Anifrolumab is used together with other medicines to treat moderate to severe systemic lupus erythematosus or lupus (autoimmune disease that causes inflammation of certain organs in the body).
Anifrolumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Anifrolumab must be used regularly for it to be effective. Continue using this medicine even when you feel better. Do not stop taking it unless instructed by the doctor.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Anifrolumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Anifrolumab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine or any of its ingredients.
Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. You must avoid any vaccinations without consulting with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- severe infections, infections that keep coming back, or risk factors for infection
- tuberculosis (lung infection)
- active or risk factors for cancer
- severe kidney or brain problems associated with lupus
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and infections may also be needed.
Anifrolumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, and vomiting.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of infection e.g. fever, chills, cough, ear or sinus pain, increased sputum, change in colour of sputum, pain or difficulty in passing urine
- warm, red, or painful skin or sores
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Anifrolumab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Throw away any unused solution.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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