This medication is used to treat certain bowel diseases
(ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease). Mirikizumab belongs to a class of
drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain
natural protein in your body (interleukin-23) that may cause inflammation
and swelling.
Read the Medication Guide and the Instructions for Use
leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using mirikizumab 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.
Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will
test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should also monitor you for
symptoms of TB during and after treatment with this drug. If needed,
treatment for TB or other infections should be given before using this
medication.
This medication is given by injection as directed by
your doctor, usually every 4 weeks. For the first 3 or 6 doses, the
medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional.
Later doses are given by injection under the skin. Each dose given under
the skin requires 2 injections, one after the other. The injection is given
in the thighs, the abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button), or
the back of the upper arms. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on
your medical condition and response to treatment.
Depending on your product, take the medication out of
the refrigerator at least 30-45 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). Do not
shake the medication. Before using, check this product for cloudiness,
particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, do not use the
liquid. Before injecting each prefilled pen or syringe, 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 skin that is tender, sore, bruised, red, or hardened. 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, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition lasts or gets
worse.
Redness, pain, or swelling may occur at the injection
site. Headache or 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.
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).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- signs of liver problems (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
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 mirikizumab, 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/returning infection (such as tuberculosis,
herpes)
Mirikizumab can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
mirikizumab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
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. It may harm an unborn baby. 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.
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 liver function) should
be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it.
Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule. 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. The prefilled pen
or syringe may also be stored at room temperature if needed. If the
prefilled pen or syringe is stored at room temperature, do not put it back
in the refrigerator and discard after 2 weeks. 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.