What is Emicizumab?
Emicizumab acts as the natural blood-clotting factor, which is absent in patients with hemophilia A. Emicizumab acts as a "bridge" between other clotting factors to replace the absence of factor VIII.Emicizumab is suitable for adults as well as children suffering from hemophilia A, which is characterized by either inhibitors of factor VIII orEmicizumab is used to reduce bleeding episodes or reduce the frequency of bleeding episodes.Emicizumab does not stop bleeding, which has already begun.Emicizumab is also employed for other purposes that are not covered in this guideline.
Side effects of Emicizumab
See a doctor immediately. Get medical attention immediately if you notice symptoms or warning signs of an allergic response, such as symptoms of hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of your lips, face, and throat.If you are also using an agent to bypass, call your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following negative side consequences:
- Headache, weakness, confusion;
- Experiencing lightheadedness or feeling unusually sick;
- Lower back discomfort with minimal or no urine;
- Stomach pain, vomiting;
- Chest pain sensation of being short of breath and coughing up blood.
- Swelling or redness on your legs or arms;
- Eye swelling or pain; eye pain or swelling;
- The face has become numb;
- The skin's color or eyes.
Common adverse reactions to emicizumab can include:
- Headache;
- Joint pain
- Discomfort, swelling, burning, irritation, or pain at the site of injection.
This list does not represent all potential adverse reactions of taking Nexium; others could arise. It is best to seek medical advice regarding any symptoms experienced. You can report them directly to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 if necessary.
Warnings
Emicizumab could cause blood clots if used with a bypassing agent, such as FEIBA. It can cause damage to small blood vessels within your legs and arms, as well as your kidneys, brain, lung, kidneys, or any other organs. Discuss with your physician if you are using a bypassing agent as well as factor VIII. You'll likely be able to discontinue the use of it on the day before the day you start using emicizumab. If you are using emicizumab and bypassing agents in combination, contact your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following signs: weakness, confusion, back or stomach pains, vomiting, lessening the amount of urine you urinate, chest pains or breathing difficulties, and coughing up blood. swelling or redness on your legs or arms, eye pain, or eye problems.
Before you take this drug
Do not take emicizumab if you have an allergy to it. Discuss with your doctor whether you're using factor VIII or an agent that bypasses it, like FEIBA (or "aPCC"; activated prothrombin complex concentrate). Emicizumab may cause blood clots when combined with a PCC. The blood clots could cause damage to small blood vessels in your legs and arms, as well as your kidneys, brain, lung, kidneys, or any other organs. Most likely, you'll have to discontinue using bypassing agents the day before the day you begin taking emicizumab. However, you can continue using factor VIII during the first week after starting emicizumab. If your physician advises you to continue using an agent to bypass, it is possible to reduce your dose of emicizumab to no more than 100 units per kilogram in 24 hours. Be certain to adhere strictly to the instructions.. Follow the instructions of your physician regarding the use of emicizumab when you are expecting. It is not certain if emicizumab is harmful to the unborn baby. The prevention of bleeding episodes is vital during pregnancy. The benefits of avoiding bleeding episodes could outweigh the dangers for the baby. If you're unpregnant, make sure you are using reliable contraception to avoid pregnancy while taking this medication. It is unclear if the drug is absorbed into breast milk or whether it can affect nursing infants. Inform your physician if you are breastfeeding.
How to take Emicizumab?
Follow all the instructions on the prescription label and go through all medication guides or instructions. The doctor might alter the dosage. Follow the medication exactly as prescribed. Emicizumab is injected into the skin once every one to four weeks. The healthcare professional may show you how to use the medication on your own. Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come along with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor for clarification if you aren't sure about the instructions. You'll need a syringe and needle in order to pull emicizumab from the vial (bottle). You'll require a separate needle that allows you to infuse the medication into the skin. Only use the needles and syringes suggested by your doctor to inject the drug emicizumab. Don't shake the medication bottle. Make your dose when you are ready to administer an injection. Don't use it when the medication is changing color or has particles. Consult your pharmacist about the latest medication.
Do not permit a child older than 7 years to inject this medicine themselves without assistance from an adult. Emicizumab may affect the results of certain tests for blood clotting. Be sure to inform any doctor treating you that you're taking Emicizumab. Keep this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Be sure to store it away from direct light and refrain from placing it in the freezer. You can keep the empty bottle at room temperature for a few days. If the vial is not used in 7 days, take the bottle to the fridge. After you have opened and punctured the vial, you should use the medication right away. Do not store the vial to use later. The vial should be disposed of at the end of each use, even if there's remaining medicine inside. Make use of a needle and syringe just once, and then place them into a puncture-proof "sharps" container. Be sure to follow the laws of your state or city on how to dispose of the container. Make sure it is out of reach of pets and children.
Details on dosage
The Usual Adult Dose of Hemophilia A and Inhibitors:
Dosage for loading: 3 mg/kg subcutaneously every week for the initial 4 weeks
Dosage for maintenance: 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously once per week, as well as 3 mg/kg under the skin every two weeks and 6 mg/kg under the skin every four weeks.
Comments:
Discontinue the prophylactic use of bypassing agents one day before beginning this medication; prophylactic treatment with factor VIII (FVIII) products can be maintained during the initial week of treatment with this medication.
Maintenance dose selection should be based on the provider's preference, with consideration for the patient's adherence.
Utilize regular prophylaxis to minimize or eliminate the incidence of bleeding episodes among patients suffering from hemophilia A (congenital factor VIII deficiency) using inhibitors of factor VIII.
Usual Dose for Children with Hemophilia A, with Inhibitors:
Newborn or older:
Dosage of 3 mg/kg subcutaneously, once a week for the initial 4 weeks
Dosage for maintenance: 1.5 mg/kg subcutaneously once every week, 3 mg/kg subcutaneously every two weeks, and 6 mg/kg under the skin every four weeks.
Comments:
Stop the use of prophylactic agents for bypassing the day prior to beginning this medication; prophylactic treatment with factor VIII (FVIII) products can be continued for the first week of treatment with this medication.
The dose for maintenance should be based on the provider's preference, with consideration for the patient's adherence.
Utilize: Regular prophylactic treatment to minimize or eliminate the incidence of bleeding episodes in infants or children with hemophilia (congenital factor VIII insufficiency) with inhibitors of factor VIII.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Make sure to use the dose you missed immediately when you remember. You can then return to your regular once-weekly schedule and take your next dosage on your usual injection day. Do not take two doses simultaneously.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact the Poison Help Line toll-free at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid injecting emicizumab in a mole or on skin that is bruised, soft, hard, or damaged.
Interaction with other drug
Other medications may interact with Emicizumab's effects, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your doctor all the medicines you are currently taking as well as any medications you are about to start or stop taking.
