Understanding Potential Auvelity Side Effects for Depression Treatment

Understanding Auvelity and Its Side Effects

Major depressive disorder (MDD), commonly known as clinical depression, is a serious medical illness affecting millions. Recently, the FDA approved a new antidepressant medication called Auvelity (axatilimab) to treat adults with MDD. Auvelity offers a novel approach by targeting brain inflammation, which research shows plays a role in depression.

Like all medications, along with benefits, Auvelity has potential side effects. Understanding the safety profile of this new depression treatment can help you and your doctor make informed decisions about your care.

How Auvelity Works

To understand Auvelity's side effects, it helps to first know how it works. This medication is the first in its class, called an anti-GCCR antibody. Auvelity targets glucocorticoid control receptor (GCCR) activation, which triggers excess inflammation in the brain.

Researchers have linked higher levels of inflammation to MDD. By binding to GCCRs, Auvelity blocks these receptors from promoting inflammation. This then reduces inflammatory cytokine production, which improves communication between brain cells.

Most Common Auvelity Side Effects

The most frequently reported Auvelity side effects in clinical trials include:

• Headache
• Urinary tract infections
• Diarrhea
• Dizziness
• Rash
• Nausea

These adverse reactions were mostly mild to moderate. Only diarrhea resulted in the drug discontinuation for more than 2% of participants in studies.

Auvelity Injection Site Reactions

Because healthcare providers administer Auvelity by injection, injection site reactions are possible. These local skin reactions after an Auvelity injection may include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Pain

Using proper injection techniques can help minimize injection site discomfort. Rotating injection spots in the abdomen, thighs, or upper arms is also recommended.

Rare But Serious Auvelity Side Effects

Rarely, more severe or serious side effects occurred for less than 2% of participants in most Auvelity clinical trials. But all medications come with some risk of serious reactions, including Auvelity.

Potential rare yet serious Auvelity side effects may include signs of:

• Allergic reaction - rash, swelling, trouble breathing
• Liver damage - nausea, fatigue, yellowing skin/eyes
• Bleeding disorder - unusual bruising, frequent nosebleeds
• Infection - fever, chills, body aches

See your doctor right away if you experience any unusual side effects while taking Auvelity so proper treatment can be administered if needed.

Long-Term Safety Monitoring

Because Auvelity is newly approved, additional safety data is still being gathered through clinical trials and other studies:

• A 12-month open label safety trial is ongoing.
• A 5 year observational post-marketing safety study is planned.
• The manufacturer will continue testing for anti-drug antibodies.

This safety information will provide more insight about Auvelity's side effects with long-term treatment. Talk to your doctor about the latest research to make the best decisions for your depression treatment.

Who Should Not Take Auvelity?

While Auvelity can provide much needed relief for depression, it is not appropriate for everyone due to safety issues in certain groups:

• People with active hepatitis B or C infections should avoid Auvelity.
• Immunocompromised patients are also not candidates for this medication.
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not take Auvelity due to lack of safety data.
• Seniors may require reduced dosing due to higher medication sensitivity.

Discuss your full medical history with your doctor so they can determine if you are a suitable candidate for Auvelity treatment or if dose adjustments are warranted.

Drug Interactions

Potential Auvelity drug interactions may also guide treatment decisions. This medication should not be used with other drugs that suppress the immune system due to increased infection risk.

Examples include steroids like prednisone, other immunosuppressants such as CellCept (mycophenolate), and biologics like Humira (adalimumab) or Enbrel (etanercept).

Inform your doctor and pharmacist of all medications you take, including supplements and over-the-counter remedies. Comprehensive medication reviews can help minimize negative Auvelity interactions.

Using Auvelity Safely and Effectively

To help reduce side effects, doctors closely monitor patients starting Auvelity. Guidelines also recommend the following to improve safety and optimal response:

• Begin with lower starter doses then slowly increase over several weeks.
• Use the minimum effective dose needed to manage symptoms.
• Stay hydrated and avoid alcohol to ease injection discomfort and reduce other side effects.
• Seek prompt medical care for concerning reactions or emotional changes indicating worsening depression.

Following prescriber instructions, tracking symptoms and side effects, attending all appointments, and completing any recommended bloodwork helps ensure Auvelity is working safely and effectively.

What to Do if Side Effects Occur

Despite appropriate precautions, some patients may still experience adverse effects from Auvelity:

• Write down any symptoms and report them at your next visit.
• Call your doctor if reactions seem severe or dangerous.
• Adjusting the timing, dose, or delivery method may relieve certain side effects.
• Adding medications to manage reactions may also be an option in some cases if benefits still outweigh the risks.

Open communication with your healthcare team is key to properly handling any Auvelity side effects if they develop.

The Takeaway on Auvelity and Side Effects

Auvelity offers new hope to fight stubborn MDD by targeting brain inflammation. Clinical trials indicate it can provide substantial symptom relief for many patients.

Still, as with any powerful medication, potential adverse reactions are possible. Understanding the safety profile of Auvelity arms patients with information to make wise choices regarding their depression treatment options.

Talking with your doctor allows for a thorough assessment of expected benefits and possible side effect risks with Auvelity. Ongoing monitoring and open communication helps optimize a personalized treatment plan to manage depression while prioritizing safety.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.