What is Agamree prescribed for?
Agamree is prescribed for the treatment of Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD) in patients 2 years of age and older.
What is Agamree and what does it do?
Agamree, pronounced ah gam’ ree, (generic name: vamorolone), is a medication that was approved by the FDA to help treat Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD).
DMD is a genetic condition that causes progressive muscle weakness, mainly affecting boys. This disease leads to difficulties in walking and problems with heart and lung functions.
Agamree is designed to slow down the progression of these symptoms and is suitable for patients aged 2 years and older.
How does Agamree work?
Agamree is a type of drug known as a corticosteroid, which is commonly used to reduce inflammation and suppress overactive immune responses.
Unlike typical steroids, it aims to provide similar benefits but with fewer side effects.
Agamree helps by mimicking the effects of naturally occurring steroids in the body, reducing inflammation and muscle damage in DMD patients.
This action helps improve muscle strength and delays the progression of the disease.
What did the research discover?
The FDA’s approval of Agamree was based on a study involving 121 male patients with DMD.
These young participants showed significant improvements in their ability to stand up, walk, and run over the course of the study. For example, at the end of 24 weeks, patients treated with Agamree at 6 mg/kg per day improved their ability to stand quickly and walk further compared to those on a placebo.
Specifically, they were faster in standing tests and walked longer distances in timed walking tests.
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.
- Features of cushingoid (conditions that mimic Cushing’s syndrome like weight gain and skin changes)
- Psychiatric disorders (such as mood swings and anxiety)
- Vomiting
- Increased weight
- Vitamin D deficiency
What are the dosage recommendations and how is it prescribed?
Agamree is taken orally, once daily, and is best taken with a meal. The recommended starting dose is based on weight: 6 mg/kg for patients up to a maximum daily dose of 300 mg for those weighing more than 110.2 lbs.
The dose can be adjusted based on the patient’s response and side effects, potentially reducing to 2 mg/kg per day.
Source:
- “Drug Trials Snapshots: AGAMREE,” FDA. Accessed https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/drug-trials-snapshots-agamree.
- Agamree (vamorolone) Prescribing Information. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/215239s000lbl.pdf.
