Apellis Announces U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Approval of EMPAVELI? (pegcetacoplan) for Adults with Paroxysmal Nocturnal Hemoglobinuria (PNH)
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- Meningococcal infections may occur in patients treated with EMPAVELI and may become rapidly life-threatening or fatal if not recognized and treated early. Use of EMPAVELI may predispose individuals to serious infections, especially those caused by encapsulated bacteria, such as?Streptococcus pneumoniae,?Neisseria meningitidis?types A, C, W, Y, and B, and?Haemophilus influenzae?type B.
- Comply with the most current Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) recommendations for vaccinations against encapsulated bacteria.
- Vaccinate patients at least 2?weeks prior to administering the first dose of EMPAVELI unless the risks of delaying therapy with EMPAVELI outweigh the risk of developing a serious infection.
- Vaccination reduces, but does not eliminate, the risk of serious infections. Monitor patients for early signs of serious infections and evaluate immediately if infection is suspected.
- EMPAVELI is available only through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS). Under the EMPAVELI REMS, prescribers must enroll in the program.
- Hypersensitivity to pegcetacoplan or to any of the excipients
- Not currently vaccinated against certain encapsulated bacteria, unless the risks of delaying EMPAVELI treatment outweigh the risks of developing a bacterial infection with an encapsulated organism
- Unresolved serious infection caused by encapsulated bacteria including?Streptococcus pneumoniae,?Neisseria meningitidis, and?Haemophilus influenzae