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MYALEPTA 11.3 mg POWDER FOR INJECTABLE SOLUTION

MYALEPTA 11.3 mg POWDER FOR INJECTABLE SOLUTION

This page is for general information. Consult a doctor for personal advice. Call emergency services if symptoms are severe.
About the medicine

How to use MYALEPTA 11.3 mg POWDER FOR INJECTABLE SOLUTION

Introduction

Package Leaflet: Information for the Patient

Myalepta 11.3mg powder for solution for injection

metreleptin

This medicine is subject to additional monitoring, which will allow for quick identification of new safety information. You can help by reporting any side effects you may get. The last section of section 4 will tell you how to report side effects.

Read all of this leaflet carefully before you start using this medicine because it contains important information for you.

  • Keep this leaflet, you may need to read it again.
  • If you have any further questions, ask your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse.
  • This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Do not pass it on to others. It may harm them, even if their signs of illness are the same as yours.
  • If you get any side effects, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse. This includes any possible side effects not listed in this leaflet. See section 4.

Contents of the pack

  1. What is Myalepta and what is it used for
  2. What you need to know before you use Myalepta
  3. How to use Myalepta
  4. Possible side effects
  5. Storing Myalepta
  6. Contents of the pack and other information

1. What is Myalepta and what is it used for

Myalepta contains the active substance metreleptin. Metreleptin is similar to a human hormone called leptin.

What Myalepta is used for

Myalepta is used to treat complications caused by a lack of leptin in patients with lipodystrophy.

It is used in adults, adolescents, and children 2 years of age and older:

  • with generalized lipodystrophy (the whole body lacks enough fatty tissue)

It is used in cases where other treatments have not been effective in adults and adolescents 12 years of age and older:

  • who have inherited partial lipodystrophy (also called familial or congenital lipodystrophy), or
  • whose partial lipodystrophy is the result of their body's response to something, such as a viral disease (also called acquired lipodystrophy)

How Myalepta works

Fatty tissue produces natural leptin, which has many bodily functions, such as:

  • controlling hunger and energy levels
  • helping the body's insulin to control blood sugar levels

Metreleptin copies the effects of leptin. This improves the body's ability to control energy levels.

2. What you need to know before you use Myalepta

Do not use Myalepta

  • if you are allergic to metreleptin or any of the other ingredients of this medicine (listed in section 6).

Warnings and precautions

Talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse before starting Myalepta if

  • you are pregnant
  • you have ever had a type of cancer called lymphoma
  • you have ever had blood problems (such as anemia)
  • you have ever had inflammation of the pancreas ("pancreatitis")
  • you have or have had problems with the immune system (autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune liver problems)

Lymphoma

People with lipodystrophy may be at risk of a type of blood cancer called lymphoma, whether or not they use Myalepta.

However, it is possible that the risk of getting lymphoma may be greater when using this medicine.

Your doctor will decide whether you should use Myalepta and will monitor you during treatment.

Severe and serious infections

During treatment with Myalepta, your body may produce antibodies that can increase the risk of developing severe or serious infections. Tell your doctor right away if you develop a high fever, accompanied by increased tiredness (see section 4).

Hypoglycemia with insulin or other anti-diabetic medicines

If you are using a medicine like insulin or other medicines to treat diabetes, your doctor will closely monitor your blood sugar levels. Your doctor may adjust the dose of insulin or other medicines if necessary.

The goal is to avoid low blood sugar levels ("hypoglycemia"). For signs of hypoglycemia, see section 4 "Signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia".

Hyperglycemia and high blood fat levels

You may have higher blood sugar ("hyperglycemia") or fat ("hypertriglyceridemia") levels when taking Myalepta, which can be a sign that this medicine is not working as well as it should. The signs of hyperglycemia and high blood fat levels are included in section 4 "Signs of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia" and "Signs of high blood fat levels".

If you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, or if you are unsure, talk to your doctor right away. Your doctor may need to change your treatment.

Autoimmune diseases

People who have or have had problems with the immune system (autoimmune diseases, including autoimmune liver problems) may experience worsening of symptoms with Myalepta. Talk to your doctor about the symptoms you may experience and which would require further testing.

