Proper Use

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

A nurse or other trained health professional may give you this medicine in a hospital. You may also be taught how to give this medicine at home. It is given as a shot under your skin, usually on the thighs, stomach, or on the back of your upper arms.

This medicine comes with a Medication Guide and patient instructions. Read and follow these instructions carefully and make sure you understand:

  • How to prepare the injection.
  • How to use and dispose of the syringes.
  • How to give the injection.
  • How long the injection can be stored.

If you use this medicine at home, you will be shown the body areas where this shot can be given. Use a different body area each time you give yourself a shot. Keep track of where you give each shot to make sure you rotate body areas. This will help prevent skin problems.

This medicine is available in 2 forms. You may use a prefilled syringe or a prefilled autoinjector.

You might not use all of the medicine in each prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector. Use each prefilled syringe or autoinjector only once. Do not save an open syringe or autoinjector.

Check the liquid in the prefilled syringe or prefilled autoinjector. It should be clear and colorless or slightly yellow. Do not use this medicine if it is cloudy or if there are particles in it. Do not use the prefilled syringe or autoinjector if it looks damaged or broken.

Do not inject into skin areas that are red, bruised, tender, infected, or have scars or tattoos.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

  • For injection dosage form:
    • For multiple sclerosis:
      • Adults—150 milligrams (mg) injected under your skin once a month.
      • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Skip the missed dose if it is more than 2 weeks after your scheduled dose.

Storage

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze.

Keep the medicine in the original carton until you are ready to use it. You may also store it at room temperature for up to 30 days. Throw it away after 30 days without refrigeration.

Allow the medicine to warm to room temperature for 30 minutes before using it. Do not warm this medicine in any other way. Do not put the injection back in the refrigerator after warming it to room temperature. Do not use this medicine if it has been frozen.

Do not reuse syringes and needles. Throw away used syringes and needles in a hard, closed container where the needles cannot poke through. Keep this container away from children and pets.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Copyright: © Merative US L.P. 1973, 2024. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.