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ANIFROLUMAB (an i frol ue mab) treats lupus. It works by slowing down an overactive immune system, which reduces inflammation and other symptoms of lupus. It is a monoclonal antibody.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
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This medication is injected under the skin. It can be given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.
If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep using it unless your care team tells you to stop.
This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.
It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication 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.
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Do not take this medication with any of the following:
-Live virus vaccines
This medication may also interact with the following:
-Other biologic medications, such as belimumab, obinutuzumab, ocrelizumab, ofatumumab, rituximab
-Medications that lower your chance of fighting an infection
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.
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Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Talk to your care team about your vaccination history. You should not receive live vaccines while you're being treated with this medication and until your care team tells you that your immune system is no longer weakened. You may need to get some vaccines before you start treatment. If you need a non-live vaccine while you are being treated, talk to your care team.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
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If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then keep taking it once a week based on your new day. You may also go back to taking it on your regular day if there are at least 3 days between doses. If you are not sure what to do, call your care team.
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Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
-Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
-Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
-Cough
-Runny or stuffy nose
-Sore throat
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.
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Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
Refrigerator (preferred): Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Get rid of any unused medication after the expiration date.
Room temperature: This medication may be stored at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F) for up to 7 days. Keep it in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Protect from light. Do not return it to the refrigerator. Get rid of any used medication after 7 days at room temperature.
To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:
-Take the mediation to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
-If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.
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.
DISCLAIMER: This drug information content is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Patients should always consult their physician with any questions regarding a medical condition and to obtain medical advice and treatment. Drug information is sourced from GSDD (Gold Standard Drug Database ) provided by Elsevier.