Pregnancy & Lactation: Risk data not available
What is Sotatercept?
Sotatercept is used in adults to treat pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). This medicine improves your ability to exercise, improve your ability to perform normal activities, and can help prevent your condition from getting worse.
Sotatercept may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- active or uncontrolled bleeding;
- a history of low levels of platelets in your blood; or
- any other medical condition or take any medicine.
Sotatercept may affect fertility in men or women. Pregnancy could be harder to achieve while either parent is using this medicine.
May harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using sotatercept and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant or plan to become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
If you use sotatercept during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, your name may be listed on a drug exposure registry to track the effects of sotatercept on the baby.
How should I use Sotatercept
Use Sotatercept (Subcutaneous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose. Use the medicine exactly as directed.
Sotatercept is injected under the skin, usually once every 3 weeks. A healthcare provider may give you this injection or may teach you how to properly use this medicine by yourself.
Do not use this medicine more often than prescribed.
Your blood will need to be tested before your first 5 doses of sotatercept and longer if needed. Your treatment schedule may be delayed or changed based on the results.
Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
Your dose should be given as 1 or 2 injections under the skin to receive the full dose. Do not inject into the same place two times in a row. Do not give an injection into skin that is scarred, bruised, or tender.
Read and carefully follow any Instructions for Use before preparing and giving your first dose. Prepare an injection only when you are ready to give it. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you do not understand these instructions.
Be sure you understand how to properly mix and store this medicine with a liquid (diluent) and how to store the mixture. Call your pharmacist if the medicine looks cloudy, has changed colors or has particles in it.
Take the medicine out of the refrigerator and let it reach room temperature for 15 minutes before using. Do not leave the medicine out for longer than 24 hours.
Do not reuse a needle or syringe. Place them in a puncture-proof "sharps" container and dispose of it following state or local laws. Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
You should not change your dose or stop using sotatercept suddenly. Follow your doctor's instructions.
Sotatercept can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury. Call your doctor if you have bruising or any bleeding that will not stop.
Store the medicine in the original container in the refrigerator. Protect from light and do not freeze.
Use the medicine as soon as you remember, and then go back to your regular schedule. Do not use two doses at one time.
Call your doctor for instructions if you are more than 3 days late for the dose or if you are unsure the correct dose was given.
Sotatercept side effects
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Sotatercept can raise your hemoglobin levels, which can increase your risk of blood clots. Seek emergency medical help if you have:
- signs of a blood clot in the lung--chest pain, sudden cough or shortness of breath, dizziness, coughing up blood; or
- signs of a blood clot deep in the body--pain, swelling, or warmth in one leg.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- easy bruising, bleeding that will not stop, purple or red spots under your skin;
- sudden weakness (especially on one side of the body), severe headache, problems with speech or vision, pounding in your neck or ears; or
- bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
Your treatment may be permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- headache, dizziness;
- nosebleed;
- skin rash, skin redness;
- small, visible blood vessels on the skin (spider veins); or
- diarrhea.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect Sotatercept?
Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding or injury. Use extra care while shaving or brushing your teeth.