Allergic reactions

You may experience an allergic reaction during treatment with Myalepta. If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, tell your doctor right away. The signs of an allergic reaction can be found in section 4 under "Allergic reactions".

Fertility

Myalepta may increase fertility in women with lipodystrophy (see section "Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility").

Myalepta contains sodium

This medicine contains less than 1 mmol of sodium (23 mg) per dose; this is essentially "sodium-free".

Children and adolescents

Do not give this medicine to children under 2 years of age with generalized lipodystrophy or to children under 12 years of age with partial lipodystrophy. This is because the effects of this medicine in children under these ages are not known.

Other medicines and Myalepta

Tell your doctor if you are using, have recently used, or might use any other medicines. Myalepta may affect how other medicines work. Other medicines may also affect how Myalepta works.

Tell your doctor especially if you are taking any of the following medicines:

  • hormonal contraceptives, as Myalepta may reduce their effectiveness in preventing pregnancy
  • theophylline used in lung problems, such as asthma
  • anticoagulant medicines (such as warfarin and phenprocoumon)
  • medicines that suppress the immune system (such as cyclosporin)
  • anti-diabetic medicines (such as insulin or insulin secretagogues), see section 2 "Hypoglycemia with insulin or other anti-diabetic medicines"

If any of the above applies to you (or if you are unsure), talk to your doctor before using Myalepta. Some medicines may need to be monitored while using Myalepta, as it may be necessary to adjust the dose of these medicines.

Pregnancy, breastfeeding, and fertility

If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant, talk to your doctor before using this medicine.

Do not use Myalepta if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. This is because the effects of this medicine on the fetus are not known. Women of childbearing age must use effective non-hormonal contraceptive methods, such as condoms, during Myalepta use. Talk to your doctor about suitable contraceptive methods, as Myalepta may reduce the effectiveness of hormonal contraceptives in preventing pregnancy.

It is not known whether Myalepta passes into breast milk. If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, talk to your doctor. You and your doctor will decide whether to continue breastfeeding while using this medicine, considering the benefit of breastfeeding to the baby and the benefit of Myalepta to the mother.

Myalepta may increase fertility in women with lipodystrophy.

Driving and using machines

Myalepta has a minor influence on the ability to drive and use machines. You may feel dizzy or tired when using this medicine. If this happens, do not drive or use tools or machines. If in doubt, talk to your doctor.

3. How to use Myalepta

Follow the instructions for administering this medicine exactly as told by your doctor. If you are unsure, talk to your doctor again.

Myalepta is an injection given once a day under the skin ("subcutaneous injection"). This medicine is used in children from 2 years of age, adolescents, and adults with generalized lipodystrophy; it is also used in children from 12 years of age, adolescents, and adults with partial lipodystrophy.

Your doctor will monitor you or your child during Myalepta use and decide on the dose you or your child should use.

Your doctor may decide that you should self-inject the medicine. Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will teach you how to prepare and inject the medicine.

  • Do notattempt to prepare the medicine or self-inject it if you have not been instructed on how to do so.

Amount to be injected

Over time, the dose of Myalepta may change based on how well the medicine works for you. The Myalepta powder is dissolved by mixing it with water for injections to produce an injectable solution. Read the "Instructions for use" to find out how to prepare the solution before injection.

Your doctor will have prescribed the correct dose for you based on:

  • If you weigh 40 kg or less:
    • The initial dose is 0.06 mg (0.012 ml of solution) per kilogram of body weight.
  • If you are a manand weigh more than 40 kg:
    • The initial dose is 2.5 mg (0.5 ml of solution).
  • If you are a womanand weigh more than 40 kg:
    • The initial dose is 5 mg (1 ml of solution).

Your doctor or pharmacist will tell you the amount of solution to inject. If you are unsure of the amount of solution to inject, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before injection.

  • The syringe you use to inject the medicine depends on the dose prescribed for you.
    • Your pharmacist will provide you with the correct syringe to use for the injection.
    • See the "Instructions for use" to find out which syringe to use.
  • To calculate the amount of medicine to inject (in ml), divide the dose (in mg) by 5.
    • For example, if you have been prescribed a dose of 5 mg of Myalepta, dividing 5 mg by 5 will give 1 ml, which is the amount of solution to inject with a 1 ml syringe.
  • If the dose is 1.50 mg (0.30 ml of solution) or less, you must use a 0.3 ml syringe.
    • The 0.3 ml syringe will show the injection amount in "units" instead of "ml". See the "Instructions for use" (section 7) for more information on reading and using other syringes.
    • To calculate the amount of solution to inject (in units), divide the dose (in mg) by 5 and multiply by 100.

