6 mins read

Gamifant is used for certain people with conditions called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Gamifant works by blocking a substance called interferon-gamma, which is increased in people with either HLH or MAS. Common side effects include infections, high blood pressure, reactions to the infusion, and fever. Some infections can be life-threatening. Contact your health care provider right away if you get an infection while using Gamifant.

Uses

What is Gamifant used for?

Gamifant (emapalumab-lzsg) is commonly used for certain people with a rare condition called hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) and for certain people with HLH/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) who have or may have Still’s disease.

Gamifant may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Gamifant work (mechanism of action)?

People who have either hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH) or macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) have a problem with their immune system that can lead to life-threatening problems. In both of these conditions, your levels of a substance called interferon-gamma are too high. Gamifant works by blocking interferon-gamma. By blocking this substance, Gamifant helps to reduce inflammation that is caused by the immune system problem.

How is Gamifant supplied (dosage forms)?

Gamifant is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Gamifant?

Gamifant is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Gamifant?

The most common side effects of Gamifant are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Infections (see below)
  • High blood pressure
  • Infusion reactions (see below)
  • Fever
  • Rash

There may be other side effects of Gamifant that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Gamifant?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Gamifant are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Gamifant may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching orskin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Gamifant can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion. 

  • Fever or chills
  • Sweating
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Rash or hives
  • Headache
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning in your arms, feet, or face

Infections. Gamifant can increase your risk of infections, including serious or life-threatening infections. Take any medicine your health care provider may give you to help prevent an infection. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Warm, red, or painful skin
  • Skin sores

Reactivated Infections. Some types of microbes that cause infections (such as bacteria or viruses) can remain in the body after you recover from that infection. When a microbe stays in the body but does not cause an infection, it is called a “latent” microbe. Gamifant may increase your risk of a latent microbe becoming active again, causing an infection. Before you start treatment with Gamifant, tell your health care provider if you have ever had tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, cytomegalovirus (CMV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), or any other serious infections.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Gamifant?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Gamifant.

  • Emapalumab
  • Gamifant
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Gamifant.

What should I know about Gamifant before using it?

Gamifant is given as an infusion into the vein (IV) by a health care professional in a health care facility. You may need to take other medicines while you are using Gamifant. Take all medicines exactly as prescribed.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider. These appointments are needed for your health care provider to help lower the risk of any problems you may have from use of this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Gamifant?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Gamifant is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current Infection. Let your health care provider know if you have a current infection or any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, chills, breathing problems, bloody mucus, or warm and painful skin. You should also let your health care provider know if you have an infection that keeps coming back.

Serious Past Infections. Before starting Gamifant, it is important to talk to your health care provider about any serious infections you have had in the past. Some examples include tuberculosis (TB), chickenpox, shingles (herpes zoster), or a fungal infection.

Vaccines. Talk to your health care provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before or while using Gamifant. Tell your health care provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Gamifant may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Gamifant, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Gamifant could affect pregnancy or harm a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Gamifant passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Gamifant?

For more information about Gamifant, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.gamifant.com or call them at 866-773-5274.

Interactions

Does Gamifant interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Gamifant and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Gamifant, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight infection.

Does Gamifant interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Gamifant may alter the blood levels of many other medicines. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Gamifant. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Gamifant?

If you or someone else has used too much Gamifant, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Gamifant?

Gamifant is given by a health care provider in a health care facility. If you miss an appointment to get your dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.