What is Satralizumab?
Satralizumab is a treatment for adults suffering from neurological myelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD). NMOSD is an extremely rare chronic autoimmune condition that causes inflammation of the nervous system and central nerves. This may lead to the destruction of the spinal cord, optic nerves, and/or the brain.
Satralizumab is only used when the body is producing antibodies against the protein aquaporin-4 (AQP4). Your physician will test you for this antibody.Satralizumab could also be used for other purposes not covered in this medication guide.
Side effects of Satralizumab
Stop taking satralizumab and seek emergency medical assistance. If you experience indications that indicate an allergic reaction, such as symptoms of hives, feeling lightheaded, stomach pains, vomiting, difficulty breathing, or swelling of your lips, face, or tongue,
It is possible to contract infections more often, including deadly or life-threatening infections. Call your doctor immediately if you show symptoms of an infection, like:
- Fever, chills, and night sweats
- Sore throat. Continuous cough and fatigue;
- Muscle pain;
- Diarrhea, stomach cramps;
- Loss of appetite appetite loss, weight gain;
- More frequent urination and burning sensations when you urinate.
- Skin lesions, swelling, redness, or tenderness.
Common adverse effects of satralizumab could include:
- Pain, joint pain;
- Nausea, stomach pain;
- Being tired;
- The pain in your hands, arms, legs, feet, or arms;
- The rash
- Symptoms of a cold, like a running nose, stuffy nose, sneezing, and a sore throat.
This isn't a complete list of all possible side adverse effects. Other things could happen. Ask your physician for medical advice regarding any adverse reactions. It is possible to report any adverse reaction to FDA via 1-800-FDA-1088.
Warnings
Satralizumab can affect the immune system. It is possible to contract infections more frequently, and even deadly or life-threatening infections. Call your doctor when you notice symptoms of an infection (fever, fatigue, chills, cough muscles, stomach cramps, diarrhea, or increased urination). You may also experience burning after urination (skin sores, redness, or tenderness).
Prior to use this drug
Satralizumab is not a good choice when you have an allergy to the drug or have an active infection, such as:
- Hepatitis B
- Tuberculosis.
Inform your doctor. If you've ever experienced tuberculosis, if someone in your family has tuberculosis, or if you recently visited an area where tuberculosis can be found,
Inform your doctor if you ever had:
- An ongoing or chronic infection;
- Liver disorders or liver problems, B (or if you're the carrier of hepatitis B), as well as
- If you recently received or are due to be given a vaccination,
Check that you are up-to-date on your vaccinations before you begin treatment with satralizumab.
It is recommended to avoid receiving any "live" vaccine for at least 4 weeks prior to using the drug satralizumab. These live vaccinations comprise measles, rubella, and mumps (MMR), as well as rotavirus, yellow fever, typhoid varicella (chickenpox), Zoster (shingles), and the nasal virus (influenza) vaccination.
You shouldn't receive the "non-live" (sometimes called inactivated) vaccine for more than two weeks prior to using the drug satralizumab. Non-live vaccines comprise an influenza (influenza) shot as well as injection vaccines for hepatitis A or polio as well as rabies.Consult your physician if you are breastfeeding or pregnant.
If you are using satralizumab when you're pregnant and are a doctor, ensure that the medical professional who is caring for your baby understands that you took satralizumab while pregnant. Being exposed to satralizumab while pregnant could alter the schedule of vaccinations for your baby.
How to take Satralizumab?
The doctor might conduct tests to ensure there are no issues that could hinder you from using satralizumab.Follow the instructions on your prescription label, and go through all medication guides or instructions. Make sure you use the medication precisely as directed.
Satralizumab is administered beneath the skin. A doctor may show you how to use the drug on your own.Be sure to read and adhere to any instructions for use that come with your medication. Talk to your pharmacist or doctor to clarify any instructions.Make an injection only when you are prepared to administer it. Don't shake the prefilled syringe. Don't use it when the syringe has been damaged or if the medication is cloudy, has changed color, or has particles within it. Consult your pharmacist about a replacement medication.
Satralizumab is administered in three loading doses every two weeks. Doses for maintenance are given every four weeks. Your physician will determine the duration of treatment with this medicine.Inject all the medicine into the prefilled syringe. Inform your physician if you aren't receiving the entire dose.
Your doctor will tell you the best place on your body to inject the drug, satralizumab. Make sure to inject a different area every time you administer an injection. Don't inject the same area twice in one row.You'll need to take regular medical examinations.
Consult your physician if you are showing symptoms of an infection (fever, chills, fever, cough, or pain in your throat). Don't inject this medication when you're experiencing symptoms that you have an infection.If you stop taking the drug for a short period of time, then you might need to reintroduce the drug by taking loading doses every two weeks. Follow the directions of your doctor cautiously.
Keep it in the fridge. Keep your lamp away from light sources. Do not freeze.Remove the medicine from the refrigerator and allow it to be at room temperature for 30 minutes before injecting the dose. Do not keep the medication out of the refrigerator for more than eight days. Don't warm the medicine, and shield it from temperatures.Each syringe filled with prefilled medicine is intended only for use once. It is best to dispose of it after just one use, even if there's still some medicine within.
Details on dosage
Usual Adult Dose for Neuromyelitis Optica:
120 mg subcutaneously during weeks 0, 2, and 4, then 120 mg subcutaneously each 4 weeks.
Use: To treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) in patients of adult age with anti-aquaporin-4 (AQP4) antibody positivity.
What happens if I miss the dose?
Consult your physician for instructions when you have missed a dose.
If you've been unable to take medication due to an infection or side effect, take care to follow the instructions of your physician regarding the timetable for resuming your medication.
What happens if I overdose?
For medical emergencies, seek emergency medical attention or contact for help at the Poison Helpline at 1-800-222-1222.
What should be avoided?
Avoid injecting satralizumab into scars, moles, broken skin, or skin that is bruised, soft, tender, or hard.Don't receive any vaccines while taking satralizumab.
Interaction with other drugs
Other drugs can interact with the effects of satralizumab. These include medications that are prescribed and available over the counter, vitamins, and herbal products. Discuss with your physician the medicines you are currently taking and any medication you begin or stop taking.
