What is this medication?
INEBILIZUMAB (in eb i LIZ ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): UPLIZNA
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- immune system problems
- infection (especially a viral infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
- an unusual or allergic reaction to inebilizumab, other medicines, foods, dyes or preservatives
- pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- breast-feeding
How should I use this medication?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
This medicine may interact with the following medications:
- live virus vaccines
- steroid medicines like prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
This medicine can cause serious allergic reactions. To reduce your risk, you may need to take medicine before treatment with this medicine. Take your medicine as directed.
This medicine may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills, or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
In some patients, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your health care professional right away. If you cannot reach your health care professional, urgently seek other source of medical care.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their health care professional if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional for more information.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
- allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
- signs and symptoms of infection like fever; chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
- back pain
- headache
- joint pain
- pain, redness, or irritation at site where injected
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medicine is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.