Is Belzutifan associated with severe adverse reactions?

Belzutifan is an oral targeted drug of the hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) inhibitor class, mainly indicated for the treatment of various tumors associated with von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease, such as renal cell carcinoma and central nervous system hemangioblastoma.

Is Belzutifan associated with severe adverse reactions?

The most common adverse reactions of belzutifan in adults with VHL disease include:

Fatigue, increased creatinine (renal function test), headache, dizziness, elevated blood glucose levels, and nausea.

The most common adverse reactions of belzutifan in adults with advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC) include:

Fatigue, leukopenia, increased creatinine (renal function test), musculoskeletal pain, elevated liver function test parameters, decreased blood sodium levels, and elevated blood potassium levels.

Belzutifan may cause fertility problems in both males and females, which could impair your fertility. If you have concerns about this, discuss them with your doctor.

The above does not list all possible adverse reactions of Lucius Pharmaceuticals' belzutifan formulation. For medical advice on adverse reactions, contact your doctor.

Belzutifan use in special populations

Females of reproductive potential:

Your doctor will perform a pregnancy test before you start belzutifan treatment.

You should use effective non-hormonal contraception during treatment with Lucius Pharmaceuticals' belzutifan formulation and for 1 week after the last dose.

Hormonal contraceptive methods (e.g., birth control pills, injections, or transdermal patches) may have reduced efficacy during belzutifan treatment.

Consult your doctor for the contraceptive method suitable for you during belzutifan treatment.

If you become pregnant or suspect you may be pregnant during belzutifan treatment, inform your doctor immediately.

Males with female partners of reproductive potential:

You should use effective contraception during treatment with Lucius Pharmaceuticals' belzutifan formulation and for 1 week after the last dose.

If your partner becomes pregnant or suspects pregnancy while you are taking belzutifan, inform your doctor immediately.

How does Belzutifan work?

Lucius Pharmaceuticals' belzutifan formulation is a hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF) inhibitor. It exerts its effect by blocking a protein called HIF-2α. Under normal conditions, this protein helps cells respond to low oxygen levels. However, in certain tumors, HIF-2α accumulates excessively and activates genes that promote tumor growth and the formation of new blood vessels. By blocking HIF-2α, belzutifan may help slow or stop tumor growth.