Nipocalimab (Intravenous)
Nipocalimab is used to treat myasthenia gravis in adults and children at least 12 years old.
Your doctor will make sure you have the correct antibody type to be treated with nipocalimab.
Nipocalimab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Nipocalimab (Intravenous)?
You should not use nipocalimab if you are allergic to it.
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- if you recently received or are scheduled to receive a vaccine; or
- an active, chronic, or recent infection such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), herpes simplex or herpes zoster (shingles) virus.
Make sure you are current on all vaccines before you start receiving nipocalimab.
Tell your baby's doctor if you used nipocalimab during pregnancy. It could affect your baby's vaccination schedule.
It is not known if nipocalimab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, you may be enrolled in a pregnancy safety study to track the effects of nipocalimab on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Nipocalimab (Intravenous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during or after the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
You may get infections more easily. 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; or
- chest discomfort, wheezing, dry cough or hack, rapid weight loss.
Your treatment may be delayed if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
- swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet; or
- muscle spasms.
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.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Nipocalimab (Intravenous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
Tell your baby's doctor if you used nipocalimab during pregnancy. It could affect your baby's vaccination schedule.
It is not known if nipocalimab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
If you are pregnant, you may be enrolled in a pregnancy safety study to track the effects of nipocalimab on the baby.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Nipocalimab (Intravenous)?
Avoid receiving a "live" vaccine. The vaccine may not work as well while you are using nipocalimab. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, varicella (chickenpox), and zoster (shingles).
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Nipocalimab (Intravenous)?
Use Nipocalimab (Intravenous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Nipocalimab is usually given once every 2 weeks as an infusion into a vein by a healthcare provider.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure nipocalimab is the right treatment for you.
After receiving an injection, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction or serious side effects.
Your healthcare provider may give other medications to help prevent an allergic reaction or serious side effects, or give nipocalimab more slowly or stop your infusion if you develop a reaction.
You may get infections more easily. You may need frequent medical tests.
Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your nipocalimab injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Nipocalimab (Intravenous)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.