This medication is used to help prevent severe swelling
attacks due to a certain inherited immune disease (hereditary
angioedema-HAE). Garadacimab belongs to a class of drugs known as
monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the effect of a natural protein
made by the body (activated Factor XII). This effect lowers the amount of
another natural substance (bradykinin) that causes symptoms during an HAE
attack.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using
garadacimab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask
your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once a month. The injection is given in the upper
arms, thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly
button).
For a more comfortable injection, 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 or into moles or
scars. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site after a shot.
Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or
for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and
your risk of side effects will increase.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Redness, itching, or bruising at the injection site may
occur. Runny/stuffy nose or abdominal pain may also 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.
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 garadacimab, tell your doctor or pharmacist
if you are allergic to it; 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.
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.
It is unknown if this medication 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.
This medication may interfere with certain lab tests
(such as aPTT tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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.
Do not share this medication with others.
Keep all medical and lab appointments.
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. Do not double the dose to catch up.
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. If the medication has been allowed to reach
room temperature, use it right away and do not put it back in the
refrigerator. If needed, some brands may be stored at room temperature for
up to 2 months. Check the product package for instructions on how to store
your brand, or ask your pharmacist. 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.