Key facts about Spinraza
What is Spinraza?
Spinraza is the brand name for nusinersen and is available as an injection given into the spinal cana.
What dosages is Spinraza available in?
Spinraza is available as a 12 mg/5 mL (2.4 mg/mL) single-dose vial.
What is Spinraza used for?
Spinraza is an injectable medication used to treat spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) in children and adults.
How does Spinraza work?
Spinraza is a survival motor neuron-2 (SMN2)-directed antisense oligonucleotide is a survival motor neuron-2 (SMN2)-directed antisense oligonucleotide. People with spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) don’t have enough of a protein called survival motor neuron (SMN), which is needed for your nerves and muscles to function properly. Spinraza (nusinersen) is an antisense oligonucleotide that helps the body make more SMN proteins to treat people with SMA.
How do I take Spinraza?
The typical dose is 12 mg (5 mL) injected by intrathecal route (into the spinal canal). Spinraza is injected as four loading doses. The first three doses are given every 2 weeks. The fourth dose given 1 month after the third dose. After all loading doses are complete, you’ll continue on a maintenance dose given once every 4 months.
Is it safe for me to take Spinraza?
Spinraza is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Spinraza Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Spinraza:
- Lower respiratory infection
- Constipation
- Urinary tract infection
- Stuffy nose
- Ear infection
- Gas
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Headache
- Vomiting
- Back pain
- Nosebleed
- Falls
Spinraza Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Spinraza. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following:
- Serious bleeds: bleeding that’s difficult to stop, bloody or black-colored stool, vomiting or coughing up blood, dizziness, pale skin
- Kidney damage: low urine amount, swelling in legs or feet, shortness of breath, tiredness, confusion, nausea, weakness, irregular heartbeat, headache, or itchiness
- Atelectasis (collapsed lung): trouble breathing, fast heart rate, cough, chest pain, or skin and lips turning blue
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Spinraza
There are no major drug interactions listed for this medication. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Spinraza?
Biogen, Inc.
Is Spinraza safe in pregnancy?
Based on animal data, Spinraza may cause fetal harm. Talk to your doctor if you are already pregnant or if you have plans on becoming pregnant. They will recommend what is best for you.













