Precautions
Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®
It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood and urine tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects.
Using this medicine could harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting this treatment. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for 40 days after the last dose to keep from getting pregnant. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant.
Pegcetacoplan may increase your chance of having serious infections, including Streptococcus pneumoniae, Neisseria meningitidis, and Haemophilus influenzae. Avoid people who are sick or have infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop headaches, nausea, vomiting, fever, a stiff neck or back, a rash, confusion, muscle aches, or if your eyes have become sensitive to light. Make sure you have received a vaccine to prevent encapsulated bacterial infections at least 2 weeks before you receive this medicine. You may also be given antibiotic medicines to prevent infections if you are to use this medicine right away. If you have already received the vaccine in the past, your doctor will decide if you need another dose.
Ask your doctor for a patient safety card. This card will list the symptoms of encapsulated bacterial infections and what to do if you have them. Carry the card with you at all times during treatment and for 2 months after your last dose. You will need to show the card to any doctor who treats you.
This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, including anaphylaxis, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chills or shaking, dizziness, chest pain, trouble breathing, itching or rash, lightheadedness, fainting, or swelling of the face, tongue, or throat after receiving this medicine.
When this medicine is stopped you could have red blood cell destruction or breakdown (hemolysis). Your doctor will need to monitor you closely for at least 8 weeks after you stop using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
Before you have any medical tests, tell healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine. The results of some tests may be affected by this medicine.
Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024
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