Uses
Side Effects
Warnings & Precautions
Interactions
Overdose/Missed Dose
Reviews Uses
What is Zilbrysq used for?
Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is commonly used to treat a condition of the nerves and muscles called myasthenia gravis.
Learn more about Zilbrysq for myasthenia gravis.
Zilbrysq may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Zilbrysq work (mechanism of action)?
Zilbrysq is a complement inhibitor. It blocks a specific part of the immune system called the complement pathway. People with certain conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, have an overactive complement pathway. Blocking this pathway can decrease the symptoms of these conditions.
How is Zilbrysq supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Zilbrysq
Dosage forms and strengths
- 16.6 mg/0.416 mL prefilled syringes
- 23 mg/0.574 mL prefilled syringes
- 32.4 mg/0.81 mL prefilled syringes
How should I store Zilbrysq?
Zilbrysq should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze the medicine.
Zilbrysq can be stored at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) for up to three months, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be placed back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within three months of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away.
Side Effects
What are the most common side effects of Zilbrysq?
The most common side effects of Zilbrysq are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
There may be other side effects of Zilbrysq that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Zilbrysq?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Zilbrysq are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Zilbrysq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zilbrysq and 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, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
- Nausea or vomiting
- Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
- Stomach cramps
- Joint pain
Infections. Zilbrysq can increase the risk of infections from certain types of bacteria that can cause meningitis, pneumonia, gonorrhea, or other conditions. To help reduce your risk of some of these infections, your healthcare provider may recommend that you receive certain vaccines before starting Zilbrysq. Call your healthcare provider right away if you develop an infection or any of the following symptoms.
- Headache, along with nausea, vomiting, fever, or a stiff neck or back
- Sensitivity to light
- Muscle aches
- Confusion
- Burning or stinging when you pee
- Cough or coughing up blood
- Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
- Shortness of breath
- Warm, red, or painful skin
- Weight loss
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Zilbrysq may cause inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis. It may also cause the growth of fluid-filled sacs on the pancreas, called pancreatic cysts. Stop using Zilbrysq and call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Zilbrysq?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zilbrysq.
- Zilucoplan
- Zilbrysq
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zilbrysq.
Meningococcal Infections. You should not use Zilbrysq if you have a current meningococcal infection.
What should I know about Zilbrysq before using it?
Do not use Zilbrysq unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. Use it as prescribed.
Do not share Zilbrysq with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.
Keep Zilbrysq out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator.
This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Zilbrysq. If you have any questions, talk to your healthcare provider.
Zilbrysq can increase the risk of gonorrhea, a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). To help reduce the risk of this infection, it is important to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom, and talk with your healthcare provider about when you and your partner(s) should get tested.
To help reduce the risk of serious meningococcal infections, Zilbrysq is only available through a restricted program. Before you start using Zilbrysq, you and your healthcare provider must enroll in this program. Your healthcare provider will discuss the risks with you and ensure that you have received your meningococcal vaccines at least two weeks before starting the medicine. If you need to start Zilbrysq right away and have not yet received all of the necessary vaccines, you may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection until the vaccines have time to work. Your healthcare provider will also provide you with a Patient Safety Card about this risk for you to show to other healthcare providers. You should keep this card with you at all times while you are using Zilbrysq and for two months after you stop using it.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Zilbrysq?
Tell your healthcare 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 Zilbrysq is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Let your healthcare provider know if you have ever had a condition called pancreatitis. Keep any appointments for blood work before starting Zilbrysq to make sure it is safe for you to use.
Infection or Fever. Before starting Zilbrysq, it is important to talk to your healthcare provider about any serious infections you have had in the past, and if you have a current fever or infection.
Vaccine History. Certain vaccines can help reduce your risk of infections while using Zilbrysq. Make sure that your healthcare provider knows your full vaccine history. They will use this information to determine which vaccines you may need before starting this medicine.
Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Zilbrysq could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zilbrysq passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Zilbrysq?
For more information about Zilbrysq, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.zilbrysq.com or call them at 844-599-2273.
Interactions
Does Zilbrysq interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Zilbrysq and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zilbrysq.
Does Zilbrysq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Zilbrysq and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zilbrysq?
If you or someone else has used too much Zilbrysq, 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 Zilbrysq?
If you miss a dose, use Zilbrysq as soon as you remember. Then use your next dose at the normal scheduled time. Do not use more than one dose per day unless directed by your healthcare provider.