upper arm. Don’t inject into scars, irritated skin, or damaged skin.
- Pull the clear cap straight off the autoinjector when you're ready to inject. Press the orange needle shield against your skin with the viewing window facing you. Then, hold the autoinjector in place for 10 seconds.
- Check that the orange plunger rod fills the viewing window. This means you received the full dose of medication.
- After the injection, throw away the autoinjector into a sharps container.
Common questions about Tryngolza
Familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS) is a very rare condition that runs in families and is usually caused by mutations in an enzyme called lipoprotein lipase (LPL). It causes the body to have problems breaking down triglycerides (fat) correctly. This leads to a buildup of triglycerides in the body. If left untreated, this condition can cause symptoms like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), xanthomas (yellow bumps on the skin), and stomach pain. There is currently no cure for FCS, but Tryngolza is an option to help lower triglyceride levels.
Right now, there’s no data to show if Tryngolza is safe to use while pregnant. However, people with FCS have an even higher risk of pancreatitis during pregnancy because triglyceride levels naturally go up. Talk with your prescriber before starting Tryngolza if you’re pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant.
One study examining Tryngolza showed that the medication started to lower triglyceride levels after about 1 month of treatment when used along with a low-fat diet. However, everyone will respond differently. So speak with your prescriber if you have more questions.
Yes, you must continue to lower your fat intake while taking Tryngolza. The medication is designed to be used by people who follow a low-fat diet. Limit your fat intake to 10-15% of your daily calorie intake, and try to eat more vegetables, whole grains, beans and lentils, and lean protein.
Yes, Tryngolza is the first FDA-approved medication for familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). It’s also the first APOC-III antisense oligonucleotide (ASO) in its class. It was approved for use in the U.S. on December 19th, 2024.
In one study, people receiving 80 mg of Tryngolza had nearly a 44% drop in their fasting triglyceride level after 6 months of treatment compared to those receiving a placebo. After about 1 year, people receiving Tryngolza still had significantly lower triglyceride levels (about a 57% reduction in people receiving 80 mg) compared to people receiving a placebo.
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Risks and warnings for Tryngolza (olezarsen)
Tryngolza (olezarsen) 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 reactions
Some people taking Tryngolza (olezarsen) have had allergic reactions. Symptoms of an allergic reaction can include difficulty breathing, facial swelling, hives, muscle pain, and chills. Stop taking Tryngolza (olezarsen), seek immediate medical attention, and contact your prescriber if you have any of these symptoms.
Tryngolza (olezarsen) dosage
Typical dosage for Tryngolza (olezarsen)
The typical dose is 80 mg injected under the skin once a month.
Tryngolza (olezarsen) contraindications
Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a person should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If you have any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to you, let your healthcare provider know because Tryngolza (olezarsen) will not be safe for you to take.
- Allergies to any ingredient of Tryngolza (olezarsen)