Locations:

Tofersen Injection

What is this medication?

TOFERSEN (toe FER sen) treats amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). It works by protecting nerve cells, which delays worsening symptoms.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): QALSODY

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What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • An unusual or allergic reaction to tofersen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breast-feeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected into spinal fluid. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

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What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

After your procedure, be sure to follow all of the instructions given to you by your care team.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Fever, neck pain or stiffness, sensitivity to light, headache, nausea, vomiting, confusion
  • Increased pressure around the brain—severe headache, blurry vision, change in vision, nausea, vomiting
  • Pinched nerve—pain, tingling, or numbness located along the pathway of the nerve
  • Severe back pain, numbness or weakness of the hands, arms, legs, or feet, loss of coordination, loss of bowel or bladder control

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Fatigue
  • Joint pain
  • Muscle pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Copyright ©2024 Elsevier Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Terms of use.

Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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