If you need to inject 1 ml or more of the Myalepta solution, your doctor may tell you to split the dose into two injections. This can help make the injections more comfortable.

You must use a clean needle and syringe for both injections.

If you are unsure of the amount of solution to inject, talk to your doctor or pharmacist before injection.

When prescribing small doses/volumes (e.g., in the case of children), the vials will be kept almost full with the product after the required dose has been withdrawn. The remaining solution must be discarded after use.

If you use more Myalepta than you should

If you use more Myalepta than you should, talk to your doctor or go to the hospital immediately. Your doctor will monitor you for any side effects.

If you forget to use Myalepta

  • If you forget to inject a dose, inject it as soon as possible.
  • Then give the next normal dose the next day.
  • Do not use a double dose to make up for forgotten doses.

If you inject less Myalepta than you should, talk to your doctor immediately. Your doctor will monitor you for any side effects.

If you stop using Myalepta

Do not stop using Myalepta without talking to your doctor. Your doctor will decide whether you should stop using this medicine.

If you need to stop using Myalepta, your doctor will gradually reduce the dose over a period of two weeks before stopping it completely. Your doctor will also ask you to follow a low-fat diet.

  • It is important to gradually reduce the dose over a period of two weeks, as this can help prevent a sudden increase in blood fat levels ("triglycerides").
  • A sudden increase in triglyceride levels in the blood can cause inflammation of the pancreas ("pancreatitis"). Gradually reducing the dose and following a low-fat diet may help prevent this.

Do not stop using Myalepta unless your doctor tells you to.

If you have any other questions about using this medicine, ask your doctor.

4. Possible Adverse Effects

Like all medicines, this medicine can cause adverse effects, although not all people suffer from them.

Possible adverse effects with this medicine:

Severe Adverse Effects

If you notice any of the following severe adverse effects, inform your doctor immediately (you may need urgent medical treatment). If you cannot contact your doctor, seek urgent medical assistance:

  • hypoglycemia (glucose); see section “Signs of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia” below
  • hyperglycemia (glucose)
  • blood clot in the veins (deep vein thrombosis) - pain, swelling, heat, and redness, usually in the lower leg or thigh
  • fluid in the lungs (difficulty breathing or coughing)
  • drowsiness or confusion

Allergic Reactions

Consult a doctor if you notice any severe allergic reaction, including:

  • breathing problems
  • swelling or redness of the skin, hives
  • swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting
  • fainting or dizziness
  • severe stomach pain (abdomen)
  • very rapid pulse

Inflamed Pancreas(“pancreatitis”):

Consult a doctor if you notice signs of pancreas inflammation, including:

  • sudden severe stomach pain (abdomen)
  • general discomfort (nausea or vomiting)
  • diarrhea

Other Adverse Effects

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the following adverse effects.

Very Common (may affect more than one in ten people):

  • weight loss

Common(may affect up to one in ten people):

  • decreased appetite
  • headache
  • hair loss
  • unusually long or heavy menstrual bleeding
  • fatigue
  • bruising, redness, itching, or hives at the injection site
  • production of antibodies against metreleptin, which may increase the risk of developing severe or intense infections. You may notice fever along with increased fatigue

Frequency Not Known(frequency cannot be estimated from available data):

  • flu
  • lower respiratory tract infection
  • diabetes
  • increased appetite or excessive food intake
  • faster than normal heart rate
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • muscle pain (“myalgia”)
  • joint pain
  • swelling of hands and feet
  • increase in fatty tissue
  • subcutaneous swelling and bleeding at the injection site
  • pain at the injection site
  • itching at the injection site
  • general feeling of discomfort, agitation, or pain (“general discomfort”)
  • increase in blood fat (“triglycerides”) (see section “Signs of High Fat Levels” below)
  • increase in “HbA1c” in blood, confirmed by tests
  • weight gain
  • subcutaneous swelling and bleeding (“hemorrhage”)
  • hyperglycemia (see section “Signs of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia” below)

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the above adverse effects.

