Zilucoplan: Patient drug information

Warning

Meningococcal infections have happened with drugs like this one. This 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 myasthenia gravis.

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.
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 your patient safety card with you at all times for at least 2 months after this drug is stopped.
Have your blood work and other lab tests checked as you have been told by your 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 urinary tract infection (UTI) like blood in the urine, burning or pain when passing urine, feeling the need to pass urine often or right away, fever, lower stomach pain, or pelvic pain.
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 a pancreas problem (pancreatitis) like very bad stomach pain, very bad back pain, or very bad upset stomach or throwing up.

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:
Irritation where the shot is given.
Signs of a common cold.
Diarrhea, upset stomach, or throwing up.
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 a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh or the belly area.
This drug may be given into the outer area of the upper arm if given by someone else.
If you will be giving yourself the shot, your doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
Wash your hands before and after use.
Do not take off the needle cap until you are ready to use.
If stored in a refrigerator, let this drug come to room temperature before using it. Leave it at room temperature out of sunlight for 30 to 45 minutes. Do not heat this drug.
Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
Take this drug at the same time of day.
Do not give into skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, scaly, hard, scarred, or has stretch marks.
Do not give into skin within 2 inches (5 cm) of the belly button.
Do not use if solution changes color.
Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
Do not use this drug if it has been dropped or if it is broken.
Each prefilled syringe is for one use only.
Throw away any part left over after the dose is given.
Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if I miss a dose?

Take a missed dose as soon as you think about it.
If it is close to the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your normal time.
Do not take 2 doses on the same day.
If you are not sure what to do if you miss a dose, call your doctor.

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

Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
Store in the outer carton to protect from light.
If needed, you may store at room temperature for up to 3 months. If stored at room temperature and not used within 3 months, throw this drug away.
Do not put this drug back in the refrigerator after it has been stored at room temperature.
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.

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.
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.

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Zilucoplan: Patient drug information