Von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease is a rare genetic condition where tumors continually grow or come back in different parts of the body. Almost 80% of people with VHL disease have a family member who also has it.
For Leah, this reality began early. Her dad lived with VHL disease, and when she was just 18, she learned she had inherited it too. Soon after, she faced her first surgery and between ages 20 and 35, she would require additional kidney surgeries.
Through it all, Leah radiates positivity and resilience. She leans on her loved ones, the healing energy of the sun and sea, and the joy of her fun-loving 8-year-old-son.
Leah is a real patient. Leah was compensated for her time.
Take it one day at a time—even through the bad days you just
find things that make you happy.
WELIREG may not work for everyone. Individual experiences and results may vary. Talk to your doctor with questions about your treatment.
WELIREG is a prescription medicine used to treat von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) disease in adults who need treatment for a type of kidney cancer called renal cell carcinoma (RCC), tumors in the brain and spinal cord called central nervous system (CNS) hemangioblastomas, or a type of pancreatic cancer called pancreatic neuroendocrine tumors (pNET), that do not need surgery right away.
It is not known if WELIREG is safe and effective in children younger than 12 years of age.
WELIREG may cause serious side effects. WELIREG may cause harm to your unborn baby.
WELIREG may cause serious side effects, including:
Low red blood cell counts (anemia). Low red blood cell counts are common with WELIREG and can be severe. You may need a blood transfusion if your red blood cell counts drop too low. Your health care provider will do blood tests to check your red blood cell counts before you start and during treatment with WELIREG. Tell your health care provider if you get any symptoms of low red blood cell counts, including tiredness, feeling cold, shortness of breath, chest pain, or fast heartbeat.
Low oxygen levels in your body. WELIREG can cause low oxygen levels in your body that can be severe and may require you to stop treatment with WELIREG, receive oxygen therapy, or be hospitalized. Your health care provider will monitor your oxygen levels before you start and during treatment with WELIREG. Tell your health care provider or get medical help right away if you get symptoms of low oxygen in your body, including shortness of breath or increased heart rate.
Harm to your unborn baby. Treatment with WELIREG during pregnancy can cause harm to your unborn baby.
Females who are able to become pregnant:
Males with female partners who are able to become pregnant:
Before taking WELIREG, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Taking WELIREG with certain other medicines can affect each other and cause serious side effects.
The most common side effects of WELIREG in adults with VHL disease include:
The most common side effects of WELIREG in adults with advanced RCC include:
WELIREG may cause fertility problems in males and females, which may affect your ability to have children. Talk to your health care provider if this is a concern for you.
These are not all of the possible side effects of WELIREG. Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects.
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
Please read the accompanying Medication Guide for WELIREG, including an important warning about harm to an unborn baby, and discuss it with your doctor. The physician Prescribing Information also is available.
