Zilucoplan

Generic name: zilucoplan [ ZIL-ue-KOE-plan ]
Brand name: Zilbrysq
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (16.6 mg/0.416 mL; 23 mg/0.574 mL; 32.4 mg/0.81 mL)
Drug class: Selective immunosuppressants

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Apr 8, 2024. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is zilucoplan?

Zilucoplan is used to treat myasthenia gravis in adults.

Your doctor will make sure you have the correct type to be treated with zilucoplan.

Zilucoplan is available only under a special program and from a certified pharmacy. You must understand the risks and benefits of zilucoplan.

Zilucoplan may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Zilucoplan side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor right away if you have signs of infection such as:

• fever, chills, sore throat;

• mouth sores, red or swollen gums;

• pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding;

• chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss;

• signs of meningitis--headache, neck stiffness, increased sensitivity to light, nausea, vomiting, confusion, drowsiness; or

• pancreatitis--severe pain in your upper stomach spreading to your back, nausea and vomiting.

Common side effects of zilucoplan may include:

• pain, bruising, swelling, or irritation where the medicine was injected;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or

• diarrhea.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Vyvgart, pyridostigmine, Mestinon, neostigmine, Ultomiris, Soliris

Warnings

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

You will need to receive certain vaccinations before you start using zilucoplan.

Before taking this medicine

Before you start using zilucoplan, tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, body aches, tiredness, open sores or skin wounds, diarrhea, stomach pain, weight loss, painful urination, or coughing up blood.

You should not use zilucoplan if you have meningitis, an infection caused by a bacteria called Neisseria meningitidis.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• active or recent infection; or

• pancreas problems.

Using zilucoplan may increase your risk of getting certain bacterial infections such as pneumonia, gonorrhea (a sexually transmitted disease), or a bloodstream infection. Ask your doctor about your individual risk and how to prevent an infection.

Make sure you are current on all vaccines that protect against serious bacterial infections including meningitis, at least 2 weeks before you start using zilucoplan. If you were vaccinated in the past, Your doctor will determine if you need additional vaccinations.

It is not known if zilucoplan will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using zilucoplan.

How should I use zilucoplan?

Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Use the medicine exactly as directed.

Read the Patient Wallet Card about serious side effects and learn what symptoms to watch for. Keep the card with you at all times and for 2 months after treatment.

Zilucoplan is injected under the skin, usually once per day at the same time each day.

Read and follow all Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Your healthcare provider will teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself and show you where to inject zilucoplan. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand these instructions or have any questions.

Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it and make sure you understand how to use, store, and throw away zilucoplan. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.

Each prefilled syringe is for one use only. Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. You will need frequent medical tests.

You may be given other medications to help treat or prevent a serious infection or certain side effects. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Store the medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze.

Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 30 to 45 minutes before using. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.

Zilucoplan may also be stored in the original container at room temperature away from light. Do not return the medicine to the refrigerator. Throw the medicine away after 3 months if stored at room temperature.

Zilucoplan dosing information

Usual Adult Dose for Myasthenia Gravis:

Subcutaneous:
18 years or older:
Less than 56 kg: 16.6 mg once a day
56 kg to less than 77 kg: 23 mg once a day
At least 77 kg: 32.4 mg once a day

Maximum dose: 32.4 mg/day

Comments:
-Before starting therapy, baseline lipase and amylase levels should be obtained.
-Healthcare providers who prescribe this drug should enroll in the ZILBRYSQ REMS.
-Patients should be vaccinated for meningococcal infection according to current advisory committee on immunization practices (ACIP) recommendations at least 2 weeks before administering this drug.
-If immediate therapy is indicated, consider administering the required vaccine as soon as possible and provide patients with antibacterial drug prophylaxis.

Use: For the treatment of generalized myasthenia gravis (gMG) in patients who are anti-acetylcholine receptor (AChR) antibody positive

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while using zilucoplan?

Avoid injecting into skin that is hard, red, bruised, swollen, tender, has scars, or stretch marks.

What other drugs will affect zilucoplan?

Other drugs may affect zilucoplan, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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