This medication is used to help you lose weight. It is
used by people who are overweight due to certain rare genetic disorders.
Setmelanotide works by controlling your appetite and making you feel less
hungry. It also increases the number of calories that you
burn.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use if available from your pharmacist before you start using
setmelanotide and each time you get a refill. Ask your health care
professional how to prepare and use this medication. If you have any
questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once daily in the morning when you first wake up. The
injection is given in the thigh, abdomen, or upper arm. This medication may
be used with or without food. The dosage is based on your medical
condition, age, and response to treatment. Children's dosage may also be
based on weight. Your doctor will start you on a low dose first to decrease
your risk of stomach/abdominal side effects, and gradually increase your
dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 minutes
before you inject it to allow it to reach room temperature. You may also
gently roll the vial in between your hands for 1 minute. Do not warm up
this medication any other way (for example, do not heat it in the microwave
or place it in hot water). 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. 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, use it at the same time each
day.
Darkening of the skin, nausea, vomiting, stomach upset,
diarrhea, or pain at injection site 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
- unusual skin changes (such as new moles or change in the
size/color of a mole)
- changes in sexual arousal
Rarely, males may have a painful or prolonged erection
lasting 4 or more hours. If this occurs, stop using this drug and get
medical help right away, or permanent problems could occur.
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 setmelanotide, 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, especially of:
- mental/mood disorders (such as depression, thoughts of
suicide)
- skin problems (such as moles, dark spots)
- kidney disease
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Children may be at greater risk for skin color changes
or new moles while using this drug.
During pregnancy, this medication should be used only
when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug. 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.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as weight, skin exams)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments.
If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose. Use your next
dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch
up.
Store the unopened vial in the refrigerator. Do not
freeze. Store the opened vial in the refrigerator or at room temperature
away from heat and sunlight. Once the vial is opened or stored at room
temperature, this medication expires 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.