What is Caplacizumab?
Caplacizumab can be used to treat adults with acquired thrombotic purpura. Caplacizumab can be given in conjunction with immunosuppressive medication and plasma transfusions. Caplacizumab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Caplacizumab
If you experience any of the following symptoms of an allergic reaction, seek immediate medical attention: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling of your lips, face, tongue, or throat.
Caplacizumab may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Easy bruising and bleeding (nosebleeds or bleeding gums)
- Unusual vaginal bleeding
- Any bleeding that does not stop
- Signs of stomach bleeding include bloody or tarry stool, vomiting blood, or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Caplacizumab can cause a numbr of side effects, including:
- Nosebleeds, bleeding gums,
- Headache.
There may be other side effects. Call your physician if experiencing side effects; contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if reporting them directly.
Warnings
Caplacizumab increases your risk of bleeding. If you experience unusual bleeding or bruising, or if the bleeding does not stop, call your doctor.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to caplacizumab, it is best not to use this drug. Tell your doctor about any bleeding or blood-clotting disorders you may have had, such as haemophilia.
If you're pregnant, follow your doctor’s advice about caplacizumab. Caplacizumab can increase bleeding risks in both the mother and child. The benefits of treating attp during pregnancy in the mother may outweigh the risks. As soon as you discover you've become pregnant, immediately inform your physician. Breastfeeding may not be possible while taking this medication.You should ask your doctor if there are any risks.
How to take caplacizumab?
Caplacizumab can be injected into the skin or given in a vein as an injection. Your healthcare provider may give you your first dose and teach you how to use it properly.
Caplacizumab is usually initiated on the same date as plasma exchange. Caplacizumab will be continued for at least 30 days after your last plasma exchange. Please read and follow all instructions for use that come with your medication.If you do not understand, seek assistance from either your physician or pharmacist.
Caplacizumab should be mixed with liquid (diluent) before use. If you are using injections on your own, make sure that you know how to mix and store them. Only prepare an injection when you're ready to administer it. If the medicine is cloudy, has changed colour, or contains particles, do not use it. For new medicine, call your pharmacist.
You may have to stop taking caplacizumab at least seven days before a surgery, dental work, or medical procedure. You should tell any doctor or dental professional that treats you about your current use of caplacizumab. Caplacizumab should be stored in its original container in the fridge. Do not freeze, and protect from light.
Unopened cartons of caplacizumab can be stored at room temperature for up to two months. Do not put the container back in the fridge once it has reached room temperature. Store the mixture in the fridge and use within four hours.
Each vial is only for one-time use. After one use, throw it out, even if the medicine is still inside. Only use a needle or syringe once, and then store them in a "sharps container" that is puncture-proof. Be sure to follow local or state laws on how to properly dispose of the container. Keep the container out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for Idiopathic Immune Thrombocytopenic Purpura:
Initial dose:
First day of treatment: 11mg bolus intravenous injection 15 minutes before plasma exchange, followed by 11mg subcutaneous injection following the completion of plasma change on Day 1.
Maintenance dose:
Subsequent treatment days during the daily plasma swap: 11 mg subcutaneously injected once per day after plasma exchange
Treatment after the plasma exchange period is 11 mg subcutaneously injected once daily for 30 days, following the last plasma exchange. After the initial treatment, if signs of persistent disease (such as decreased ADAMTS13 levels) are still present after the course of treatment, then treatment can be extended up to 28 days.
Comments:
Discontinue the drug if more than two recurrences (attp) of acquired thrombotic purpura occur during treatment.
Withhold this medication 7 days before elective surgery or dental procedures.
Use: Treatment for patients with acquired thrombotic purpura in combination with immunosuppressive treatment and plasma exchange
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you forget to take a daily plasma exchange dose, use the medication as soon as possible. Skip the missed dose when it's almost time for the next dose. Never take two doses in one go.
If you forget to take a dose and no longer receive plasma exchanges, use the medicine as quickly as possible. Skip the missed dose, however, if it is more than 12 hours late. Never take two doses in one go.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention. An overdose can lead to excessive bleeding.
What should be avoided?
Avoid any activity that could increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Take extra precautions to avoid bleeding when shaving or brushing your teeth.
Interaction with other drug
Tell your doctor if you are taking any other medications, including:
- A blood thinner: warfarin Coumadin Jantoven
- Any medicine that is used to prevent or treat blood clots
This list is incomplete. Caplacizumab may be affected by other drugs, such as vitamins and herbs. This list does not include all possible drug interactions.
