Survey: Management of Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension-Associated Respiratory Adverse Events

Results from a patient-directed survey regarding the clinical management of respiratory adverse events associated with amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (Arikayce®; Insmed) in patients with refractory Mycobacterium avium complex (MAC) lung disease were recently published in the journal Open Forum Infectious Disease.

Amikacin liposome inhalation suspension (ALIS) is indicated for the treatment of refractory MAC lung disease as part of a combination antibacterial drug regimen for adult patients who have limited or no alternative treatment options. The survey included patients with MAC lung disease treated with ALIS from 2 clinics in the US. Patients were asked to report on the incidence, frequency, and type of respiratory adverse events that occurred with treatment, as well as the effectiveness of physician-directed management strategies. 

Findings from the survey showed that the most commonly reported respiratory adverse events included dysphonia, increased sputum production, increased cough and dyspnea. Local side effects were reported to be managed with the use of lozenges, warm water or glycerin gargle, and rinsing the mouth following nebulizer treatment. In addition, changing the time of ALIS administration to the evening, optimizing airway clearance, and bronchodilator use resulted in symptomatic improvement.

Commenting on the survey results, Dr Martina Flammer, Chief Medical Officer at Insmed, said, “Our clinical experience thus far reinforces our belief that the respiratory adverse events associated with initial treatment of Arikayce can be managed through early recognition and symptom management under the guidance of a physician in order to improve tolerability and treatment adherence.”

Arikayce is intended for oral inhalation use and is administered via the Lamira Nebulizer System only.

For more information visit insmed.com.

Reference

Colin Swenson, Nicole C Lapinel, Juzar Ali, Clinical Management of Respiratory Adverse Events Associated With Amikacin Liposome Inhalation Suspension (ALIS): Results From a Patient Survey, Open Forum Infectious Diseases, https://doi.org/10.1093/ofid/ofaa079.