Empaveli (pegcetacoplan) is a prescription drug used to treat paroxysmal nocturnal hemoglobinuria (PNH) in adults. It comes as a liquid solution that’s injected under your skin over a period of time, usually twice per week.
The active ingredient in Empaveli is pegcetacoplan. Empaveli belongs to a group of drugs called complement inhibitors.
Empaveli comes as a liquid solution that’s placed into a pump or injector. The pump or injector is then used to give the dose under your skin over a period of time.
This article describes the dosage of Empaveli, as well as its strength and how to take it. To learn more about Empaveli, see this in-depth article.
The table below highlights the basics of Empaveli’s dosage. All doses are listed in milligrams (mg).
| Use | Usual recommended dosage |
|---|---|
| to treat PNH in adults | 1,080 mg is given via an infusion under your skin twice weekly |
Note: You may need a different dose if your blood has higher levels of lactate dehydrogenase than expected. Your doctor will determine the best dosage for you.
Keep reading for more details about Empaveli’s dosage.
What is Empaveli’s form?
Empaveli comes as a liquid solution given as an infusion (injection) under your skin over a period of time.
What strength does Empaveli come in?
Empaveli is available in one strength of 1,080 milligrams (mg) in 20 milliliters (mL) of solution (54 mg/mL).
What are the usual dosages of Empaveli?
The information below describes the dosage most commonly used or recommended. But be sure to inject the dosage your doctor prescribes. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs, which may be an adjustment to the dosage described below.
Dosage for PNH
The typical Empaveli dosage for adults with PNH is 1,080 mg given as an infusion (injection) under your skin over a period of time. You’ll receive this infusion twice per week.
Doses are given with either an infusion pump or the injector system provided by Empaveli’s manufacturer. The device will deliver each dose over the course of 30 to 60 minutes. Your healthcare professional will teach you or your caregiver how to inject Empaveli at home.
If you’re switching from certain other drugs used to treat PNH (such as Ultomiris or Soliris), your doctor will likely recommend the following:
- If you were taking Ultomiris, you’d start Empaveli no more than 4 weeks after your last dose.
- If you were taking Soliris, you’d keep taking it for the first 4 weeks of your Empaveli treatment. After that, you’ll stop Soliris and continue with Empaveli only.
How to take Empaveli
Emapaveli is given as an infusion (injection) under your skin over a period of time. The usual time frame is 30 minutes if your dose is given using two infusion sites or 60 minutes if it’s given in one site. Each dose is delivered with either an infusion pump or the injector system made by the drug’s manufacturer. A healthcare professional will teach you or your caregiver how to perform these injections at home.
You’ll rotate where you place the device to give each dose. Depending on the device you use, the dose may be injected into your belly, thigh, hip, or the back of your upper arm.
Empaveli’s manufacturer provides step-by-step instructions for using an infusion pump and the injector system on their website. You can also check out this step-by-step video, or the drug’s prescribing information for more details.
Is Empaveli used long term?
Yes, Empaveli is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
Do not inject more Empaveli than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to harmful effects.
What to do in case you inject too much Empaveli
Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve injected too much Empaveli. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach America’s Poison Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
