Mavacamten
Cardiomyopathy, Hypertrophic
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Drug Status
Government Approvals
US(FDA)
WHO Essential Medicine
NO
Known Teratogen
No
Pharmaceutical Class
Cardiac Myosin Inhibitor
Controlled Drug Substance
No
Mavacamten
Summary
Mavacamten is used to treat a heart condition called symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. This condition is characterized by a thickened heart muscle that obstructs blood flow, leading to symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain, and reduced exercise capacity.
Mavacamten works by inhibiting a protein called cardiac myosin in the heart muscle. This reduces excessive heart muscle contraction and improves blood flow, helping to alleviate symptoms and improve exercise capacity.
The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg, taken orally once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response and clinical status, with allowable doses being 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg daily.
The most frequently reported side effects of Mavacamten include dizziness and fainting. Serious adverse effects include heart failure due to reduced heart muscle contraction.
Mavacamten can cause heart failure due to reduced heart muscle contraction. It should not be used in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction below 55% and should not be used with certain CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Pregnant women should avoid it due to potential fetal harm.
Indications and Purpose
How does Mavacamten work?
Mavacamten is a cardiac myosin inhibitor that reduces the interaction between actin and myosin proteins in the heart muscle. This action decreases excessive contraction of the heart muscle, improving blood flow and reducing symptoms of obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It helps the heart pump more efficiently without working as hard.
Is Mavacamten effective?
Mavacamten has been shown to be effective in clinical trials, such as the EXPLORER-HCM and VALOR-HCM trials. These studies demonstrated improvements in symptoms and exercise capacity in patients with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. Patients experienced reduced heart muscle contraction and improved blood flow, leading to better functional capacity and symptom relief.
What is Mavacamten?
Mavacamten is used to treat adults with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It works by inhibiting cardiac myosin, reducing excessive heart muscle contraction, and improving blood flow. This helps alleviate symptoms and improve exercise capacity. Regular monitoring is required due to the risk of heart failure.
Directions for Use
For how long do I take Mavacamten?
Mavacamten is used as a long-term treatment for symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy. It is not a cure, so patients are advised to continue taking it even if they feel well, unless directed otherwise by their doctor. The duration of use is determined by the healthcare provider based on the patient's condition and response to treatment.
How do I take Mavacamten?
Mavacamten should be taken once daily, with or without food, at the same time each day. Swallow the capsules whole without breaking, chewing, or crushing them. There are no specific food restrictions, but always follow your doctor's instructions and inform them of any other medications or supplements you are taking.
How long does it take for Mavacamten to start working?
Mavacamten takes several weeks to reach steady-state drug levels and therapeutic effects. The exact time can vary based on individual metabolism and response to the medication. Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider will help assess how well the medication is working for you.
How should I store Mavacamten?
Store Mavacamten in its original container, tightly closed, at room temperature between 68°F to 77°F (20°C to 25°C). Keep it away from excess heat and moisture, and out of reach of children. Do not store it in the bathroom. Dispose of unneeded medication through a take-back program to prevent accidental ingestion by children or pets.
What is the usual dose of Mavacamten?
The usual starting dose for adults is 5 mg taken orally once daily. The dose may be adjusted based on the patient's response and clinical status, with allowable doses being 2.5 mg, 5 mg, 10 mg, or 15 mg once daily. The maximum recommended dose is 15 mg daily. Mavacamten is not approved for use in children, so there is no recommended dose for pediatric patients.
Warnings and Precautions
Can I take Mavacamten with other prescription drugs?
Mavacamten interacts with drugs that affect CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 enzymes. It should not be used with moderate to strong CYP2C19 inhibitors or strong CYP3A4 inhibitors, as these can increase the risk of heart failure. Similarly, moderate to strong inducers of these enzymes can reduce Mavacamten's effectiveness. Always inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Can Mavacamten be taken safely while breastfeeding?
The presence of Mavacamten in human or animal milk is unknown, and its effects on a breastfed infant or milk production are not established. The benefits of breastfeeding should be weighed against the mother's need for Mavacamten and any potential adverse effects on the child. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Can Mavacamten be taken safely while pregnant?
Mavacamten may cause fetal harm based on animal studies, and there is no human data to confirm its safety during pregnancy. Women of reproductive potential should use effective contraception during treatment and for 4 months after the last dose. A pregnancy test is required before starting treatment. If you become pregnant while taking Mavacamten, contact your doctor immediately.
Is it safe to exercise while taking Mavacamten?
Mavacamten is used to treat symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, which can improve exercise capacity by reducing heart muscle contraction and improving blood flow. However, if you experience symptoms like dizziness or fainting, it may affect your ability to exercise safely. Always consult your doctor about your exercise routine while on Mavacamten.
Is Mavacamten safe for the elderly?
Clinical trials included patients aged 65 and older, and the safety and effectiveness were similar to younger patients. However, elderly patients should be monitored closely due to potential age-related health issues. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice, especially if you have other health conditions or are taking multiple medications.
Who should avoid taking Mavacamten?
Mavacamten can cause heart failure due to reduced heart muscle contraction. It is contraindicated in patients with a left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) below 55% and should not be used with certain CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 inhibitors or inducers. Regular heart monitoring is required, and it is only available through a restricted program due to these risks. Pregnant women should avoid it due to potential fetal harm.
