What is Sohonos prescribed for?
Sohonos is prescribed to reduce the volume of new heterotopic ossification in adults and pediatric patients (aged 8 years and older for females and 10 years and older for males) with fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva.
What is the name of the drug and what does it do?
Sohonos, pronounced so-ho-nos, (generic name: palovarotene capsules)
is a medication approved by the FDA to treat fibrodysplasia ossificans progressiva (FOP).
FOP is a rare genetic disorder where soft tissues like muscles and ligaments turn into bone, causing severe disability.
Sohonos helps reduce the formation of new bone in these areas.
How does it work?
Sohonos is a retinoid, a type of drug related to vitamin A. It works by activating a specific receptor in the body called the retinoic acid receptor gamma (RARγ).
This activation inhibits a pathway that leads to abnormal bone formation, helping to prevent new bone growth where it shouldn’t occur.
What did the research discover?
Clinical trials tested Sohonos in patients with FOP, including children aged 8 years and older for girls and 10 years and older for boys.
The studies showed that Sohonos significantly reduced the amount of new bone formation in these patients.
The medication helped manage the disease by decreasing the frequency and severity of flare-ups, during which new bone forms rapidly.
What are some of the side effects?
The side effects listed are from the product manufacturer. As health scientists, we share this information to keep you informed without causing undue worry. Many side effects diminish over time, and not all patients experience them. If prescribed medication, take it as directed and consult your healthcare professional if you have any concerning side effects.
- Dry skin
- Dry lips
- Itching (pruritus)
- Rash
- Hair loss (alopecia)
- Skin peeling
- Dry eyes
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Joint and muscle pain
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
The dosage of Sohonos depends on age and weight:
- For adults and children 14 years and older: The usual dose is 5 mg taken once daily with food. During flare-ups, the dose can be increased to 20 mg once daily for 4 weeks, followed by 10 mg once daily for 8 weeks.
- For children aged 8 to 13 years (girls) and 10 to 13 years (boys): The dose ranges from 2.5 mg to 5 mg daily, based on weight.
It’s important to take Sohonos at the same time each day with food to ensure proper absorption.
Source:
Highlights of Prescribing Information. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/215559s000lbl.pdf. Accessed 16 July 2024.
