Why is this medicine prescribed?
Lebrikizumab-lbkz injection is used to treat eczema (atopic dermatitis; a skin disease that causes dry, itchy skin and red, scaly rashes). Lebrikizumab-lbkz is in a class of medications called interleukin-13 receptor inhibitors. It works by blocking the activity of interleukin-13, a substance in the body that causes inflammation.
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?
Lebrikizumab-lbkz injection comes as a solution (liquid) in prefilled syringes and prefilled pens to be injected subcutaneously (under the skin). It is given once every 2 or 4 weeks. Your doctor will tell you how much to use and how often to use lebrikizumab-lbkz injection.
Use lebrikizumab-lbkz injection exactly as directed. Do not inject more or less of it or inject it more often than prescribed by your doctor.
You may receive your first dose of lebrikizumab-lbkz injection in your doctor's office. After that, you may be able to inject the medication yourself at home or have a caregiver perform the injections. Your doctor will show you or the person who will be injecting the medication how to inject it. Read the written instructions for use that come with lebrikizumab-lbkz injection before you inject the medication.
Use each syringe and pen only once and inject all the solution in the syringe or pen. Do not reuse lebrikizumab-lbkz pre-filled syringes. Do not recap the syringes after use. Dispose of used syringes and pens in a puncture-resistant container. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about how to dispose of the puncture-resistant container.
Always look at lebrikizumab-lbkz injection solution before injecting it. Check that the expiration date has not passed and that the liquid is clear and colorless or pale yellow or brown. Do not use a syringe or pen if it is expired or if the liquid is cloudy, discolored or contains large or colored particles.
You can inject lebrikizumab-lbkz injection on the front of your thighs (upper leg) or stomach area except your navel (belly button) and the area 2 inches (5 centimeters) around it. If someone else is giving you the injection, the back of the upper arm may also be used. Use a different injection site for each injection. Do not inject the medication into damaged, bruised, scarred or tender skin.
Do not shake a syringe or pen that contains lebrikizumab-lbkz injection.
Ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before using lebrikizumab-lbkz injection,
- tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to this medication, any part of this medication, or any other medications, foods or substances. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about the allergy and what symptoms you had.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had a parasitic infection or any eye problems.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while using lebrikizumab-lbkz injection, call your doctor.
- check with your doctor to see if you need to receive any vaccinations. Do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do if I forget to take a dose?
Use the missed dose as soon as you remember it and then continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not use a double dose to make up for a missed one. Call your doctor if you are unclear about your dosing schedule.
What should I do in case of overdose?
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help . If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What side effects can this medicine cause?
Lebrikizumab-lbkz may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- pain, swelling, redness at the site of injection
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:
- new or worsening eye problems, including eye pain, blurred vision, pink or red eye(s), red or swollen eyelids, or changes in vision
- hives; rash; itching; swelling of the face, eyes, mouth, throat, tongue, or lips; difficulty breathing or swallowing; dizziness; fainting; or stomach cramps
- painful rash on one side of face or body, with blisters, itching, or tingling in rash area
Lebrikizumab-lbkz injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( https://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch ) or by phone ( 1-800-332-1088).What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Keep this medication in the original container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store lebrikizumab-lbkz injection in the refrigerator or at room temperature for up to 7 days. Do not freeze. Keep the syringes and pens in their original cartons to protect them from light.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor.
Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.
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.