Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine is available in 3 forms: vial, prefilled syringe, and prefilled pen.

Vial: A doctor or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is given through an IV catheter that is placed in one of your veins.

Prefilled syringe or prefilled pen: 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, thigh, or upper arm. 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 should come with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.

Do not inject into skin areas that are red, bruised, tender, damaged, hard, or areas with scars or moles.

To use the prefilled pen:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Allow 30 minutes for the pen to warm up to room temperature.
  • Peel off the paper on the tray and lift the pen straight out. Do not shake. Do not remove the purple cap.
  • Check the liquid in the pen. It should be colorless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not use the pen if it is damaged.
  • Pull off the purple cap. Do not put or press your thumb, fingers, or hands over the yellow needle shield. Do not put the purple cap back on.
  • Push the pen straight down and hold for 10 seconds. You may hear a first click when the injection starts. A second click, the injection is still ongoing. Continue holding the pen with pressure and watch the window turn purple to make sure you have received your full dose.
  • Use a new needle each time you inject your medicine.

To use the prefilled syringe:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Allow 30 minutes for the pen to warm up to room temperature.
  • Do not lift from the purple plunger. Do not shake. Do not remove the needle cap.
  • Check the liquid in the syringe. It should be colorless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not use the syringe if it is damaged.
  • Pull the needle cap straight off. Do not touch or pull back the plunger.
  • Hold the syringe in one hand and pinch the skin around the injection site with the other hand.
  • Insert the needle at a 45 degree angle. Avoid touching the plunger until the needle is inserted.
  • Push the plunger all the way down. Keep pressure on the plunger and take the needle out of the skin.
  • Remove your thumb from the plunger to allow the needle guard to cover the needle.
  • Use a new needle each time you inject your medicine.

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 injection dosage form (prefilled pen or prefilled syringe):
    • For ulcerative colitis:
      • Adults—The first 2 doses are given by a doctor through an IV catheter placed in one of your veins at Week 0 and Week 2. Then starting at Week 6, you may receive 108 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin every 2 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

If you miss a dose or if you are not able to inject this medicine at your regular scheduled time, inject it as soon as possible and then every 2 weeks thereafter.

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.

If needed, the prefilled syringe or prefilled pen can be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days (eg, traveling).

Throw away used needles in a hard, closed container that the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Portions of this document last updated: April 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.