Tryngolza (olezarsen) is a prescription drug approved to lower triglyceride levels in adults with a certain genetic condition. Tryngolza comes as a liquid solution for injection under the skin.

Specifically, Tryngolza is prescribed along with a low fat diet to lower triglyceride levels in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS).

To learn more about the drug’s uses, see the “Uses for Tryngolza” section.

Tryngolza basics

Tryngolza contains the active ingredient olezarsen. It belongs to a group of drugs called APOC-III-directed antisense oligonucleotides.

Tryngolza is a brand-name medication. A generic version of the drug isn’t currently available.

Tryngolza is used to treat high triglyceride levels related to familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS). This is a genetic (inherited) condition that prevents the body from breaking down triglycerides properly. This leads to very high triglyceride levels, which can build up in the blood and increase the risk of pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). Other symptoms of FCS may include abdominal pain, nausea, and fatty deposits under the skin.

Mechanism of action (how Tryngolza works)

Tryngolza is used in combination with a low fat FCS-specific diet. Together, they lower triglyceride levels by decreasing the production of a protein called apolipoprotein C-III (apoC-III). This protein, which is made in your liver, slows your ability to clear dietary fat from your bloodstream. By decreasing apoC-III production, Tryngolza helps your body break down triglycerides more easily, lowering their level in your blood.

Like most drugs, Tryngolza may cause mild to serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the more common side effects this medication may cause, but they don’t include all possible side effects.

Keep in mind that side effects of a drug can depend on:

  • your age
  • other health conditions you have
  • other medications you take

Your doctor or pharmacist can tell you more about the potential side effects of Tryngolza. They can also suggest ways to help reduce or manage them.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect during Tryngolza treatment and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here’s a list of some of the mild side effects Tryngolza can cause. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or refer to the drug’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Tryngolza that have been reported include:

Mild side effects of many drugs may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. But if they become bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects weren’t reported in Tryngolza’s clinical trials, but they can still occur. If you have serious side effects from this medication, call your doctor right away. If you think you’re having a medical emergency, call 911 or your local emergency number.

Allergic reaction

For some people, Tryngolza can cause an allergic reaction.

In general, symptoms of an allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

What might help

If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue Tryngolza treatment.

If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.

If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tryngolza, they may have you switch to a different treatment.

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Form and strength

Tryngolza comes as a liquid solution in prefilled, single-use auto-injectors. It’s given as an injection under your skin. It’s available in one strength of 80 milligrams in 0.8 milliliters of solution (mg/mL).

Recommended dosage

Your doctor will prescribe the dosage of Tryngolza that’s right for you.

Dosage for high triglycerides related to FCS

For the treatment of high triglyceride levels in adults with familial chylomicronemia syndrome (FCS), you’ll administer one injection (80 mg) of Tryngolza each month.

How to use

Your doctor will explain how you’ll receive Tryngolza doses and how often.

This drug comes as a liquid solution in prefilled, single-use auto-injectors. It’s given as an injection under the skin of your abdomen or front thigh. A caregiver may inject the drug under the skin of your upper arm. Your doctor will show you or your caregiver how to administer Tryngolza injections.

About receiving Tryngolza doses

The following are some common questions about using Tryngolza.

  • What if I miss a dose of Tryngolza? If you miss a dose of Tryngolza, inject it as soon as you remember. Then, inject your next dose one month later. If you have questions about what to do for a missed dose, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.
  • Will I need to use Tryngolza long term? Tryngolza is typically a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely use it long term.
  • How long does Tryngolza take to work? Tryngolza begins to work after you inject your first dose. But you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. Your doctor will check your triglyceride levels with a blood test to determine how well the drug is working. In clinical trials, many people had lower triglyceride levels after 6 months of Tryngolza treatment.

Overdose

Do not inject more Tryngolza than your doctor prescribes, as this could lead to harmful effects.

What to do in case of overdose

Call your doctor if you think you’ve injected too much Tryngolza. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number. Or go to the nearest emergency room.

Tryngolza is not known to interact with other medications, herbs, supplements, foods, or alcohol. The manufacturer did not list any interactions in the drug’s prescribing information.

Before starting Tryngolza treatment, talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also, tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you take. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about interactions that may affect you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Whether you have health insurance or not, cost may be a factor when you’re considering Tryngolza. What you’ll pay for this medication may depend on several things, such as your insurance plan coverage (if you have insurance), your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Here are a few things to consider regarding cost:

  • Generic form: Tryngolza is not available in a generic form. A generic drug contains an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication but tends to cost less.
  • Savings program: A program called Ionis Every Step is available for Tryngolza. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 844-789-8744 or visit the program website.

If you have questions about how to pay for your prescription, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

The following is important information to consider and discuss with your doctor before starting treatment with Tryngolza.

Pregnancy and Tryngolza

It’s not known whether Tryngolza is safe to use during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

Birth control and Tryngolza

Since the drug’s safety during pregnancy isn’t known, talk with your doctor about your birth control options during Tryngolza treatment if you’re sexually active and you or your partner can become pregnant.

Tryngolza and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Tryngolza should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before starting Tryngolza treatment.

Before starting Tryngolza treatment, discuss your health history with your doctor. This medication may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Tryngolza, see the “Side effects of Tryngolza” section.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.