Key facts about Welireg
What is Welireg?
Welireg is the brand name for belzutifan and is available as an oral tablet.
What dosages is Welireg available in?
Welireg is available as a 40 mg oral tablet.
What is Welireg used for?
Welireg treats kidney cancer. It may also be used to treat some types of cancer and tumors in people with von Hippel-Landau syndrome.
How does Welireg work?
Welireg works by blocking a protein that causes cancer cells to grow and multiply. This helps to slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
How do I take Welireg?
The recommended dosage of Welireg is 120 mg administered orally once daily with or without food.
Is it safe for me to take Welireg?
Welireg 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.
Welireg Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Welireg:
- Decreased hemoglobin
- Fatigue
- Increased creatinine
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Increased glucose
- Nausea
Welireg Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Welireg.
- Anemia
- Inform patients that Welireg can cause severe anemia that may require blood transfusions and that red
blood cell levels will be monitored routinely during treatment. Advise patients to contact their healthcare
provider if the patient experiences any symptoms suggestive of anemia. - Hypoxia
- Inform patients that Welireg can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental
oxygen, or hospitalization; and that oxygen levels will be monitored routinely during treatment. Advise
patients to contact their healthcare provider if the patient experiences any symptoms suggestive of
hypoxia
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Welireg
The following medications may interact with Welireg:
- UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 Inhibitors: Monitor for signs and symptoms of anemia and hypoxia and reduce the dosage of Welireg as recommended
Who makes Welireg?
Merck & Co., Inc.
Is Welireg safe in pregnancy?
Exposure to Welireg during pregnancy can cause
embryo-fetal harm. You should have your pregnancy status verified prior to the initiation of Welireg. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with Welireg and for 1 week after the last dose, since Welireg can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective. Male patients with female partners of reproductive potential shoud use effective contraception during treatment with Welireg and for 1 week after the last dose.
