qalsody
Pharmaranks rates Qalsody 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Qalsody (Tofersen) is a medication used to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis.
Tofersen · by Biogen Ma
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Tofersen
- Form
- Injectable
- Strength
- Tofersen 100MG/15ML (6.7MG/ML)
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- amyotrophic lateral sclerosis
- Manufacturer
- Biogen Ma
- FDA application
- NDA215887
What is Qalsody?
From the FDA label:Tofersen, an antisense oligonucleotide, is a 20-base residue (20-mer) 5-10-5 MOE gapmer mixed backbone oligonucleotide. Of the nineteen internucleotide linkages, fifteen are 3′-O to 5′-O phosphorothioate diesters, and four are 3′-O to 5′-O phosphate diesters. Ten of the twenty sugar residues are 2-deoxy-D-ribose and the remainder are 2′-O-(2-methoxyethyl)-D-ribose (MOE). The residues are arranged so that there are five MOE nucleosides at the 5′ and 3′-ends of the molecule flanking a gap of ten 2′-deoxynucleosides. The cytosine and uridine bases are methylated at the 5-position. The structural formula is: Figure 1: Structural Formula for Tofersen The molecular formula is C 230 H 317 N 72 O 123 P 19 S 15 and the molecular weight is 7127.86 atomic mass units (amu). QALSODY is supplied as a sterile, preservative-free, clear, and colorless to slightly yellow solution in a Type I glass vial to be administered by intrathecal administration. Each vial of drug product contains a single dose of 100 mg tofersen at a concentration of 6.7 mg/mL in a formulation containing 0.21 mg/mL calcium chloride dihydrate, 0.11 mg/mL dibasic sodium phosphate, 0.16 mg/mL magnesium chloride hexahydrate, 0.03 mg/mL monobasic sodium phosphate, 0.22 mg/mL potassium chloride, 8.77 mg/mL sodium chloride, and water for injection. The pH of QALSODY is approximately 7.2 (range 6.7 to 7.7). Figure 1
How to use
QALSODY is administered intrathecally ( 2.1 ) Dosing Information ( 2.1 ) Recommended dose: 100 milligrams (15 mL) per administration Initiate QALSODY treatment with 3 loading doses administered at 14day intervals. A maintenance dose should be administered once every 28 days thereafter. Preparation and Administration Instructions ( 2.2 ) Allow to warm to room temperature prior to administration Administer within 4 hours of removal from vial Prior to administration, remove approximately 10 mL of cerebrospinal fluid Administer as an intrathecal bolus injection over 1 to 3 minutes 2.1. Dosing Information Recommended Dosage Administer QALSODY intrathecally using a lumbar puncture by, or under the direction of, healthcare professionals experienced in performing lumbar punctures. The recommended dosage is 100 mg (15 mL) of QALSODY per administration. Initiate QALSODY treatment with three (3) loading doses administered at 14-day intervals. Administer a maintenance dose every 28 days thereafter. Missed Dose If the second loading dose is missed, administer QALSODY as soon as possible, and administer the third loading dose 14 days later. If the third loading dose or a maintenance dose is missed, administer QALSODY as soon as possible, and administer the next dose 28 days later. 2.2. Preparation and Administration Instructions Use aseptic technique when preparing and administering QALSODY…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Myelitis and/or Radiculitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Papilledema and Elevated Intracranial Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Aseptic Meningitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.3 )] The most common adverse reactions ( ≥ 10% of patients treated with QALSODY and greater than placebo) were pain, fatigue, arthralgia, cerebrospinal fluid white blood cell increased, and myalgia. (Section 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Biogen at 1-877-725-7639 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1. Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of QALSODY cannot be directly compared to rates in clinical trials of other drugs and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of QALSODY 100 mg was evaluated in 147 patients with SOD1-ALS. The median patient exposure was 119.4 weeks (range from 4 to 212 weeks). QALSODY was evaluated in the placebo-controlled Study 1 and in the open label extension Study 2. In Study 1 Part C, approximately 43% were female; 57% were male; 64% were White and 8% were Asian. The mean age at entry in Study 1 Part C was 49.8 years (range from 23 to 78 years). The most common adverse reactions (≥ 10%…
Warnings
Important safety information
Myelitis and/ or Radiculitis: Serious events of myelitis and radiculitis have been reported. Monitor for symptoms; diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to the standard of care. ( 5.1 ) Papilledema and Elevated Intracranial Pressure: Serious events of papilledema and elevated intracranial pressure have been reported. Monitor for symptoms; diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to standard of care. ( 5.2 ) Aseptic Meningitis: Serious events of aseptic meningitis have been reported. Monitor for symptoms; diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to standard of care. ( 5.3 ) 5.1. Myelitis and/or Radiculitis Serious adverse reactions of myelitis and radiculitis have been reported in patients treated with QALSODY. Six patients treated with QALSODY experienced myelitis or radiculitis in the clinical studies. Two patients discontinued treatment with QALSODY and required symptomatic management with full resolution of symptoms. In the remaining 4 patients, symptoms resolved without discontinuation of QALSODY. If symptoms consistent with myelitis or radiculitis develop, diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to the standard of care. Management may require interruption or discontinuation of QALSODY. 5.2. Papilledema and Elevated Intracranial Pressure Serious adverse reactions of papilledema and elevated intracranial pressure have been reported in patients treated with QALSODY. Four patients developed elevated intracranial pressure and/or papilledema. All patients received treatment with standard of care with resolution of symptoms, and no events led to discontinuation of QALSODY. If symptoms consistent with papilledema or elevated intracranial pressure develop, diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to the standard of care. 5.3. Aseptic Meningitis Serious adverse reactions of aseptic meningitis (also called chemical meningitis or drug-induced aseptic meningitis) have been reported in patients treated with QALSODY. One patient experienced a serious adverse reaction of chemical meningitis, which led to discontinuation of QALSODY. One patient experienced a serious adverse reaction of aseptic meningitis, which did not lead to discontinuation of QALSODY. In addition, nonserious adverse drug reactions of CSF white blood cell increased, and CSF protein increased have also been reported with QALSODY [see Adverse Reactions ( 6.1 )]. If symptoms consistent with aseptic meningitis develop, diagnostic workup and treatment should be initiated according to the standard of care.
Who should not take Qalsody
None. None ( 4 )
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Injectable
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
Ask for the generic
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Use copay cards
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Qalsody treat?
- Qalsody (Tofersen) may be used to treat amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Qalsody rated?
- pharmaranks gives Qalsody a composite score of 3.5 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Qalsody?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Qalsody. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Qalsody?
- Qalsody is marketed by Biogen Ma. You can see Biogen Ma's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Qalsody a brand-name or generic drug?
- Qalsody is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Tofersen.
- Is Qalsody available over the counter?
- No. Qalsody is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Qalsody come in?
- Qalsody is currently marketed as injectable, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Qalsody FDA-registered?
- Qalsody is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA215887. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Qalsody been recalled by the FDA?
- Qalsody has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Qalsody safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Qalsody a recall-safety score of 70/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Qalsody?
- Qalsody's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Myelitis and/or Radiculitis [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.1 )] Papilledema and Elevated Intracranial Pressure [see Warnings and Precautions ( 5.2 )] Aseptic Meningitis [see Warnings and Precautions (… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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qalsody
70/100