This medication is used to treat a certain immune system
problem (lupus). Anifrolumab belongs to a class of drugs known as
monoclonal antibodies.
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. 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 every week. The injection is given in the upper
arms, thighs, or abdomen (except for a 2-inch area around your belly
button).
Take the medication out of the refrigerator at least 60
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 cloudiness,
particles, or discoloration. If you see any of these things, 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.
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.
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:
- pain/numbness/tingling of the skin
- skin blisters
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. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, shortness of breath).
Medications that affect the immune system (such as
anifrolumab) may rarely increase the risk of cancer. Talk to your doctor
for more details.
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 anifrolumab, 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:
- cancer
- current/recent/returning infection (such as herpes
zoster)
Anifrolumab 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
anifrolumab 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.
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.
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. Then
use your next dose on your regular schedule (for example, 1 week later), or
at the regular time, as long as there are at least 3 days between doses. 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. 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 7 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).