Yorvipath is a brand-name solution that’s injected subcutaneously. It’s prescribed for hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands). Yorvipath contains the active ingredient palopegteriparatide and belongs to the parathyroid hormone analog drug class.

Drug details

You’ll find key information about Yorvipath here:

  • Drug class: parathyroid hormone analog
  • Drug form: liquid solution given as a subcutaneous injection
  • Generic available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no

Yorvipath is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in generic form.

A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics usually cost less than brand-name drugs.

The Yorvipath dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the severity of the condition you’re using Yorvipath to treat
  • your blood calcium levels
  • other medications you may take

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

Drug forms and strengths

Yorvipath comes as a liquid solution in prefilled injection pens. It’s given as a subcutaneous injection under the skin of your abdomen or front thigh. Your doctor will show you or a caregiver how to give injections of the drug.

Yorvipath is available in three strengths:

  • 168 micrograms in 0.56 milliliters of solution (mcg/mL)
  • 294 mcg/0.98 mL
  • 420 mcg/1.4 mL

To learn more about how to use Yorvipath, visit the drug manufacturer’s website. You can also talk with your doctor.

Dosage for hypoparathyroidism

Yorvipath is prescribed to treat hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) in adults.

For this use, you’ll give yourself one injection of Yorvipath each day. The typical starting dose is 18 mcg per injection.

Your doctor may adjust your dose over time based on your blood calcium levels and how well the treatment is working. The recommended maintenance (ongoing) dose of Yorvipath ranges from 6 mcg to 30 mcg per injection.

If you have questions about the Yorvipath dosage that’s right for you, talk with your doctor.

About using Yorvipath

You’ll find information about key dosage issues here:

  • When to use: You’ll inject Yorvipath once every day.
  • If you miss a dose: What you’ll do about a missed dose of Yorvipath depends on how much time has passed since your last injection:
    • If less than 12 hours have passed, inject the missed dose as soon as you remember.
    • If more than 12 hours but less than 3 days have passed, skip the missed dose and inject your next dose at the typical time.
    • If more than 3 days have passed, talk with your doctor about how to safely restart treatment.
  • Length of use: Yorvipath may be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Yorvipath is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
  • Length of time to work: Yorvipath starts to work after your first dose. It may take several weeks to regulate your blood calcium levels. Your doctor will monitor your condition to determine how well Yorvipath is working.

Overdose

Using more than the recommended dosage of Yorvipath can lead to serious side effects. Do not use more Yorvipath than your doctor recommends.

Symptoms of an overdose may include extremely high blood calcium levels.

What to do in case of overdose

If you think you’ve taken too much of this drug, call your doctor. You can also call America’s Poison Centers at 800-222-1222 or use its online tool. However, if your symptoms are severe, call 911 or your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency room right away.

Yorvipath can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while taking Yorvipath. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information about the possible side effects of Yorvipath, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to manage any side effects that may be concerning or bothersome.

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 while taking Yorvipath and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Mild side effects

Here is a partial list of mild side effects of Yorvipath. To learn about other mild side effects, talk with your doctor or pharmacist, or view Yorvipath’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects of Yorvipath can include:

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days to a couple of weeks. However, if they become more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Yorvipath aren’t common, but they can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 or your local emergency phone number if your symptoms feel life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include:

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, Yorvipath can cause an allergic reaction. But this side effect wasn’t reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

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

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Yorvipath, your doctor may recommend a different medication instead.

As with all medications, the cost of Yorvipath can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on if you have insurance, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

Financial and insurance assistance: If you need financial support to pay for Yorvipath or help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

The drug manufacturer offers a Co-Pay Program for Yorvipath if you have commercial insurance. If you don’t have insurance, you may be able to get Yorvipath through the Ascendis Patient Assistance Program (PAP). For more details and to find out if you’re eligible, see the drug manufacturer’s Personalized Patient Support website.

Generic version: Yorvipath is not available in a generic form. A generic drug is an exact copy of the active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Generics tend to cost less than brand-name drugs.

Yorvipath for hyperparathyroidism

Yorvipath is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) in adults.

The parathyroid glands help regulate blood calcium levels by releasing parathyroid hormone (PTH). When these glands don’t produce enough PTH due to hypoparathyroidism, blood calcium levels can drop below the typical range. This may cause symptoms such as fatigue, muscle cramps, and dry skin.

For this purpose, Yorvipath may be prescribed alone or with vitamin D and calcium supplements.

To learn more about Yorvipath for hypoparathyroidism, talk with your doctor.

Yorvipath and children

Yorvipath is not FDA approved for use in children. It isn’t known whether the drug is safe or effective for children.

It’s important to note that Yorvipath may increase the risk of osteosarcoma (a type of bone cancer) in children whose bones are still growing.

If you have questions about Yorvipath for your child, talk with your child’s doctor to discuss potential risks and other treatment options.

Yorvipath can interact with several other medications. It’s not known to interact with supplements or foods.

Before using Yorvipath, 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 use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

Interactions with medications

Here is a list of medications that can interact with Yorvipath. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Yorvipath. If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Medications that can interact with Yorvipath• digoxin (Lanoxin)
• cinacalcet
• calcitonin
• etelcalcetide (Parsabiv)
• bisphosphonates, such as alendronate (Fosamax) or risedronate (Actonel)

Alcohol interaction

Alcohol is not known to interact with Yorvipath. If you have questions about how much alcohol is safe to drink while taking Yorvipath, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Other drugs are available that can treat hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands). Some may be a better fit for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Yorvipath, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Examples of drugs that are alternatives to Yorvipath include calcitriol (Rocaltrol) and parathyroid hormone (Natpara).

If you can become pregnant, consider the following information about pregnancy and breastfeeding.

Yorvipath and pregnancy

It’s not known whether Yorvipath should be used during pregnancy. If you’re planning a pregnancy or can become pregnant, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

If you are prescribed Yorvipath during pregnancy, consider enrolling in the drug’s pregnancy safety study. This study collects information on how Yorvipath may affect pregnancy. To learn more, call 844-442-7236 or talk with your doctor.

Yorvipath and breastfeeding

It’s not known whether Yorvipath should be used while breastfeeding. If you’re currently breastfeeding or planning to do so, talk with your doctor before using this medication.

If you use Yorvipath while breastfeeding, your child’s doctor may monitor their blood calcium levels.

If you have other questions about Yorvipath and breastfeeding, talk with your doctor.

Below are details on Yorvipath’s mechanism of action (how it works).

Yorvipath is used to treat hypoparathyroidism (underactive parathyroid glands) in adults. The parathyroid glands help regulate blood calcium levels by releasing parathyroid hormone (PTH).

Yorvipath is a PTH analog, meaning it’s a lab-made version of the body’s natural PTH. Yorvipath works by increasing PTH levels, which helps raise blood calcium levels. In this way, Yorvipath treats hypoparathyroidism.

If you have other questions about how Yorvipath works, talk with your doctor.

Before taking Yorvipath, discuss your health history with your doctor. Yorvipath 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 Yorvipath, see the “Yorvipath side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.