Nulojix IV

Belatacept is used to help prevent organ rejection in people who have received a kidney transplant. It is used along with other medications (such as mycophenolate, corticosteroids) to allow your new organ to function normally. Belatacept belongs to a class of drugs known as immunosuppressants. It works by weakening your body\'s natural defense (immune system) to prevent your body from rejecting the new kidney.

How to use Nulojix IV
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using belatacept and each time you get a refill. Your doctor may direct you to enroll in a special program from the manufacturer (ENLIST Registry) before using this medication. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 30 minutes. After the first dose, this medication is given on a regular schedule as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your weight.
Do not increase your dose or use this drug more often or for longer than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and the risk of serious side effects may increase.
If you are giving this medication to yourself at home, learn all preparation and usage instructions from your health care professional. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard medical supplies safely.
This medication can increase your risk for serious (even fatal) infections, such as cytomegalovirus or pneumocystis. To help prevent these serious infections, your doctor may direct you to also take other medications along with belatacept. Ask your doctor for details. (See also Precautions section.)
You should receive this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar to keep track of when to receive the next dose.

See also Warning section.
Headache, nausea, or diarrhea may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: change in the amount of urine.
Because belatacept works by weakening the immune system, it may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor promptly if you develop any signs of an infection such as cough, sore throat, fever, or chills.
This drug increases the risk of a rare and possibly fatal brain infection (progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy-PML). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as: clumsiness, difficulty speaking, problems with balance, sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty concentrating, memory loss), vision changes, weakness of the arms and legs that gets worse.
The immune system is also important in preventing and controlling cancer. Very rarely, patients using belatacept have developed cancers (such as lymphoma, skin cancer). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as: new skin lesion or bump, or change in size or color of a mole, night sweats, swollen glands, unexplained weight loss, unusual tiredness.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
In the US -
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using belatacept, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: current/recent/returning infection (such as tuberculosis, hepatitis, cytomegalovirus-CMV infection), cancer, immune system disorder (such as HIV infection, bone marrow disorder).
Belatacept can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.
Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).
Because this medication may increase your risk of developing skin cancer, it is best to avoid prolonged sun exposure, tanning booths, and sunlamps while you are using this medication. Use a sunscreen and wear protective clothing when outdoors.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or if you plan to become pregnant. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor\'s approval.
Some products that may interact with this drug include: other drugs that weaken the immune system (such as efalizumab, natalizumab).

If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

NOTES:
Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as kidney tests, complete blood count) should be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.

MISSED DOSE:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

STORAGE:
Consult the product instructions and your pharmacist for storage details. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.
MEDICAL ALERT: Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-800-854-1166 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).
Information last revised November 2011. Copyright(c) 2011 First Databank, Inc.