This medicine is used for the following purposes:
Brand Name(s): Empaveli
Generic Name: Pegcetacoplan
Instructions
This medicine is injected into the skin. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist where on your body this medicine can be injected and how to inject it.
This medicine should be given over 60 minutes if using 1 site or 30 minutes if using two sites.
Read and make sure you understand the instructions for preparing the medicine and using the infusion pump. If you have any questions, talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
The liquid should be clear or light yellow.
Check the medicine before each use. If the liquid medicine has any particles in it, appears discolored, or if the vial appears damaged, do not use it.
Keep medicine in refrigerator. Do not freeze. Protect from light.
Keep the medicine in its original container.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator about 30 minutes before use to warm to room temperature.
Speak with your nurse or pharmacist about how long the medicine can be stored safely at room temperature or in the refrigerator before it needs to be discarded.
Never use any medicine that has expired.
Please ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist how to discard unused medicines safely.
Wash your hands before and after handling this medicine.
Clean the injection site with alcohol before applying the injector.
Do not inject into moles, scars, stretch marks, or into skin that is tender, bruised, red, scaly, thickened, or hard.
If more than one site is used for the same dose, make sure they are at least 3 inches apart.
Change location of injection each time.
It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.
If you forget to take a dose on time, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, do not take the missed dose. Return to your normal schedule. Do not take 2 doses at one time.
Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.
Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.
Cautions
Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.
Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.
Tell your doctor or nurse right away if throat swelling, shortness of breath, chest pain, dizziness, or feeling faint develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.
Do not use the medication any more than instructed.
This medicine may cause dizziness or fainting. Do not stand or sit up quickly.
Your ability to stay alert or to react quickly may be impaired by this medicine. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know how this medicine will affect you.
If possible, avoid using with alcohol, marijuana, or other medicines that can cause dizziness or drowsiness. These include allergy/cold products, muscle relaxers, sleep aids, and pain relievers.
This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.
Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.
Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 40 days after stopping treatment.
This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.
To prevent pregnancy, women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 40 days after stopping it.
Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.
Side Effects
The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.
- pain in the abdomen
- diarrhea
- dizziness
- lack of energy and tiredness
- headaches
Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:
- cough that does not go away
- fever or chills
- severe or persistent headache
- joint or muscle pain
- neck pain or stiffness
- sensitivity to light
- sore throat
- severe or persistent vomiting
A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.
Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.
IMPORTANT NOTE: This document tells you briefly how to take your medicine, but it does not tell you all there is to know about it. Your doctor or pharmacist may give you other documents about your medicine. Please talk to them if you have any questions. Always follow their advice.
There is a more complete description of this medicine available in English. Scan this code on your smartphone or tablet or use the web address below. You can also ask your pharmacist for a printout. If you have any questions, please ask your pharmacist.
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More information about PEGCETACOPLAN - SUBCUTANEOUS INJECTION
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Conditions of Use: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment. The display and use of this drug information is subject to express Terms of Use.