Efgartigimod alfa is used to treat a certain muscle
condition (generalized myasthenia gravis). It may help to improve symptoms
of muscle weakness.
This medication is also used to treat a certain nerve
disorder (chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy-CIDP).
Efgartigimod alfa may help slow down the worsening of weakness in the arms
and legs.
Hyaluronidase is used to help the body absorb
efgartigimod alfa, which helps it work better.
This monograph is about the following
efgartigimod/hyaluronidase products: efgartigimod-fcab/hyaluronidase,
efgartigimod-qvfc/hyaluronidase.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using this
medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all
preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and
the product package.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once weekly. The injection is given in the abdomen
(except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). Additional treatment
cycles are given based on your medical condition and response to
treatment.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 30
minutes before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. Do not
warm up this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the
microwave, place it in hot water, or leave it in direct sunlight). Do not
shake the medication. Before using, check this product for particles or
discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before
injecting each dose, clean the skin you are going to inject into (the
injection site) with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time
to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into skin that is tender,
bruised, red, hard, or damaged. To lessen bruising, do not rub the
injection site after a shot. Learn how to store and discard medical
supplies safely.
Injection reactions or serious allergic reactions may
happen during the injection and for a short time afterward. Tell your
doctor right away if you have any symptoms of injection reactions such as
high blood pressure, chills, shivering, stomach pain, or back/chest pain.
Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects
or may slow down your injection. Monitor for an allergic reaction for at
least 30 minutes after each injection and get medical help right away if
you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction (see also Side
Effects section).
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition gets
worse.
See also How to Use section.
Headache or injection site reactions (such as redness,
pain, bruising, itching, swelling) may occur. If any of these effects last
or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious infection or
make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have
any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever,
chills, painful/burning urination).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to efgartigimod alfa or hyaluronidase; or to
any efgartigimod products; or if you have any other allergies. This product
may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or
other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Efgartigimod alfa can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
this product before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Mothers who have used this medication during pregnancy should ask a doctor
about immunizations/vaccinations for their newborn babies.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Do not use
this medication if it has been frozen. Keep the medication in the original
carton to protect from light. This medication may also be stored at room
temperature if needed. If the medication is stored at room temperature, do
not put it back in the refrigerator and discard after 30 days. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).