Uses
Ravulizumab-cwvz injection is used in adults to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH: a type of anemia in which too many red blood cells are broken down in the body, so there are not enough healthy cells to bring oxygen to all parts of the body). Ravulizumab-cwvz injection is also used in adults and children 1 month of age and older to treat atypical hemolytic uremic syndrome (aHUS; an inherited condition in which small blood clots form in the body and may cause damage to the blood vessels, blood cells, kidneys, and other parts of the body). Ravulizumab-cwvz is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the activity of the part of the immune system that may damage blood cells in people with PNH and that causes clots to form in people with aHUS.
Side Effects Of Ravulizumab-Cwvz
Ravulizumab-cwvz may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- constipation
- headache
- muscle or joint pain
- pain in the arms or legs
- runny nose
- pain or swelling in the nose or throat
- cough
- dizziness
- painful or difficult urination
- hair loss
- dry skin
- decreased appetite
- tiredness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the WARNINGS and PRECAUTIONS, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever or other signs of infection
- stomach pain
Ravulizumab-cwvz may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ravulizumab-cwvz, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ravulizumab-cwvz injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any other medical condition(s).
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection, call your doctor.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving ravulizumab-cwvz and for 8 months after your final treatment dose.
- if you are being treated for PNH, you should know that your condition may cause too many red blood cells to break down after you stop receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully and may order laboratory tests for at least 16 weeks after you finish your treatment. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: extreme tiredness; blood in urine; stomach pain; difficulty swallowing; an inability to get or keep an erection; shortness of breath; pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or tenderness in one leg only; slow or difficult speech; weakness or numbness of an arm or leg; or any other unusual symptoms.
- if you are being treated for aHUS, you should know that your condition may cause blood clots to form in your body after you stop receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection. Your doctor will monitor you carefully and may order laboratory tests for at least 12 months after you finish your treatment. Call your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms: sudden trouble speaking or understanding speech, confusion, sudden weakness or numbness of an arm or leg (especially on one side of the body) or of the face, sudden trouble walking, dizziness, loss of balance or coordination, fainting, seizures, chest pain, difficulty breathing, or any other unusual symptoms.
Dosage Of Ravulizumab-Cwvz
Ravulizumab-cwvz injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over about 2–4 hours by a doctor or nurse in a medical office. It is usually given every 8 weeks starting 2 weeks after your first dose. Children may receive ravulizumab-cwvz injection every 4 or 8 weeks, depending on their body weight, starting 2 weeks after the first dose.
Ravulizumab-cwvz injection may cause serious allergic reactions. Your doctor will watch you carefully while you are receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection and for 1 hour after you receive the medication. Your doctor may slow or stop your infusion if you have an allergic reaction. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: chest pain; difficulty breathing; shortness of breath; swelling of your face, tongue, or throat; lower back pain; pain with the infusion; or feeling faint.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body’s response to ravulizumab-cwvz injection.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about ravulizumab-cwvz injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
