This medication is used by people with a certain
inherited bleeding problem (hemophilia A) to help prevent or lessen how
often you have bleeding problems. Emicizumab belongs to a class of
medications known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your blood
to clot normally, which helps prevent bleeding due to hemophilia A.
Preventing bleeding can lessen symptoms such as painful swellings, joint
pain, pain with movement, and difficulty walking far.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each
time you get a refill. Ask your health care professional how to prepare and
use this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once a week for the first 4 weeks, followed by a
maintenance dose on a regular schedule as prescribed. The injection is
given in the thighs, upper arm, or abdomen (at least 2 inches from your
belly button). The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and
response to treatment.
Stop the prophylactic use of bypassing agents the day
before starting emicizumab prophylaxis. You may continue prophylaxis with
Factor VIII for the first week of emicizumab prophylaxis. Ask your
healthcare professional for more information about the use of these other
products and what to do if you have breakthrough bleeding.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 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, place it in hot water, or leave it in direct sunlight). Do not
shake the medication. 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. Do not inject into moles, scars, or skin
that is tender, bruised, red, or hard. To lessen bruising, do not rub the
injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, use it on the same day each week. Mark your
calendar with a reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
See also Warning section.
Redness, warmth, itching, or pain at the injection site
may occur. Headache or muscle/joint pain may also 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.
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 emicizumab, 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.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Women of childbearing age should ask about reliable
forms of birth control while using this medication. Discuss the risks and
benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. 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
(such as blood clotting 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 blood clotting tests)
must be done while you are using this medication. 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. Do not give
two doses on the same day to make up for a missed dose.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not shake or freeze. Keep
the medication in the original package to protect from light. Unopened
vials may be taken out of the refrigerator and put back in the refrigerator
if needed. The total time out of the refrigerator should not be more than 7
days. 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).