Exemptia 40 mg/0.8 mL Injection

Exemptia injection contains adalimumab, as an Immunosuppressant. This medicine is used to treat autoimmune disorders like Rheumatoid Arthritis, psoriasis etc. This medicine will be given by a doctor or a nurse and self-injection should be strictly avoided.

While using this medicine, the individual is prone to infections. Hence care should be taken and if you feel any discomfort, inform the doctor immediately.

Dosage

Overdose

This injection will be given by your doctor or nurse, therefore it is less likely to give you more or less of this medicine. However, if you experience any signs of adverse symptoms immediately after taking this injection, inform your doctor as soon as possible.

Missed a Dose

You will be monitored by your doctor or nurse on when the medicine should be given to you. It is unlikely that the dose will be missed. However, if you think your doctor or nurse might have missed a dose inform them.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

• This medicine blocks a protein known as the tumour necrosis factor found in the body's immune system that causes swelling and damage as a result of immune reaction.
• This medicine works by blocking TNF and reduces joint swelling and preserve joint function.

Directions for Use

• This medicine will be given in the hospital by your doctor or nurse as an injection.
• Do not self inject this medicine.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Can I be given Exemptia injection during pregnancy?

Pregnant women should not take this medicine as it is unsafe during pregnancy. If you are a woman of childbearing age, you should use proper contraceptive measure during the treatment and at least for 5 months after the last dose of this therapy.

Breast Feeding

Can I take Exemptia injection while breastfeeding?

This medicine passes into the breastmilk but in a small amount and is not known to cause any unwanted effects to the newborn baby. So it is safe to breastfeed during the treatment. However, it is important to talk to a doctor before using the medicine.

Driving

Can I drive if I have consumed Exemptia injection?

It has a very minor influence on your driving ability. However, if you experience signs like spinning head, visual impairment etc. you should not drive or operate any machinery.

Alcohol

Can I consume alcohol with Exemptia injection?

Although there is no known interaction with alcohol along with this medicine. So it is important to consult your physician if you have a habit of regular drinking.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

• You are already suffering from chronic infections or if you experience any kind of persistent infection like lung infection, bacterial or fungal infection, the doctor may discontinue the treatment.
• You may experience the reactivation of tuberculosis and hepatitis B, during the treatment.
• You may develop symptoms like symptoms such as fever, malaise, weight loss, sweats, cough, breathing difficulty, lung infection or other serious blood disorders. The doctor will promptly discontinue the treatment.
• You may develop nerves related disorders like damage of neurons (demyelinating disease), damage of outer-covering of nerves (sclerosis) or inflammation of optic nerve etc.
• You may experience allergic reactions because the needle cover of the pre-filled pen is made from dry natural rubber which can cause allergy.
• You may develop a risk of getting lymphoma, leukaemia (cancer that affects lymph, blood and bone marrow) or other cancers during the treatment.
• You may experience various blood disorders, the doctor will immediately discontinue the treatment.
• You are already suffering from a heart problem or you develop new or worsening symptoms of heart failure like shortness of breath, or swelling of your feet etc.
• You are already taking any live vaccines (for chickenpox, measles, mumps etc.), it is not advised during the treatment.

Contraindications

• If you are allergic to this medicine or any of the ingredient of this medicine.
• If you are suffering from any kind of heart problem.
• If you are suffering from tuberculosis or other life-threatening infections.

Side effects

• Itching, rash, swelling at the site of injection
• Headache
• Muscle pain
• Allergic reaction
• Dehydration
• Increased blood glucose levels
• Decreased calcium and Phosphorous
• Mood Swings
• Migraine
• Prone to infections like lung infections, ear infection eye infections, fungal infections etc.

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

• Concomitant use of Exemptia injection with other TNF blockers (like anakinra, abatacept) is strictly prohibited
• Live vaccines are not given along with Exemptia injection.

Storage and disposal

• It should be stored between 2°C – 8°C.
• A pre-filled syringe should be stored at temperatures below 25°C for a period of up to 14 days.
• Do not let it freeze.
• Keep it in the original container to protect it from light.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

When and how to consume the medicine?

It is available as a solution, to be administered subcutaneously, under the skin, as directed by the physician.

Any special precautions do I need to take during the treatment?

Avoid Exemptia injection if you have taken BCG vaccine or any other live vaccine. No live vaccine is to be administered for the next 5 months during pregnancy following adalimumab therapy.