Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

This medicine is available in 2 forms: vial and prefilled pen.

Vial: A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. It is given through an IV that is placed in one of your veins. It must be given slowly, so the IV catheter will have to remain in place for at least 30 minutes.

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, or hard.

To use the prefilled pen:

  • Wash your hands with soap and water before and after using this medicine.
  • Allow 30 minutes for the pens to warm up to room temperature. Do not use other heat sources (eg, microwave, hot water, direct sunlight).
  • Check the liquid in the pen. It should be colorless to slightly yellow to slightly brown. Do not use it if it is cloudy, discolored, or has particles in it. Do not use the pen if it is damaged. Do not shake.
  • Remove the cap. Make sure the pen is locked. Leave the gray base cap on until you are ready to inject.
  • Twist of the gray base cap and throw it away. Do not put the cap back on. This could damage the needle. Do not touch the needle.
  • Place and hold the clear base flat and firmly against the skin. Keep the clear base on the skin, then turn the lock ring to the unlock position.
  • Press and hold the blue injection button for 10 seconds. You will hear a loud click. Keep holding the clear base firmly against the skin. You will hear a second loud click in about 10 seconds after the first one.
  • Once complete, you will see the gray plunger. Remove the pen from the skin.

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):
    • For ulcerative colitis:
      • Adults—The first 3 doses are given by a doctor through an IV catheter placed in one of your veins at Week 0, Week 4, and Week 8. Then starting at Week 12, you may receive 200 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin every 4 weeks.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

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 pen can be stored at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. Do not return to the refrigerator.

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: Feb. 01, 2024

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