Side Effects of Caplacizumab
Understanding the potential adverse reactions of a drug is conducive to early prevention and timely handling. As an antiplatelet drug, the main risks of Caplacizumab are concentrated on bleeding.
Common Bleeding Reactions
Patients may experience mild bleeding symptoms such as nosebleeds and gum bleeding.
Bruising or hematoma may occur at the subcutaneous injection site.
Female patients may have increased menstrual flow; it is recommended to use tampons instead of sanitary pads during treatment.
Severe Bleeding Risks
Patients may suffer from severe complications like gastrointestinal bleeding or intracranial bleeding.
High-risk groups include elderly patients, those with hepatic insufficiency, and patients taking anticoagulant drugs concurrently.
If symptoms such as black stools, severe headache, or blurred vision occur, immediate medical attention is required.
Reactions in Other Systems
Some patients report mild headaches or low-grade fever after injection.
In very rare cases, allergic reactions may occur, manifested as skin rashes, difficulty breathing, etc. In such situations, the drug must be discontinued immediately and anti-allergic treatment should be administered.
How to Buy Caplacizumab at a Lower Price
Faced with the high price of Caplacizumab at $4,197 per box, patients can reduce treatment costs through various methods.
International Price Comparison and Procurement
There are price differences for the drug in different countries. Purchasing through formal medical travel channels can save some costs, but travel expenses need to be calculated. When purchasing, it is essential to choose formal channels and ask for the drug traceability code and purchase certificate.
Patient Assistance Programs
Sanofi provides special assistance for low-income patients. Eligible patients can apply for cost reduction or exemption.
Phased Treatment Plans
Consult with the attending physician to develop a personalized medication plan and adjust the course of treatment according to the severity of the condition. Some patients can adopt the "induction-maintenance" phased treatment approach: first complete the medication during the plasma exchange phase, then evaluate the therapeutic effect before deciding whether to continue the medication during the maintenance phase.
Dosage and Administration of Caplacizumab
Standardized medication is the key to ensuring therapeutic efficacy. Caplacizumab requires phased treatment in conjunction with plasma exchange.
Initial Treatment Phase
A loading dose of 11 mg should be administered intravenously 15 minutes before plasma exchange, and a second dose should be given subcutaneously immediately after the completion of the exchange.
After that, 11 mg should be injected subcutaneously daily immediately after plasma exchange until the end of the exchange treatment.
The use of a dedicated pre-filled syringe can improve the accuracy of drug administration.
Maintenance Treatment Phase
After the completion of plasma exchange, continue subcutaneous injection of 11 mg daily for 30 days.
Injection sites should be rotated among the abdomen (at least 5 cm away from the umbilicus), thighs, or upper arms.
For patients with persistently low ADAMTS13 activity, the treatment duration can be extended to 58 days.
Management of Special Situations
If a dose is missed, it can be supplemented within 12 hours; if more than 12 hours have passed, the missed dose should be skipped.
The drug should be discontinued 7 days before an elective surgery, and medication can be resumed only after confirming no bleeding risk after the surgery.
Before each injection, check the clarity of the drug solution. If particles are present or the color changes, the drug should be discarded immediately.
