This medication is used to treat certain skin conditions
(prurigo nodularis, atopic dermatitis). Nemolizumab belongs to a class of
drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking certain natural
proteins in your body (interleukin-31) that may cause swelling, itching,
and other skin problems.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet and Instructions
for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using nemolizumab 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 starting treatment with nemolizumab, you should
be up to date with all your vaccinations. Ask your doctor if you need to
receive any vaccines before starting nemolizumab.
Inject this medication under the skin as directed by
your doctor, usually once every 4 weeks. If you are using this medication
for atopic dermatitis, this medication may be given once every 8 weeks
after the first 5 doses. The injection is given in the upper arms, thighs,
or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly button). The dosage
is based on your weight.
Take the medication out of the refrigerator 30 to 45
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). 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 red, tender, swollen, bruised, damaged, or has
scars or stretch marks. To lessen bruising, do not rub the injection site
after a shot. Once mixed, discard any unused medication after 4 hours.
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.
Headache or joint/muscle pain 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:
- signs of new or worsening skin condition (such as red bumps,
red skin patches)
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 nemolizumab, 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.
This drug may affect live vaccines. Tell your health
care professional that you are using nemolizumab before having any
immunizations/vaccinations.
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.
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. 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, discard after 90 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.