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Overview: Zilbrysq is used to treat myasthenia gravis. It works by blocking part of the immune system called the complement system, which is overactive in people with this condition. Common side effects include nose or throat infections, diarrhea, and pain, itching, swelling, or irritation near the injection site. Zilbrysq increases the risk of serious, life-threatening meningococcal infections, so you may need certain vaccines before starting it. Get emergency help right away if you have symptoms such as fever, headache with a stiff neck, confusion, or vision that is sensitive to light. Zilbrysq is a once-daily injection that you or a caregiver can give using a prefilled syringe or autoinjector.

Uses

What is Zilbrysq used for?

Zilbrysq (zilucoplan) is commonly used to treat a condition of the nerves and muscles called myasthenia gravis.

Learn more about Zilbrysq for myasthenia gravis.

Zilbrysq may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Zilbrysq work (mechanism of action)?

Zilbrysq is a complement inhibitor. It blocks a specific part of the immune system called the complement pathway. People with certain conditions, such as myasthenia gravis, have an overactive complement pathway. Blocking this pathway can decrease the symptoms of these conditions. 

How is Zilbrysq supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Zilbrysq

Dosage forms and strengths

  • 16.6 mg, 23 mg, and 32.4 mg single-dose prefilled syringes
  • 16.6 mg, 23 mg, and 32.4 mg single-dose prefilled autoinjectors

How should I store Zilbrysq?

Zilbrysq should be kept in its original carton to protect it from light. It must be stored in the refrigerator, between 36 F to 46 F (2 C to 8 C). Do not freeze the medicine.

Zilbrysq can be stored at room temperature up to 86 F (30 C) for up to 3 months, if needed. Once it has been stored at room temperature, it cannot be placed back into the refrigerator. If it is not used within 3 months of being stored at room temperature, it should be thrown away.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Zilbrysq?

The most common side effects of Zilbrysq are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness/discoloration near the injection site
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Zilbrysq that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Zilbrysq?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Zilbrysq are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Zilbrysq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Zilbrysq and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Meningococcal Infections. Zilbrysq increases your risk of serious meningococcal infections, such as meningitis, which can become life-threatening or fatal if not treated early. You may need certain meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before your first dose, and you may need revaccination while using Zilbrysq. If you need to start right away, you will also need to take antibiotics. Vaccines do not prevent all meningococcal infections. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever
  • Fever with a racing heart or rash
  • Headache with nausea or vomiting
  • Headache 
  • Stiff neck or stiff back
  • Confusion
  • Muscle aches with flu-like symptoms
  • Eyes that are sensitive to light

Other Serious Infections. Zilbrysq can also increase your risk of other infections, including those that can cause pneumonia and gonorrhea. In rare cases, gonorrhea can spread through the body and become serious. Talk with your healthcare provider about how to prevent gonorrhea and whether you should be tested regularly. Your healthcare provider may recommend a pneumococcal vaccine before you start Zilbrysq. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of an infection.

  • Fever, sweats, or chills
  • Cough, coughing up blood, or shortness of breath
  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Warm, discolored, or painful skin
  • Unusual discharge from the penis or vagina

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Zilbrysq may cause inflammation of the pancreas, called pancreatitis. It may also cause the growth of fluid-filled sacs on the pancreas, called pancreatic cysts. Stop using Zilbrysq and call your health care provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis or pancreatic cysts, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Zilbrysq?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Zilbrysq.

  • Zilucoplan
  • Zilbrysq
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Zilbrysq.

Meningococcal Infections. You should not start Zilbrysq if you have a serious meningococcal infection that has not cleared up.

What should I know about Zilbrysq before using it?

Do not use Zilbrysq unless it has been prescribed to you by a health care provider. Use it as prescribed.

Do not share Zilbrysq with other people, even if they have the same condition as you. It may harm them.

Keep Zilbrysq out of the reach of children. Since this medicine should be kept in a refrigerator, take special precautions to keep it away from children who also use the refrigerator. 

This medicine is injected under the skin. Make sure that you or a caregiver understands how to properly prepare and use Zilbrysq. If you have any questions, talk to your health care provider. 

Zilbrysq can increase the risk of gonorrhea, a type of sexually transmitted disease (STD). To help reduce the risk of this infection, it is important to follow safe sex practices, such as using a condom, and talk with your health care provider about when you and your partner(s) should get tested.

To help reduce the risk of serious meningococcal infections, Zilbrysq is only available through a restricted program. Before you start using Zilbrysq, you and your health care provider must enroll in this program. Your health care provider will discuss the risks with you and ensure that you have received your meningococcal vaccines at least 2 weeks before starting the medicine. If you need to start Zilbrysq right away and have not yet received all of the necessary vaccines, you may need to take antibiotics to prevent infection until the vaccines have time to work. Your health care provider will also provide you with a Patient Safety Card about this risk for you to show to other health care providers. You should keep this card with you at all times while you are using Zilbrysq and for 2 months after you stop using it.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Zilbrysq?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Zilbrysq is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Inflamed Pancreas. Let your health care provider know if you have ever had a condition called pancreatitis. Keep any appointments for blood work before starting Zilbrysq to make sure it is safe for you to use.

Infection or Fever. Before starting Zilbrysq, it is important to talk to your health care provider about any serious infections you have had in the past, and if you have a current fever or infection.

Vaccine History. Certain vaccines can help reduce your risk of infections while using Zilbrysq. Make sure that your health care provider knows your full vaccine history. They will use this information to plan which vaccines you may need before starting this medicine.

Pregnancy. Zilbrysq may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while using Zilbrysq, you can sign up for a egnancy registry by calling 844-599-2273. This registry collects safety information about the use of Zilbrysq during pregnancy.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Zilbrysq passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Zilbrysq while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Zilbrysq?

For more information about Zilbrysq, you can visit the drugmaker's website at www.zilbrysq.com or call them at 844-599-2273.

Interactions

Does Zilbrysq interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Zilbrysq and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Zilbrysq.

Does Zilbrysq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Zilbrysq and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Zilbrysq?

If you or someone else has used too much Zilbrysq, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Zilbrysq?

If you miss a dose, use Zilbrysq as soon as you remember. Then use your next dose at the normal scheduled time. Do not use more than one dose per day unless directed by your health care provider.