Why is this medicine prescribed?
Ibalizumab-uiyk is used with other medications to treat human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection in adults who have been treated with several other HIV medications in the past and whose HIV could not be successfully be treated with other medications, including their current therapy. Ibalizumab-uiyk is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking HIV from infecting cells in the body. Although ibalizumab-uiyk does not cure HIV, it may decrease your chance of developing acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) and HIV-related illnesses such as serious infections or cancer. Taking these medications along with practicing safer sex and making other life-style changes may decrease the risk of transmitting (spreading) the HIV virus to other people.
Are there other uses for this medicine?
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
How should this medicine be used?
Ibalizumab-uiyk comes as solution (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) over 15 to 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse. It is usually given once every 2 weeks. A doctor or nurse will watch you carefully for side effects while the medication is being infused, and for up to an 1 hour afterwards.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before taking ibalizumab-uiyk injection,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ibalizumab-uiyk, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in ibalizumab-uiyk injection. Ask your pharmacist for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while receiving ibalizumab-uiyk injection, call your doctor. Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed if you are infected with HIV or if you are receiving ibalizumab-uiyk injection.
- you should know that while you are taking medications to treat HIV infection, your immune system may get stronger and begin to fight other infections that were already in your body. This may cause you to develop symptoms of those infections. If you have new or worsening symptoms during your treatment with ibalizumab-uiyk injection, be sure to tell your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Ibalizumab-uiyk injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- diarrhea
- nausea
- rash
- dizziness
Ibalizumab-uiyk injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will/may order certain lab tests to check your body's response to ibalizumab-uiyk injection.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list with you in case of emergencies.