Ztalmy
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) is an oral suspension used to treat seizures in people ages 2 and older with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD), a rare genetic condition that causes seizures and other developmental problems. It's the first and currently only FDA-approved medication to treat this condition.
What is Ztalmy (ganaxolone)?
What is Ztalmy (ganaxolone) used for?
- Seizures associated with cyclin-dependent kinase-like 5 (CDKL5) deficiency disorder (CDD) in people 2 years and older
How Ztalmy (ganaxolone) works
It's not exactly known how Ztalmy (ganaxolone) works to treat CDD, but it's thought to work by raising the activity of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), an important chemical in the body that slows down brain activity. So, Ztalmy (ganaxolone) works to calm down the brain to reduce the frequency of seizures.
Drug facts
| Common Brands | Ztalmy |
|---|---|
| Drug Class | Antiepileptic |
| Controlled Substance Classification | Schedule V |
| Generic Status | No lower-cost generic available |
| Availability | Prescription only |
Risks and warnings for Ztalmy (ganaxolone)
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) 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.
Sleepiness
- Risk factors: Higher dose of Ztalmy (ganaxolone) | Alcohol use | Taking other medications that cause sleepiness
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) can make you or your child very sleepy, which can affect the ability to focus, think, or react. This side effect is more likely to happen or be more intense if you drink alcohol while taking this medication or take other medications that cause sleepiness (like opioids, benzodiazepines, or sleep medications). Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
Suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Seizure medications, like Ztalmy (ganaxolone), might raise your risk for thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. If you or your child experiences suicidal thoughts or unusual behavior (e.g., anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated) while taking Ztalmy (ganaxolone), call the provider right away.
Side effects of Ztalmy (ganaxolone)
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
- Low energy/sleepy during the day (38%)
- Fever (18%)
- Upper respiratory tract infection (10%)
- Sleepiness (6%)
- Excessive drooling (6%)
- Allergies (6%)
Less Common Side Effects
- Bronchitis
- Walking abnormally
- Stuffy nose
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Suicidal thoughts and behaviors: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feeling angry or irritated, restlessness
The following Ztalmy (ganaxolone) 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
- Thoughts of suicide or self-harm, worsening mood, feelings of depression
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Drowsiness
- Excessive drooling
- Fever
- Runny or stuffy nose
Get your GoodRx coupon
Pros and cons of Ztalmy (ganaxolone)
Pros
- Works well to treat CDD-related seizures
- Available as a cherry-flavored suspension to make it easier to take
- Dose can be adjusted based on how you respond
Cons
- Needs to be taken 3 times per day with food
- Brand name only, which can be expensive
- Unknown if safe or works well in children younger than 2 years old
Pharmacist tips for Ztalmy (ganaxolone)
- You'll need an adapter and syringe to prepare a dose of Ztalmy (ganaxolone). Ask your pharmacist for those supplies if you don't have them. Don't use household spoons to measure the medication because they're not accurate and might cause you to take the wrong dose.
- Before drawing up the dose of Ztalmy (ganaxolone), make sure to shake the bottle for at least 1 minute and then wait 1 minute to draw up the dose. This will make sure you're getting the correct amount of medication.
- Make sure you understand how to properly give your child Ztalmy (ganaxolone) so you don't waste any of the medication. Read the instructions for use and contact your child's provider if you have any questions.
- Throw away any unused Ztalmy (ganaxolone) after 30 days of opening the bottle, since it might not work well after this time.
- Ztalmy (ganaxolone) can interact with a lot of commonly used medications, including over-the-counter (OTC) medications and supplements. Make sure to tell your provider about all of the medications you're taking before starting Ztalmy (ganaxolone).
- Ztalmy (ganaxolone) can make you sleepy during the day, which can affect your ability to focus, think, or react. Don't drive or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
- Store Ztalmy (ganaxolone) at room temperature and out of reach of children.
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) dosage
Bottle of oral suspension| Dosage | Quantity | Price as low as | Price per unit |
|---|---|---|---|
| 110ml of 50mg/ml | 5 bottles | $13,959.80 | $2,791.96 |
Typical dosage for Ztalmy (ganaxolone)
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) is dosed based on you or your child's weight.
- More than 28 kg (62 lbs): The typical starting dose is 150 mg by mouth with food 3 times a day for 1 week. Your provider will then slowly raise the dose over time up to 600 mg 3 times a day depending on how you tolerate the medication.
- 28 kg (62 lbs) or less: The typical starting dose is 6 mg/kg by mouth with food 3 times a day for 1 week. Your provider will then slowly raise the dose over time up to 21 mg/kg 3 times a day depending on how you tolerate the medication.
How much does Ztalmy (ganaxolone) cost?
$13,959.80
Ztalmy (ganaxolone) images
