Uses of undefined

Itolizumab Injection has been developed to treat moderate to severe plaque psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. It is also increasingly used to reduce inflammation and cytokine release in COVID-19 patients.

undefined Drug administaration and Dosage available

In case of plaque psoriasis and cytokine release syndrome, initial dose is 1.6mg/kg indicated as an intravenous infusion. For plaque psoriasis, a dose of 1.6mg/kg in administered every 2 weeks for 12 weeks, followed by 1.6mg/kg every 4 weeks up to 24 weeks. Approximately 50ml will be administered in the first hour, followed by the remaining dose within the next hour. 

For patients with cytokine release syndrome, the first infusion of 1.6mg/kg will be initiated at the rate of 25ml/hr in the first hour, followed by 50ml/hr for the next 5-6 hours if well tolerated. Itolizumab is available as single dose vial of injection, intended for IV infusion with each vial containing 100mg Itolizumab (rDNA origin).

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of undefined

Warnings

Contact your physician immediately if you experience severe rash, allergic reactions, or any signs of new infection. Itolizumab is not recommended if you are allergic to any of its ingredients. During this treatment your physician may monitor your vitals to prevent serious complications. Exercise caution while receiving Itolizumab Injection if you have been diagnosed with HIV, active or latent tuberculosis, hepatitis B or C. Inform your health care provider if you are about to undergo any dental or surgical procedures while on treatment with Itolizumab Injection.

Precautions

Itolizumab can affect the fertility of males and females. Ask your health care provider for advice if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, planning to have a baby, or breastfeeding your baby. Itolizumab is probably unsafe during pregnancy it has the ability to cross the placental barrier and harm an unborn baby. It is mostly unsafe to breastfeed while on treatment with Itolizumab. Discuss with your healthcare provider and either discontinue the treatment with Itolizumab or discontinue breastfeeding while on treatment with Itolizumab. Discuss effective contraceptive methods with your healthcare provider and consider using them for at least 5 months after the last dose of Itolizumab.

Side Effects

The common side effects that are likely to occur while you are on the treatment with Itolizumab Injection are injection site reactions, respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, pruritus, and fever. If you experience sickness, infection or allergies during this treatment, report to your doctor immediately.

Word Of Advice

Check with your health care provider before receiving any vaccines and inform them if you are taking any other medications or herbal supplements.

Frequently Asked Question

• When should you use Itolizumab injection?
• It would be ideal to mark your calendar with the dates of your treatment so that you remember when to take Itolizumab injection.

• Is it safe to use Itolizumab Injection during pregnancy?
• Itolizumab is probably unsafe during pregnancy as the chances of fetal harm is high. Tell your healthcare provider before starting treatment with Itolizumab Injection if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant.

• Is it safe to undergo a surgery during the treatment with Itolizumab Injection?
• Itolizumab Injection is not associated with bleeding or bruising. However, it is advisable to discuss with your physician before undergoing surgery or dental procedure while on treatment with Itolizumab Injection.

• How to store Itolizumab injection?
• Store Itolizumab injection in a refrigerator in its original container away from light. This injection does not contain preservatives. Hence, it is advisable to discard the unused portion.

• What are the common side effects of Itolizumab Injection?
• Injection site reactions, respiratory tract infections, diarrhoea, pruritus and fever are some of the most common side effects associated with Itolizumab treatment.

• Who should not use Itolizumab Injection?
• People who are allergic or hypersensitive to Itolizumab, monoclonal antibodies and murine proteins should not receive Itolizumab Injection.