
welireg
Pharmaranks rates Welireg 3.5/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Welireg (Belzutifan) is a medication used to treat Von Hippel-Lindau Disease.
Belzutifan · by Merck Sharp Dohme
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
- Belzutifan
- Form
- Tablet
- Strength
- Belzutifan 40MG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- von hippel-lindau disease
- Manufacturer
- Merck Sharp Dohme
- FDA application
- NDA215383
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Welireg?
From the FDA label:Belzutifan is an inhibitor of hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α). The chemical name of belzutifan is 3-[[(1S,2S,3R)-2,3-Difluoro-2,3-dihydro-1-hydroxy-7-(methylsulfonyl)-1H-inden-4-yl]oxy]-5-fluorobenzonitrile. The molecular formula is C 17 H 12 F 3 NO 4 S and the molecular weight is 383.34 Daltons. The chemical structure is: Belzutifan is a white to light brown powder that is soluble in acetonitrile, dimethoxyethane, and acetone, sparingly soluble in ethyl acetate, very slightly soluble in isopropanol and toluene, and insoluble in water. WELIREG is supplied as blue, film-coated tablets for oral use containing 40 mg of belzutifan together with croscarmellose sodium, hypromellose acetate succinate, magnesium stearate, mannitol, microcrystalline cellulose, and silicon dioxide, as inactive ingredients. In addition, the film-coating contains FD&C Blue #2 aluminum lake, polyethylene glycol, polyvinyl alcohol, talc, titanium dioxide. image description
How to use
The recommended dosage of WELIREG in adult patients is 120 mg administered orally once daily with or without food. ( 2.1 ) The recommended dosage of WELIREG in pediatric patients 12 years and older is based on bodyweight: Patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 120 mg orally once daily Patients weighing less than 40 kg: 80 mg orally once daily 2.1 Recommended Dosage The recommended dosages for WELIREG are listed in Table 1. Table 1: Recommended Dosage Indication Recommended WELIREG Dosage Duration of Therapy von Hippel-Lindau Disease 120 mg orally once daily. Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Adjuvant Treatment of ccRCC 120 mg orally once daily in combination with pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph. For the recommended dosage of pembrolizumab or pembrolizumab and berahyaluronidase alfa-pmph, refer to the respective Prescribing Information. Until disease recurrence or unacceptable toxicity, or up to 54 weeks. Treatment of Advanced ccRCC 120 mg orally once daily. Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma Adults: 120 mg orally once daily. Pediatric patients 12 years and older based on bodyweight: Patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 120 mg orally once daily. Patients weighing less than 40 kg: 80 mg orally once daily. Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity. Administration Instructions…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are discussed elsewhere in the labeling: Anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypoxia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] VHL disease : Most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities, were decreased hemoglobin, fatigue, increased creatinine, headache, dizziness, increased glucose, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) ccRCC : Most common (≥25%) adverse reactions for WELIREG, including laboratory abnormalities, in combination with pembrolizumab were decreased hemoglobin, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), fatigue, increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), decreased lymphocytes, and increased alkaline phosphatase. ( 6.1 ) Most common (≥25%) adverse reactions for WELIREG as monotherapy, including laboratory abnormalities were decreased hemoglobin, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, increased creatinine, decreased lymphocytes, increased ALT, decreased sodium, increased potassium, and increased AST. ( 6.1 ) PPGL : Most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities were anemia, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, decreased lymphocytes, increased ALT, increased AST, increased calcium, dyspnea, increased potassium, decreased leukocytes, headache, increased alkaline phosphatase, dizziness, and nausea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Merck Sharp & Dohme LLC at…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
Exposure to WELIREG during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status prior to the initiation of WELIREG. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective non-hormonal contraception. WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) , Drug Interactions (7.2) , Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ]. WARNING: EMBRYO-FETAL TOXICITY See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Exposure to WELIREG during pregnancy can cause embryo-fetal harm. Verify pregnancy status prior to the initiation of WELIREG. Advise patients of these risks and the need for effective non-hormonal contraception. WELIREG can render some hormonal contraceptives ineffective. ( 5.3 , 7.2 , 8.1 , 8.3 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Anemia : Monitor for anemia before initiation of and periodically throughout treatment with WELIREG. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue WELIREG based on severity. ( 2.2 , 5.1 ) Hypoxia : Monitor oxygen saturation before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with WELIREG. For hypoxia at rest, withhold until resolved, resume at reduced dose, or discontinue depending on severity. For life-threatening hypoxia, permanently discontinue WELIREG. ( 2.2 , 5.2 ) 5.1 Anemia WELIREG can cause severe anemia that can require blood transfusion. Monitor for anemia before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with WELIREG. Transfuse patients as clinically indicated. Withhold, reduce dose, or permanently discontinue WELIREG based on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease In LITESPARK-004, decreased hemoglobin occurred in 93% of patients and 7% had Grade 3 events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Median time to onset of anemia was 31 days (range: 1 day to 8.4 months). The safety of erythropoiesis stimulating agents (ESAs) for treatment of anemia in patients with VHL disease treated with WELIREG has not been established. Randomized controlled trials in patients with cancer receiving myelosuppressive chemotherapy with ESAs have shown that ESAs increased the risks of death and serious cardiovascular reactions, and decreased progression-free survival and/or overall survival. See the prescribing information for ESAs for more information. Renal Cell Carcinoma with a Clear Cell Component (ccRCC) In LITESPARK-005, decreased hemoglobin occurred in 88% of patients and 29% had Grade 3 events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Median time to onset of anemia was 29 days (range: 1 day to 16.6 months). Of the patients with anemia, 22% received transfusions only, 20% of patients received ESAs only and 12% received both transfusion and ESAs. In LITESPARK-022, decreased hemoglobin occurred in 95% of patients and 11% had Grade 3 or higher events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ]. Median time to onset of anemia was 42 days (range: 1 day to 11.1 months). Of the patients with anemia, 5% received transfusions only, 8% received ESAs only, and 1.3% received both transfusion and ESAs. Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma (PPGL) In LITESPARK-015, anemia occurred in 96% of patients and 22% had Grade 3 events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Median time to onset of anemia was 29 days (range: 1 day to 22.1 months). Of the patients with anemia, 20% received transfusions only, 26% received ESAs only, and 6% received both transfusion and ESAs. 5.2 Hypoxia WELIREG can cause severe hypoxia that may require discontinuation, supplemental oxygen, or hospitalization [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ]. Monitor oxygen saturation before initiation of, and periodically throughout, treatment with WELIREG. For decreased oxygen saturation with exercise (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or P a O 2 ≤55 mm Hg), consider withholding WELIREG until pulse oximetry with exercise is greater than 88%, then resume at the same dose or at a reduced dose. For decreased oxygen saturation at rest (e.g., pulse oximeter <88% or PaO2 ≤55 mm Hg) or urgent intervention indicated, withhold WELIREG until resolved and resume at a reduced dose or discontinue. For life-threatening hypoxia or for recurrent symptomatic hypoxia, permanently discontinue WELIREG [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . Advise patients to report signs and symptoms of hypoxia immediately to a healthcare provider. von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease In LITESPARK-004, hypoxia occurred in 1.6% of patients [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Renal Cell Carcinoma with a Clear Cell Component (ccRCC) In LITESPARK-005, hypoxia occurred in 15% of patients and 10% had Grade 3 events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Of the patients with hypoxia, 69% were treated with oxygen therapy. Median time to onset of hypoxia was 30.5 days (range: 1 day to 21.1 months). In LITESPARK-022, hypoxia occurred in 7% of patients and 5% had Grade 3 or higher events [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Of the patients with hypoxia, 47% were treated with oxygen therapy. Median time to onset of hypoxia was 93 days (range: 9 days to 11.7 months). Pheochromocytoma or Paraganglioma (PPGL) In LITESPARK-015, hypoxia occurred in 13% of patients and 10% had Grade 3 hypoxia [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Median time to onset of hypoxia was 35 days (range: 6 days to 23.9 months). Of the patients with hypoxia, 67% were treated with oxygen therapy. 5.3 Embryo-Fetal Toxicity Based on findings in animals, WELIREG can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In an animal reproduction study, oral administration of belzutifan to pregnant rats during the period of organogenesis caused embryo-fetal lethality, reduced fetal body weight, and fetal skeletal malformations at maternal exposures ≥0.2 times the human exposures (AUC) at the recommended dose of 120 mg daily. Advise pregnant women and females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to 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 [see Drug Interactions (7.1) ]. Advise male patients with female partners of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with WELIREG and for 1 week after the last dose [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1 , 8.3) ] .
Who should not take Welireg
None. None. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
There is no specific treatment for WELIREG overdose. In cases of suspected overdose, withhold WELIREG and institute supportive care. Grade 3 hypoxia occurred at dosages of 120 mg twice a day and Grade 4 thrombocytopenia occurred at dosages of 240 mg once daily (approximately 2 times the recommended dosage).
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 Inhibitors: Monitor for signs and symptoms of anemia and hypoxia and reduce the dosage of WELIREG as recommended. ( 2.2 , 7.1 ) Sensitive CYP3A4 Substrates : Avoid coadministration with WELIREG for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to reduced efficacy of the substrate. ( 7.2 ) 7.1 Effects of Other Drugs on WELIREG UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 Inhibitors Monitor for anemia and hypoxia and reduce the dosage of WELIREG as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1 , 5.2) , Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Coadministration of WELIREG with inhibitors of UGT2B17 or CYP2C19 increases belzutifan exposure [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3 , 12.5) ] , which may increase the risk of adverse reactions of WELIREG. 7.2 Effect of WELIREG on Other Drugs CYP3A4 Substrates Avoid coadministration of WELIREG with sensitive CYP3A4 substrates, for which minimal decrease in concentration may lead to therapeutic failures of the substrate. If coadministration cannot be avoided, increase the sensitive CYP3A4 substrate dosage in accordance with its Prescribing Information. Coadministration of WELIREG with CYP3A4 substrates decreases concentrations of CYP3A substrates [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] , which may reduce the efficacy of these substrates. The magnitude of this decrease may be more pronounced in patients who are dual UGT2B17 and CYP2C19 poor metabolizers [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ]. Hormonal Contraceptives Coadministration of WELIREG with hormonal contraceptives may lead to contraceptive failure or an increase in breakthrough bleeding [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) , Use in Specific Populations (8.3) ] .
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Tablet
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Welireg treat?
- Welireg (Belzutifan) may be used to treat von hippel-lindau disease, 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 Welireg rated?
- pharmaranks gives Welireg 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 Welireg?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Welireg. 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 Welireg?
- Welireg is marketed by Merck Sharp Dohme. You can see Merck Sharp Dohme's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Welireg a brand-name or generic drug?
- Welireg is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Belzutifan.
- Is Welireg available over the counter?
- No. Welireg 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 Welireg come in?
- Welireg is currently marketed as tablet, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Welireg FDA-registered?
- Welireg is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number NDA215383. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Welireg been recalled by the FDA?
- Welireg 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 Welireg safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Welireg 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 Welireg?
- Welireg'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: Anemia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Hypoxia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] VHL disease : Most common (≥25%) adverse reactions, including laboratory abnormalities,… 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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