This medication is used to treat a certain blood
disorder (acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura-aTTP). It is used in
combination with certain other treatments for this disorder (plasma
exchange, immune suppressing medication). In aTTP, blood clots form in
small blood vessels throughout the body. These clots can cause serious
medical problems if they block vessels and limit or stop blood flow to
organs such as the brain, kidneys, and heart. This disorder can also cause
red blood cells to break apart faster than the body can replace them, which
results in anemia. Caplacizumab works by causing your body to make
fewer/smaller blood clots.
Read the Instructions for Use if available from your
pharmacist before you start using caplacizumab and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
The first dose of this medication is given by injection
into a vein by a health care professional as directed by your doctor,
usually at least 15 minutes before a certain blood procedure (plasma
exchange). After the first plasma exchange procedure, you should receive
another dose given by injection under the skin.
After the first day, this medication is given by
injection under the skin as directed by your doctor, usually once daily.
The injection is given in the abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your
belly button). On the days that you are having a plasma exchange procedure,
give this medication after the procedure. The length of treatment is based
on your medical condition and response to treatment.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package. If the carton was not stored at room temperature,
allow the vial and the syringe to reach room temperature by holding them in
your hands for 10 seconds. 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. 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 at the same time each
day.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Headache, muscle ache, or tiredness may occur. You may
bruise or bleed more easily. Nosebleed and bleeding gums may occur. It may
take longer than usual to stop bleeding. 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of
serious bleeding, including:
- unusual pain/swelling/discomfort
- unusually heavy/prolonged menstrual flow
- red/dark urine
- bloody/black/tarry stools
- severe headache
- dizziness/fainting
- unusual weakness
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 caplacizumab, 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:
- other bleeding/blood problems (such as hemophilia)
- liver problems
Before having surgery or a dental procedure, tell your
doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription
drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication should
be temporarily stopped for at least 7 days before having scheduled surgery,
dental procedure, or any procedure with increased risk of
bleeding.
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including
antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen/naproxen,
"blood thinners" such as warfarin/dabigatran)
Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with
this medication. However, if your doctor has told you to take low-dose
aspirin to prevent heart attack or stroke (usually 81-162 milligrams a
day), you should keep taking the aspirin unless your doctor tells you not
to. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details.
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 complete blood count,
blood clotting tests) should 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 more than 12 hours after the missed 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. Do not freeze. Keep the
medication in the original carton to protect from light. This medication
may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the medication is
stored at room temperature, do not put it back in the refrigerator and
discard after 2 months. 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).