What is Ibalizumab?
Ibalizumab, an antiviral drug, prevents the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from multiplying within your body.
Ibalizumab can be used to treat HIV. This is the virus that can cause acquired immune deficiency syndrome( AIDS). Ibalizumab does not cure HIV or AIDS.Ibalizumab can be given when other treatments fail.Ibalizumab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ibalizumab
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.
Ibalizumab can affect your immune system and cause side effects. These may occur even weeks or months after taking ibalizumab. You should tell your doctor if:
- Signs of an infection: fever, sweating at night, swollen lymph glands, colds, sores; cough, wheezing; diarrhea; weight loss.
- If you have difficulty speaking or swallowing, have problems with balance, eye movements, or weakness, or feel prickles or a prickly sensation, then it is likely that these conditions are affecting your health.
- Impotence, menstrual changes, swelling of the neck or throat (enlarged thyroid)
Ibalizumab can cause a variety of side effects.
- Nausea, diarrhea;
- Dizziness;
- Rash.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice regarding side effects, call your physician. For reporting purposes, the FDA can be reached at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Similar/related drugs
Biktarvy, Descovy, Truvada, Tenofovir, Atripla, Complera, and Stribild
Warnings
Ibalizumab can affect your immune system. Tell your doctor about any signs of an infection, such as fevers, night sweats, or swollen lymph glands. Also, mention any diarrhea, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, or cough.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to ibalizumab, do not use it.Tell your doctor all of your medical conditions and allergies before you receive ibalizumab.Use your medication properly to control infections. HIV can be transmitted to your child if you do not control the virus during pregnancy. You may have your name listed in a registry that tracks the effects of antiviral medicines on the baby.
Breast-feeding is not recommended for women with HIV/AIDS. Even if the baby was born HIV-free, the virus can be transmitted to the infant through your breast milk.
How to take ibalizumab?
Ibalizumab can be infused into a vein. This injection is usually given by a healthcare provider once every two weeks.It can take up to 15 minutes for the infusion to be completed.
HIV is usually treated by combining drugs. Read all the instructions and follow them exactly. Do not alter your dosage or schedule without consulting your doctor. Each person living with HIV should be under the care and supervision of a physician.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for HIV infection:
Loading dose: 2000 mg IV once
Maintenance dose: 800 mg IV every 2 weeks
Use: As a combination with other antiretrovirals for the treatment of HIV-1 infection in patients who have received a lot of therapy and are multidrug resistant.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your scheduled ibalizumab treatment, call your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Ibalizumab does not stop you from transmitting HIV to others. Share razors and toothbrushes. Do not engage in unprotected sexual activity. Speak to your doctor about the best ways to prevent HIV from being transmitted during sex. Even healthy people should never share syringes for drugs or medicines.
Interaction with other drug
Ibalizumab can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
