Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you the first dose of this medicine at least 15 minutes before starting plasma exchange treatment in a medical facility. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins.

You may also be taught how to give your medicine at home. It is usually given as a shot under the skin of your stomach. Make sure you understand all instructions before you give yourself an injection. Do not use more medicine or use it more often than your doctor tells you to.

This medicine comes with patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

If you use this medicine at home, you will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems from the injections.

To use the medicine:

  • Allow the vial and the syringe to reach room temperature by holding them in your hands for 10 seconds.
  • Dissolve the powder in the vial using the liquid in the syringe. Then, attach the vial adapter.
  • Remove the plastic cap from the syringe and attach it to the vial adapter by twisting it clockwise until it cannot twist any further.
  • Slowly push the syringe plunger down until the syringe is empty. Do not remove the syringe from the vial adapter.
  • Gently swirl the vial until the powder is completely dissolved. Do not shake.
  • Check the solution in the vial. It should be clear and colorless. All powder must be fully dissolved. Do not use the medicine if it is cloudy, clumpy, or has particles in it.
  • Use a new needle and syringe each time you inject your medicine.
  • Use each vial only one time. Do not save an open vial.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injectable dosage form (solution):
    • For acquired thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura:
      • Adults—11 milligrams (mg) injected under the skin after completion of plasma exchange on Day 1. Then, 11 mg injected under the skin once a day after each plasma exchange. After plasma exchange period, 11 mg injected under the skin once a day for 30 days after the last daily plasma exchange.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

If you miss a dose of this medicine after the plasma exchange period and it is within 12 hours from your regular schedule, take the missed dose as soon as possible. If you miss a dose and it is more than 12 hours from your regular schedule, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at your usual time.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

You may also store this medicine at room temperature in its original carton for up to 2 months. Do not return it back to the refrigerator once stored at room temperature. You may keep the mixed solution in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

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