Ablysinol (Dehydrated Alcohol) - Injection

What Is Ablysinol?

Ablysinol (dehydrated alcohol) injection is a prescription medication. It is a sterile, preservative-free solution of greater than 99% by volume of ethyl alcohol.

Ablysinol is used during a septal ablation procedure. It is injected into the heart to target the area that is thickened. Dehydrated alcohol causes cells to die, allowing the thickened area to shrink to a more normal size. This allows for improved blood flow in and from the heart.

Ablysinol is administered under the supervision of a qualified cardiologist, usually in a hospital setting.

What is Ablysinol Used For?

Ablysinol improves exercise capacity in adults with symptomatic hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy who are not candidates for open heart surgery.

Hypertrophic obstructive cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition where the wall (septum) between the two bottom chambers of the heart thickens. This can block or reduce the blood flow from the left ventricle to the aorta.

How to Take Ablysinol

Ablysinol should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified cardiologist who is experienced in this type of procedure.

Storage

Your healthcare provider will manage the storage of Ablysinol. Ablysinol comes in a single-dose glass ampule. It must be stored at room temperature—between 68 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit. Do not refrigerate or freeze the medication. It is also highly flammable and needs to be kept away from any heat sources.

What are the Side Effects of Ablysinol?

This is not a complete list of side effects, and others may occur. A healthcare provider can advise you on side effects. If you experience other effects, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider. You may report side effects to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) at fda.gov/medwatch or 1-800-FDA-1088.

Common Side Effects

Transient heart block is common when Ablysinol is used during the ablation procedure. A temporary pacing wire is typically used to help lessen this side effect.

Severe Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you develop signs of a severe reaction after administering Ablysinol. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life-threatening.

Serious side effects and their symptoms include:

• Ventricular tachycardia
• Ventricular fibrillation

Dosage: How Much Ablysinol Should I Take?

The amount of Ablysinol to be administered depends on several factors. Your healthcare provider will determine the correct dosage of this medication for you.

Modifications

The following changes (modifications) should be kept in mind when using Ablysinol:

Severe allergic reaction: Avoid using Ablysinol if you have a known allergy to it or its ingredients. Ask your healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure.

Pregnancy: It might be safe to take Ablysinol while you're pregnant. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You can discuss the benefits and risks of having Ablysinol administered during your pregnancy.

Breastfeeding: There is no indication that Ablysinol crosses into human milk. Talk with your provider if you plan to breastfeed. You can weigh the benefits and risks of Ablysinol administration while you are nursing and discuss the different ways to feed your baby while you're getting treatment.

Adults over 60: Adults over the age of 60 may have an increased risk of experiencing a heart block during the procedure or needing a permanent pacemaker.

Children: This drug is not prescribed for use in children.

Missed Dose

Do your best to keep your appointments with your healthcare provider before, during, and after Ablysinol administration.

Overdose: What Happens If I Take Too Much Ablysinol?

If too much Ablysinol injection is used, there is a risk of a heart attack. There is a direct relationship between the amount of dehydrated alcohol used and the size of the iatrogenic myocardial infarction (heart attack).

The procedure should be stopped at the maximum dose of 5 milliliters (mL)—even if the optimal outcome is not reached.

Precautions

What Are Reasons I Shouldn’t Take Ablysinol?

Avoid using it if you're allergic to Ablysinol or its ingredients. Ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider for a complete list of the ingredients if you're unsure. Other reasons you want to consider avoiding Ablysinol include:

Pregnancy: It might be safe to use Ablysinol while you're pregnant. However, it is best to talk to your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant so they can decide if it's the best option for you.

Breastfeeding: There is no indication that Ablysinol crosses into human milk. However, tell your provider if you are breastfeeding. They recommend that you stop breastfeeding before or after the procedure for some time.

Children: This drug is not prescribed for use in children.

Older adults: For adults over the age of 60, there is an increased risk of experiencing a heart block during the procedure or requiring a permanent pacemaker.

What Other Medications Interact With Ablysinol?

There are no drug interactions for Ablysinol. Still, it is always best to provide your provider with a complete list of your medications, including any over-the-counter (OTC) supplements or vitamins.

What Medications Are Similar?

There are no medications similar to Ablysinol. The type of treatment for a person with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy depends on the severity of their symptoms.

For a person without symptoms, lifestyle changes—such as increasing exercise or changing their diet—are recommended. For people who do have symptoms, there are other surgical options outside of the ablation procedure where Ablysinol is used, such as septal myectomy, heart transplant, or device implants.

Speak with your healthcare provider about the best treatment option for you and your symptoms.

Ask your pharmacist or a licensed healthcare provider if you have questions.

How Can I Stay Healthy While Taking Ablysinol?

Ablysinol is used during a non-surgical procedure and should only be administered under the supervision of a trained cardiologist. Ablysinol is a safe and effective medication when used correctly. This drug is often used to improve exercise capacity in a person with symptomatic obstructive hypertrophic cardiomyopathy.

It is very important that you tell your healthcare provider about any other health conditions you have, as well as any prescription medications, over-the-counter (OTC) medications, vitamins, supplements, or herbs that you are taking. You and your healthcare provider can make the best decision about what medication and dose are safe and will work best for you.

To learn more about whether Ablysinol is the right option, talk to your healthcare provider.

In addition to taking this medication, you can make changes to your lifestyle like getting rest, staying hydrated, eating a nutritious diet that meets your needs and includes enough fiber, and finding ways to stay active during the week that make you happy and feel well.