Pozelimab: Patient drug information

Warning

Life-threatening meningococcal infections have happened with this drug. This type of infection can become life-threatening very fast and can be deadly if not treated early. You will need to get a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks before starting this drug unless your doctor tells you otherwise. If you have had a meningococcal vaccine before, you may need to get another one. Talk with your doctor if you have questions.
Meningococcal vaccines lower the risk of meningococcal infections; they may not get rid of the risk of these infections. If you have questions, talk with the doctor.

What is this drug used for?

It is used to treat people with a health problem called CD55-deficient protein-losing enteropathy (CHAPLE disease).

What do I need to tell my doctor BEFORE I take this drug?

If you are allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell your doctor about the allergy and what signs you had.
If you did not get a meningococcal vaccine.
If you have a meningococcal infection or other type of infection.
If you are getting intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG).
This is not a list of all drugs or health problems that interact with this drug.
Tell your doctor and pharmacist about all of your drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe for you to take this drug with all of your drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug without checking with your doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while I take this drug?

Tell all of your health care providers that you take this drug. This includes your doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
You may have more chance of getting an infection. Wash hands often. Stay away from people with infections, colds, or flu.
The chance of gonorrhea infections may be raised in some people. Talk to your doctor to see if you have a greater chance of gonorrhea, how to prevent gonorrhea, and if you need to get tested.
Make sure you are up to date with all your vaccines before treatment with this drug.
Have patient safety card with you at all times.
Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your doctor.
You will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes after some doses of this drug. Tell your doctor if you have any bad effects while you get this drug or after getting it.
High blood pressure has happened with this drug. Have your blood pressure checked as you have been told by your doctor.
This drug may raise the chance of a broken bone. Talk with the doctor.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan on getting pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to you and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your doctor or get medical help right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:
Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Signs of infection like fever, chills, very bad sore throat, ear or sinus pain, cough, more sputum or change in color of sputum, pain with passing urine, mouth sores, or wound that will not heal.
Signs of a meningococcal infection like very bad headache with or without upset stomach, throwing up, fever, or stiff neck or back; confusion; high fever; fever with a rash; if light bothers the eyes; or very bad muscle aches or pain with or without flu-like signs.
Signs of high blood pressure like very bad headache or dizziness, passing out, or change in eyesight.
Dizziness or passing out.
Bone pain.
Chest pain.
Raised, red patches of skin that may be itchy.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother you or do not go away:
Signs of a common cold.
Hair loss.
These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your doctor. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best taken?

Use this drug as ordered by your doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.
It is given as an infusion into a vein over a period of time or as a shot into the fatty part of the skin.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

If you need to store this drug at home, talk with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to store it.

General drug facts

If your symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your doctor.
Do not share your drugs with others and do not take anyone else's drugs.
Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.
Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider's examination and assessment of a patient's specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.