Mepolizumab injection

What is this medicine?

MEPOLIZUMAB (me poe LIZ ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It treats severe asthma. It is used with other drugs for asthma. It also treats other conditions that have a high level of eosinophils (a type of white blood cell) called hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES) or Churg-Strauss Syndrome.

How should I use this medicine?

This drug is injected under the skin. It is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic setting.

If you get this drug at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Use it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your health care provider tells you to stop.

If you use a pen, be sure to take off the outer needle cover before using the dose. It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or healthcare provider to get one.

This drug comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this drug. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or health care provider if you have questions.

Talk to your health care provider about the use of this drug in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 6 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• painful rash or blisters

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• back pain

• headache

• pain, redness, or irritation at the site where injected

• weak or tired

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected.

What if I miss a dose?

If you get this drug at the hospital or clinic: It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care provider if you are unable to keep an appointment.

If you give yourself this drug at home: If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. Then continue your normal schedule. If it is almost time for your next dose, take only that dose. Do not take double or extra doses. Call your health care provider with questions.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F).

Refrigeration (preferred): Store it in the refrigerator. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Remove the dose from the carton about 30 minutes before it is time for you to take it. Use it within 8 hours of removing it from the carton. If the dose is out of the carton for more than 8 hours, throw it away. Throw away any unused drug after the expiration date.

Room Temperature: This drug may be stored at room temperature for up to 7 days. Keep it in the original carton until you are ready to take it. Once removed from the carton, it must be used within 8 hours. If it is out of the carton for more than 8 hours, throw it away. If it is stored at room temperature, throw away any unused drug after 7 days or after it expires, whichever is first.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• parasitic (helminth) infection

• an unusual or allergic reaction to mepolizumab, hamster proteins, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Talk with your doctor if you have not had chickenpox or the vaccine for chickenpox.

Do not stop taking your other asthma medicines unless instructed to do so by your doctor or health care professional.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.