Receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection may increase the risk that you will develop a meningococcal infection (an infection that may affect the covering of the brain and spinal cord and/or may spread through the bloodstream) during your treatment or for some time afterward. Meningococcal infections may cause death in a short period of time. You will need to receive a meningococcal vaccine at least 2 weeks before you begin your treatment with ravulizumab-cwvz injection to decrease the risk that you will develop this type of infection. If you have received this vaccine in the past, you may need to receive a booster dose before you begin your treatment. If your doctor feels that you need to begin treatment with ravulizumab-cwvz injection right away, you will receive your meningococcal vaccine as soon as possible and take an antibiotic for 2 weeks.
Even if you receive the meningococcal vaccine, there is still a risk that you may develop meningococcal disease during or after your treatment with ravulizumab-cwvz injection. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical help: headache that comes along with nausea or vomiting, fever, a stiff neck, or a stiff back; fever; rash and fever; confusion; muscle aches and other flu-like symptoms; or if your eyes are sensitive to light.
Tell your doctor if you have fever or other signs of infection before you begin your treatment with ravulizumab-cwvz injection. Your doctor will not give you ravulizumab-cwvz injection if you already have a meningococcal infection.
Your doctor will give you a patient safety card with information about the risk of developing meningococcal disease during or for a period of time after your treatment. Carry this card with you at all times during your treatment and for 8 months after your treatment. Show the card to all healthcare providers who treat you so that they will know about your risk.
A program called Ultomiris REMS has been set up to decrease the risks of receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection. You can only receive ravulizumab-cwvz injection from a doctor who has enrolled in this program, has talked to you about the risks of meningococcal disease, has given you a patient safety card, and has made sure that you received a meningococcal vaccine.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with ravulizumab-cwvz 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 ( Web Site) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection.
Ravulizumab-cwvz injection is used 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 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.
Ravulizumab-cwvz injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over about 2 hours by a doctor or nurse in a medical office. It is usually given every 8 weeks starting 2 weeks after your 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.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving ravulizumab-cwvz injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of ravulizumab-cwvz injection, call your doctor right away.
Ravulizumab-cwvz may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING or HOW sections, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
Ravulizumab-cwvz may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at Web Site. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
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.