Drug Detail:Hemlibra (Emicizumab [ em-a-siz-ue-mab ])
Generic Name: EMICIZUMAB 30mg in 1mL
Dosage Form: injection, solution
Drug Class: Miscellaneous coagulation modifiers
Recommended Dosage
For subcutaneous use only.
The recommended loading dose is 3 mg/kg by subcutaneous injection once weekly for the first 4 weeks, followed by a maintenance dose of:
- 1.5 mg/kg once every week, or
- 3 mg/kg once every two weeks, or
- 6 mg/kg once every four weeks.
The selection of a maintenance dose should be based on healthcare provider preference with consideration of regimens that may increase patient adherence.
Discontinue the prophylactic use of bypassing agents the day before starting HEMLIBRA prophylaxis.
The prophylactic use of factor VIII (FVIII) products may be continued during the first week of HEMLIBRA prophylaxis.
Preparation and Administration
HEMLIBRA is intended for use under the guidance of a healthcare provider. After proper training in subcutaneous injection technique, a patient may self-inject, or the patient's caregiver may administer HEMLIBRA, if a healthcare provider determines that it is appropriate. Self-administration is not recommended for children less than 7 years of age. The HEMLIBRA "Instructions for Use" contains more detailed instructions on the preparation and administration of HEMLIBRA [see Instructions for Use].
- Visually inspect HEMLIBRA for particulate matter and discoloration before administration. HEMLIBRA for subcutaneous administration is a colorless to slightly yellow solution. Do not use if particulate matter is visible or product is discolored.
- A syringe, a transfer needle with filter and an injection needle are needed to withdraw HEMLIBRA solution from the vial and inject it subcutaneously.
- Refer to the HEMLIBRA "Instructions for Use" for handling instructions when combining vials. Do not combine HEMLIBRA vials of different concentrations (i.e. 30 mg/mL and 150 mg/mL) in a single injection.
Please see below the selection criteria for the recommended device options:
- Administer doses of HEMLIBRA up to 1 mL with a 1 mL syringe. A 1 mL syringe fulfilling the following criteria may be used: Transparent polypropylene or polycarbonate syringe with Luer-Lock tip, graduation 0.01 mL, sterile, for injection only, single-use, latex-free and non-pyrogenic, commercially available in the US.
- Administer doses of HEMLIBRA greater than 1 mL and up to 2 mL with a 2 mL or 3 mL syringe. A 2 mL or 3 mL syringe fulfilling the following criteria may be used: Transparent polypropylene or polycarbonate syringe with Luer-Lock tip, graduation 0.1 mL, sterile, for injection only, single-use, latex-free, and non-pyrogenic, commercially available in the US.
- A transfer needle with a filter fulfilling the following criteria should be used: Stainless steel needle with Luer-Lock connection, sterile, 18 gauge, length 1 to 1½ inch, single bevel or semi-blunted tip, single-use, latex-free, containing a 5-micron filter and non-pyrogenic, commercially available in the US.
- An injection needle fulfilling the following criteria may be used: Stainless steel with Luer-Lock connection, sterile, 26 gauge (acceptable range: 25 – 27 gauge), length preferably ⅜ inch or maximal length ½ inch, single-use, latex-free and non-pyrogenic, including needle safety feature, commercially available in the US.
- Administer each injection at a different anatomic location (upper outer arms, thighs, or any quadrant of abdomen) than the previous injection. An injection should never be given into moles, scars, or areas where the skin is tender, bruised, red, hard, or not intact. Administration of HEMLIBRA in the upper outer arm should only be performed by a caregiver or healthcare provider.
- Discard any unused HEMLIBRA remaining in the single-dose vial.