Trogarzo Injection: Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Precautions and Alternates

Quick overview

Trogarzo Injection (ibalizumab-uiyk) is a prescription antiviral medicine given by injection into a vein. It is used together with other HIV medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults who have tried many HIV treatments before, whose HIV has become resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and whose current treatment is not working. It belongs to the miscellaneous antivirals class and works as an HIV fusion entry inhibitor.

What is Trogarzo Injection

Trogarzo is a prescription antiviral medicine given by injection into a vein. It is used together with other HIV medicines to treat HIV-1 infection in adults who have tried many HIV treatments before, whose HIV has become resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and whose current treatment is not working.

Trogarzo Injection uses

• Treats HIV-1 infection in adults who have been heavily treated in the past, have HIV resistant to many antiretroviral medicines, and are failing their current therapy
• Used in combination with other antiretroviral medicines, not as a standalone treatment

Benefits of Trogarzo Injection

• Helps lower the amount of HIV in the body so the immune system can work better
• Lowers the chance of HIV complications such as new infections or cancer
• Provides a treatment option when other HIV medicines have stopped working

How Trogarzo Injection works

Trogarzo is a lab-made antibody that attaches to CD4 receptors on immune cells called T-cells. By binding there, it blocks HIV from entering and infecting these cells, which helps lower the amount of HIV in the body.

Trogarzo Injection dosage

Trogarzo is given by a healthcare provider as an injection into a vein, either as an infusion or as an IV push, about every 2 weeks. The first dose is given slower than later doses to monitor for reactions. You will be watched by a healthcare provider during and for some time after the injection.

Keep all scheduled appointments and do not change the timing of your injections or other HIV medicines without talking to your doctor first. Continue taking all other HIV medicines exactly as prescribed; do not stop or skip doses, even for a short time. Use this medicine along with other precautions, such as condoms and not sharing needles or personal items, to help lower the chance of spreading HIV to others.

Use exactly as prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist.

Available forms and strengths

• Injection (intravenous infusion or intravenous push)
• Concentrate solution for IV use

Side effects of Trogarzo Injection

Common

• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Nausea
• Rash
• Headache or fatigue
• Cough
• Flushing
• Itching
• Wheezing

Serious

• Allergic (infusion-related) reactions, including trouble breathing, chest tightness, wheezing, flushing, cough, swelling of the face/lips/tongue/throat, hives, racing heart, dizziness or fainting, stomach cramps
• Immune Reconstitution Inflammatory Syndrome (IRIS) - new or worsening symptoms of hidden infections as the immune system gets stronger, such as fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cough, weight loss, vision problems, confusion, trouble talking, or coordination problems
• Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia) and low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia)
• Swelling in the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid), menstrual changes, impotence
• Anaphylaxis and angioedema

Warnings and precautions

• Trogarzo can cause allergic reactions during or shortly after the injection, which can be serious, including trouble breathing, swelling of the throat or face, and chest tightness.
• As your immune system gets stronger from treatment, it may start reacting to hidden infections that were already in your body, causing new symptoms.
• Do not use Trogarzo if you are allergic to ibalizumab or any of its ingredients.
• Missing a dose or being late by 3 or more days can make the medicine less effective and may mean the starting loading dose has to be repeated.
• It isn't known if Trogarzo is safe or works in children.
• It isn't known if Trogarzo is safe during pregnancy or if it could harm an unborn baby. Babies exposed to Trogarzo before birth may have temporary immune system effects, so doctors will monitor them. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
• Women with HIV should not breastfeed, because the virus can be passed to the baby through breast milk, even if the baby was born without HIV.
• No routine renal dose adjustment is generally specified. No standard hepatic dose adjustment is generally required, but overall clinical monitoring is appropriate.
• It isn't known for certain how alcohol affects this medicine, but drinking alcohol may increase the chance of feeling dizzy.
• This medicine can affect your alertness or coordination, so avoid driving or other activities that need focus until you know how it affects you.

Storage

• Store vials under refrigeration at 2 to 8ºC (36-46 ºF).
• Do not freeze and protect from light.
• Once diluted, administer immediately.
• This medication is given in a hospital or clinic or doctor's office and will not be stored at home.
• If you will store Trogarzo at home, follow the instructions given by your health care provider.

When to see a doctor

• Get emergency medical help right away if you notice signs of a severe allergic reaction, such as hives, trouble breathing, or swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Tell your doctor right away if you notice signs of a new infection, such as fever, night sweats, swollen glands, cough, diarrhea, or weight loss.
• Tell your doctor right away if you have trouble speaking or swallowing, problems with balance or eye movement, weakness, or a prickly feeling.
• If you think you've received too much Trogarzo, get emergency medical help right away or contact a poison control center.
• If you miss a dose or appointment, contact your doctor right away for a new dosing schedule.

Alternatives

• Darunavir-based regimens
• Enfuvirtide
• Maraviroc in appropriate CCR5-tropic HIV
• Fostemsavir