Emicizumab-Kxwh
Pronounced
"EM-i-SIZ-ue-mab"
Uses
This medication is used by people with a certain inherited bleeding problem (hemophilia A) to help prevent or lessen how often you have bleeding problems. Emicizumab belongs to a class of medications known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your blood to clot normally, which helps prevent bleeding due to hemophilia A. Preventing bleeding can lessen symptoms such as painful swellings, joint pain, pain with movement, and difficulty walking far.
Warning
This medication has rarely caused serious blood clots (including thrombotic microangiopathy) when used along with another product used to treat or prevent bleeding (activated prothrombin complex concentrate-aPCC). The risk is higher when aPCC has been used for 24 hours or longer and the dose has reached a certain amount. This interaction with aPCC may last up to 6 months after stopping emicizumab. Get medical help right away if you develop symptoms of serious blood clots, such as unusual decrease in the amount of urine, swelling ankles/feet, shortness of breath/rapid breathing, chest/jaw/left arm pain, unusual sweating, confusion, sudden dizziness/fainting, pain/swelling/warmth in the groin/calf, sudden/severe headaches, trouble speaking, weakness on one side of the body, sudden vision changes.
How to Use This Medication
Read the Medication Guide and Instructions for Use provided by your pharmacist before you start using this medication and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection under your skin as directed by your doctor, usually once a week for the first 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose on a regular schedule as prescribed. The injection is given in the thighs, upper arm, or abdomen (at least 2 inches from your belly button). The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
Stop the prophylactic use of bypassing agents the day before starting emicizumab prophylaxis. You may continue prophylaxis with Factor VIII for the first week of emicizumab prophylaxis. Ask your healthcare professional for more information about the use of these other products and what to do if you have breakthrough bleeding.
If you are using this medication at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional and the product package. Wash your hands before using this medication. Remove the medication from the refrigerator 15 minutes before you inject it so it can reach room temperature. Do not warm up this medication any other way such as by heating in the microwave, placing in hot water, or leaving it in direct sunlight. Do not shake the medication. The medication should be colorless to slightly yellow. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Before injecting each dose, clean the injection site with rubbing alcohol. Change the injection site each time to lessen injury under the skin. Do not inject into moles, scars, or skin that is tender, bruised, red, or hard. 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, use it on the same day each week. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.
Tell your doctor if your condition does not get better or if it gets worse.
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