Anifrolumab-fnia Injection
Brand Name(s): Saphnelo®WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Anifrolumab is used with other medications to treat moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE or lupus; an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks healthy parts of the body such as joints, skin, blood vessels, and organs) in adults. Anifrolumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the activity of a certain protein in people with SLE.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Anifrolumab comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein). It is usually given over a 30-minute period every 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide how often you are to receive anifrolumab based on your body's response to this medication.
Anifrolumab helps to control lupus but does not cure it. Your doctor will watch you carefully to see how well anifrolumab works for you. It is important to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
Are there OTHER USES for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving anifrolumab,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to anifrolumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in anifrolumab injection. Ask your pharmacist 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.
- tell your doctor if you have an infection or an infection that keeps coming back, or if you have or have had any type of cancer.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while receiving anifrolumab, call your doctor.
- do not have any vaccinations during your treatment without talking to your doctor.
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive anifrolumab, call your doctor as soon as possible.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Anifrolumab may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- headache
- nausea
- vomiting
- tiredness
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- fever, sore throat, chills, cough, or other signs of infection
- stomach pain or diarrhea
- frequent, painful, or difficult urination
- red or painful skin or sores on your body
- swelling of the face, tongue, or mouth
- fainting or lightheadedness
- difficulty breathing
Anifrolumab may increase your risk of certain cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.
Anifrolumab 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 (https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about anifrolumab.
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.
This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.
The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.
AHFS® Patient Medication Information™. © Copyright, 2024. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.
Selected Revisions: December 15, 2023.