Emicizumab

This information from Lexicomp^® explains what you need to know about this medication, including what it’s used for, how to take it, its side effects, and when to call your healthcare provider.

Brand Names: US

Hemlibra

Brand Names: Canada

Hemlibra

What is this drug used for?

• It is used to prevent bleeding in people with hemophilia A.

What do I need to tell the doctor BEFORE my child takes this drug?

• If your child is allergic to this drug; any part of this drug; or any other drugs, foods, or substances. Tell the doctor about the allergy and what signs your child had.

This drug may interact with other drugs or health problems.

Tell the doctor and pharmacist about all of your child’s drugs (prescription or OTC, natural products, vitamins) and health problems. You must check to make sure that it is safe to give this drug with all of your child’s other drugs and health problems. Do not start, stop, or change the dose of any drug your child takes without checking with the doctor.

What are some things I need to know or do while my child takes this drug?

• Tell all of your child’s health care providers that your child is taking this drug. This includes your child’s doctors, nurses, pharmacists, and dentists.
• Have blood work checked as you have been told by the doctor. Talk with the doctor.
• This drug may affect certain lab tests. This may last up to 6 months after your child’s last dose. Be sure your child’s doctor and lab workers know your child takes this drug.
• Call the doctor right away if the normal dose does not work as well.
• If your child’s weight changes, talk with the doctor. The dose of this drug may need to be changed.

If your child is or may be sexually active:

• Have your child use birth control to prevent pregnancy while taking this drug.

If your child is pregnant or breast-feeding a baby:

• Talk with the doctor if your child is pregnant, becomes pregnant, or is breast-feeding a baby. You will need to talk about the benefits and risks to your child and the baby.

What are some side effects that I need to call my child’s doctor about right away?

WARNING/CAUTION: Even though it may be rare, some people may have very bad and sometimes deadly side effects when taking a drug. Tell your child’s doctor or get medical help right away if your child has any of the following signs or symptoms that may be related to a very bad side effect:

• Signs of an allergic reaction, like rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin with or without fever; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
• Change in skin color to black or purple.

What are some other side effects of this drug?

All drugs may cause side effects. However, many people have no side effects or only have minor side effects. Call your child’s doctor or get medical help if any of these side effects or any other side effects bother your child or do not go away:

• Pain, redness, itching, or irritation where the shot was given.
• Headache.
• Joint pain.
• Diarrhea.

These are not all of the side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, call your child’s doctor. Call your child’s doctor for medical advice about side effects.

You may report side effects to your national health agency.

How is this drug best given?

Give this drug as ordered by your child’s doctor. Read all information given to you. Follow all instructions closely.

• It is given as a shot into the fatty part of the skin on the top of the thigh, belly area, or upper arm.
• If you will be giving your child the shot, your child’s doctor or nurse will teach you how to give the shot.
• You may need to use more than 1 vial to give a dose. Do not combine vials of different strengths in 1 injection.
• Move the site where you give the shot with each shot.
• Do not shake.
• Use right away after removing this drug from the vial.
• This drug is colorless to a faint yellow. Do not use if the solution changes color.
• Do not use if the solution is cloudy, leaking, or has particles.
• Do not give into a mole, scar, or skin that is irritated, tender, bruised, red, hard, or broken.
• Do not use pressure (waist band or belt) on the part where the shot is given.
• Do not draw into a syringe and store for future use.
• Throw away any part of the opened vial not used after the shot is given.
• Throw away needles in a needle/sharp disposal box. Do not reuse needles or other items. When the box is full, follow all local rules for getting rid of it. Talk with a doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions.

What do I do if my child misses a dose?

• Give a missed dose as soon as you think about it and go back to your child’s normal time.
• If you do not think about the missed dose until the day of your child’s next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your child’s normal time.
• Do not give 2 doses on the same day.

How do I store and/or throw out this drug?

• Store in a refrigerator. Do not freeze.
• Store in the original container to protect from light.
• If needed, unopened vials of this drug can be stored at room temperature and then returned to the refrigerator. Do not store this drug at room temperature for more than a total of 7 days. If a vial of this drug has been at room temperature for a total of 7 days, throw the drug away.
• Protect from heat.
• Keep all drugs in a safe place. Keep all drugs out of the reach of children and pets.
• Throw away unused or expired drugs. Do not flush down a toilet or pour down a drain unless you are told to do so. Check with your pharmacist if you have questions about the best way to throw out drugs. There may be drug take-back programs in your area.

General drug facts

• If your child’s symptoms or health problems do not get better or if they become worse, call your child’s doctor.
• Do not share your child’s drug with others and do not give anyone else’s drug to your child.
• Some drugs may have another patient information leaflet. If you have any questions about this drug, please talk with your doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
• If you think there has been an overdose, call your poison control center or get medical care right away. Be ready to tell or show what was taken, how much, and when it happened.

Consumer Information Use and Disclaimer

This generalized information is a limited summary of diagnosis, treatment, and/or medication information. It is not meant to be comprehensive and should be used as a tool to help the user understand and/or assess potential diagnostic and treatment options. It does NOT include all information about conditions, treatments, medications, side effects, or risks that may apply to a specific patient. It is not intended to be medical advice or a substitute for the medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment of a health care provider based on the health care provider’s examination and assessment of a patient’s specific and unique circumstances. Patients must speak with a health care provider for complete information about their health, medical questions, and treatment options, including any risks or benefits regarding use of medications. This information does not endorse any treatments or medications as safe, effective, or approved for treating a specific patient. UpToDate, Inc. and its affiliates disclaim any warranty or liability relating to this information or the use thereof. The use of this information is governed by the Terms of Use, available at https://www.wolterskluwer.com/en/know/clinical-effectiveness-terms.

Last Reviewed Date

2024-02-16

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