Pegcetacoplan is used to treat a certain blood disorder
(paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria). This disorder causes your body's
immune system to destroy red blood cells, which results in anemia. It works
by helping block your body's destruction of red blood cells. This effect
helps lessen symptoms of anemia (such as tiredness, shortness of breath),
and may reduce the need for blood transfusions.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using pegcetacoplan and each
time you get a refill. Carry the Patient Safety Card with you at all times
during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose of pegcetacoplan.
Ask your health care professional how to prepare and use this medication.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by slow injection under the
skin as directed by your doctor, usually twice a week. The injection is
given using an infusion pump in the abdomen, thighs, hips, or upper arms.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, lab tests, and response to
treatment.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 30 minutes
before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not warm up
this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave
or place it in hot water). Before using, check this product for particles
or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time
to lessen injury under the skin. If more than one site is needed for your
dose, make sure they are at least 3 inches apart. Do not infuse into skin
that is tender, bruised, red, or hard, or has tattoos, scars, or stretch
marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after each dose.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of
this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion
reactions such chest discomfort/pain, shortness of breath, feeling faint,
or injection site itching, warmth, redness, swelling, rash, or
pain.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder. If you
are changing to this medication treatment from another drug, carefully
follow your doctor's directions for when to start or stop this and your
other medication(s). Do not stop using this medication without consulting
your doctor. Your condition may become worse when the drug is stopped. If
you do stop using this medication, your doctor will monitor you for at
least 8 weeks to make sure your condition does not get worse. Consult your
doctor for more details.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Tiredness, headache, dizziness, diarrhea, abdominal
pain, or muscle/joint pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get
worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using pegcetacoplan, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- current/recent infection
- vaccinations
Pegcetacoplan can make you more likely to get certain
infections (such as flu, colds, meningitis). Talk to your doctor for more
details.
Tell your doctor your vaccine history and ask if you
need to get any vaccines before starting treatment with this medication.
Tell your health care professional that you are using pegcetacoplan before
having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have
recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the
nose).
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using pegcetacoplan.
Pegcetacoplan may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor may order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 40 days after the last dose. If
you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 40 days after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests,
possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your
doctors know you use this drug.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as LDH levels, complete
blood count) should be done while you are using this medication and for at
least 8 weeks after stopping treatment. Keep all medical and lab
appointments.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If
it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store in the refrigerator. Keep the medication in the
original container to protect from light. Keep all medications away from
children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).