HOW should this medicine be used?
Zilucoplan injection comes as a prefilled dosing pen to inject subcutaneously (under the skin) by yourself at home. It is usually injected once a day. Inject zilucoplan at around the same time every day. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Use zilucoplan exactly as directed. Do not use more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You will receive your first subcutaneous dose of zilucoplan injection in your doctor's office. After that, your doctor may allow you to inject zilucoplan yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Before you use zilucoplan injection yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.
You will receive your first subcutaneous dose of zilucoplan injection in your doctor's office. After that, your doctor may allow you to inject zilucoplan yourself or have a friend or relative perform the injections. Before you use zilucoplan injection yourself the first time, read the written instructions that come with it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist to show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it.
You can inject zilucoplan injection anywhere on front of your thighs (upper leg) or abdomen (stomach) except your navel and the area 2 inches (5 centimeters) around it. If someone else is giving you the injection, that person can also inject the medication into your upper, outer arms. Use a different site for each injection to reduce the chances of soreness or redness. Do not inject into an area where the skin is tender, bruised, red, or hard or where you have scars or stretch marks.
You can store prefilled syringes at room temperature or in the refrigerator. If storing in the refrigerator, remove the prefilled dosing pen from the refrigerator and allow it to warm to room temperature for 30-45 minutes before using it. Take it out of its carton, and allow it to rest on a flat surface so that it can warm to room temperature. Do not try to warm the medication by heating it in a microwave, placing it in hot water, or through any other method.
Do not remove the cap from the prefilled dosing pen while the medication is warming. You should remove the cap right before you inject the medication. Do not replace the cap after you remove it. Do not use the device if you drop it on the floor.
Never shake the prefilled dosing pen. This may damage the medication.
Always look at zilucoplan prefilled syringe before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is clear and colorless or slightly yellow or brown. The liquid should not contain visible particles. Do not use a dosing pen if it is expired, appears damaged, or if the liquid is cloudy, discolored, or contains particles.
Zilucoplan controls MG but does not cure it. Continue to use zilucoplan even if you feel well. Do not stop using zilucoplan without talking to your doctor.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with zilucoplan injection and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.