This medication is a humanized monoclonal antibody, prescribed for multiple sclerosis and Crohn's disease. It stops certain cells of the immune system from reaching the brain and spinal cord or digestive tract and causes damage of those cells.
Contraindicated in patients with progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy ((PML) (life-threatening infection of the brain)), and hypersensitivity.
IV- The recommended dose is 300 mg, over one hour infusion every four weeks.
It comes as a solution for injection to be administered by a healthcare provider into the vein.
• Caution should be exercised in patients with history of liver impairment, poor immunity, fever, herpes, shingles, or an infection, are receiving chemotherapy or radiation treatments, any allergy, who are taking other medications, during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
• It may cause dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication.
• Avoid contact with people who have infections.
• Monitor complete blood cell counts, liver function, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans regularly while taking this medication.
• Regular visit to your doctor’s office is recommended.
• Most Common :
Headache, fatigue, joint pain, urinary tract infection, lower respiratory tract infection, stomach inflammation, vaginal inflammation, depression, pain in extremity, abdominal discomfort, diarrhea, and rash.
• General :
Chest discomfort, hypersensitivity reactions, seasonal allergy, rigors and increased or decreased weight.
• Genitourinary :
Urinary tract infection, Irregular periods, painful menstruation, absence of menstrual cycle and ovarian cyst.
• Musculoskeletal :
Pain in extremity, muscle cramp and joint swelling.
• Gastrointestinal :
Abnormal liver function and tooth infections.
• Skin :
Rash, itching, night sweats and skin inflammation.
• Central Nervous System :
Depression, drowsiness, fainting, kidney impairment, urinary incontinence and urinary urgency/frequency.
• Respiratory :
Lower respiratory tract infection.
Avoid excess dosage.
Store it in refrigerator (2 to 8°C). Do not freeze it.