Qfitlia (Subcutaneous)
Fitusiran is used in adults and children at least 12 years old with hemophilia A or B to help prevent bleeding episodes or make them occur less often.
Your doctor will make sure you can be treated with fitusiran.
Fitusiran may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Qfitlia (Subcutaneous) used for?
- Hemophilia A
- Hemophilia B
- Hemophilia A with Inhibitors
- Hemophilia B with Inhibitors
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Qfitlia (Subcutaneous)?
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- blood clots or any other blood clotting disorder;
- gallbladder disease; or
- liver disease.
It is not known if fitusiran will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Using fitusiran with certain hormonal birth controls can increase your risk of blood clots. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Do not allow a child to use fitusiran without help from an adult.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Qfitlia (Subcutaneous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Seek medical help right away if you show signs of a blood clot such as sudden numbness or weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, confusion, vision changes, slurred speech, chest pain, shortness of breath, fast heart rate, dizziness, coughing up blood, or pain, swelling, or warmth in arms or legs.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain (upper right side), tiredness, itching, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- gallbladder problems--stomach pain after eating, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, bloating, and severe upper stomach pain that may spread to your back.
Common side effects may include:
- bacterial or viral infections; or
- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat.
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 Qfitlia (Subcutaneous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
It is not known if fitusiran will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Using fitusiran with certain hormonal birth controls can increase your risk of blood clots. Use barrier birth control to prevent pregnancy: condom, diaphragm, cervical cap, or contraceptive sponge. Ask your doctor if you have any questions.
Ask a doctor if it is safe to breastfeed while using this medicine.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Qfitlia (Subcutaneous)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Qfitlia (Subcutaneous)?
Use Qfitlia (Subcutaneous) 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.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Tell your doctor if you are using other treatments to help protect against bleeding. Your healthcare provider will provide instructions for stopping your current treatment when switching to fitusiran.
Fitusiran is injected under the skin. Your healthcare provider will show you or your caregiver where to inject fitusiran. Your doctor will determine your treatment schedule.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use provided with your medicine. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you don't understand how to use an injection.
Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.
Do not inject within 2 inches of your navel, or areas where the skin is tender, damaged, scaly, has bruises, scars, or visible veins. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row.
Throw away after one use, even if there is still medicine left inside.
Your blood may need to be tested often before and during treatment. Your doctor will need to check your progress on a regular basis.
You may be given other medicines to treat unexpected bleeding during treatment with fitusiran. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully.
Your condition may get worse if you stop using fitusiran suddenly. Ask your doctor before stopping the medicine.
Call your doctor if your symptoms do not improve, or if they get worse.
Store this medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze or shake the medicine.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature before using. Do not warm the medicine with hot water, sunlight, or a microwave.
You may store fitusiran at room temperature. Certain formulations may only be stable for a limited number of months after being removed from the refrigerator. Throw away any medicine not used within that time. Talk to your pharmacist if you have any questions.
Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.