This medication is used to treat a severe form of
psoriasis (generalized pustular psoriasis). Spesolimab belongs to a class
of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking a certain
natural protein in your body (interleukin-36) that may cause inflammation
and swelling.
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use
provided by your pharmacist before you start using spesolimab 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.
Before treatment with this medication, your doctor will
test you for tuberculosis (TB). Your doctor should also monitor you for
symptoms of TB during and after treatment with this drug. If needed,
treatment for TB or other infections should be given before using this
medication.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually every 4 weeks. The injection is given in the abdomen
or thigh. The first dose is usually given by a healthcare professional and
may require 4 injections, each given one after the other. All later doses
usually require 2 injections, given one after the other. If you are
switching from the spesolimab product that is injected into a vein,
carefully follow your doctor's directions for when to start using this
medication.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 15 to 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 or place it in hot water). This product may contain a few tiny
white or clear particles. Before using, check this product for large
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 sore,
bruised, red, hard, or scarred. 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.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better
or if it gets worse.
Pain, redness, swelling, or itching at the 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.
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Get medical help right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, swollen lymph nodes, chills, cough).
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 spesolimab, 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:
- current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis,
herpes)
Spesolimab 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
spesolimab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid getting a
live vaccine while using this medication and for 16 weeks after the last
dose. 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.
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.
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.
Different brands of this medication have different
storage needs. 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.