Signs of Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia

Among the symptoms of hypoglycemiaare:

  • dizziness
  • increased drowsiness or confusion
  • clumsiness
  • greater than normal hunger
  • excessive sweating
  • increased irritability and nervousness

If you notice any of the above symptoms or are unsure, consult your doctor immediately. Your doctor may need to change your treatment.

Among the symptoms of hyperglycemiaare:

  • thirst or hunger
  • need to urinate more frequently
  • drowsiness
  • general discomfort
  • blurred vision
  • chest or back pain
  • shortness of breath

Signs of High Fat Levels

Among the symptoms of high fat levelsare:

  • chest pain
  • pain under the ribs similar to heartburn or indigestion
  • general discomfort

Tell your doctor if you notice any of the above adverse effects.

Reporting Adverse Effects

If you experience any adverse effect, consult your doctor, pharmacist, or nurse, even if it is a possible adverse effect not listed in this leaflet. You can also report them directly through the national reporting system included in Appendix V. By reporting adverse effects, you can help provide more information on the safety of this medicine.

5. Storage of Myalepta

Keep this medicine out of the sight and reach of children.

Do not use this medicine after the expiration date stated on the packaging after CAD and on the vial after EXP. The expiration date is the last day of the month indicated.

Store in a refrigerator (between 2°C and 8°C). Keep the vial in the outer packaging to protect it from light.

After reconstitution, the solution should be administered immediately and cannot be stored for later use. Dispose of unused medicine.

Do not use this medicine if you notice that the solution is not transparent, has color, or contains particles.

Medicines should not be disposed of via wastewater or household waste. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of packaging and medicines that are no longer needed. This will help protect the environment.

6. Contents of the pack and additional information

Composition of Myalepta

  • The active substance is metreleptin.

Each vial contains 11.3 milligrams of metreleptin. After diluting the vial contents in 2.2 milliliters of water for injectable preparations, each milliliter will contain 5 milligrams of metreleptin.

  • The other ingredients are: glycine, sucrose, polysorbate 20, glutamic acid, and sodium hydroxide (for pH adjustment).

Appearance of Myalepta and pack contents

Myalepta is presented as a powder for solution for injection. It is a white powder supplied in a glass vial with a rubber stopper and an aluminum seal with a easy-open plastic closure cap.

Myalepta is available in packs containing 1 or 30 vials.

Only some pack sizes may be marketed in your country.

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide you with the appropriate syringes and needles, swabs, and water for injectable preparations to allow you to prepare and inject Myalepta. They will also provide you with a container for disposing of sharp objects so that you can safely dispose of the used vials, syringes, and needles.

Marketing authorization holder

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.

Via Palermo 26/A

43122 Parma

Italy

Manufacturer

Amryt Pharmaceuticals DAC

45 Mespil Road

Dublin 4

Ireland

You can request more information about this medicinal product from the local representative of the marketing authorization holder:

Belgium

Chiesi sa/nv

Tel: +32 (0)2 788 42 00

Lithuania

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel.: +370 661 663 99

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Text with contact information of a Bulgarian company ExCEEd Orphan sro, address, phone number, and email

Luxembourg

Chiesi sa/nv

Tel: +32 (0)2 788 42 00

Czech Republic

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel: +420 724 321 774

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Hungary

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel.: +36 20 399 4269

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Denmark

Chiesi Pharma AB

Tel: +46 8 753 35 20

Malta

Amryt Pharmaceuticals DAC

Tel: +44 1604 549952

medinfo@amrytpharma.com

Germany

Chiesi GmbH

Tel: +49 40 89724-0

Netherlands

Chiesi Pharmaceuticals B.V.

Tel: +31 88 501 64 00

Estonia

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel.: +370 661 663 99

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Norway

Chiesi Pharma AB

Tel: +46 8 753 35 20

Greece

Amryt Pharmaceuticals DAC

Tel: +800 44 474447

Tel: +44 1604 549952

medinfo@amrytpharma.com

Austria

Chiesi Pharmaceuticals GmbH

Tel: +43 1 4073919

Spain

Chiesi España, S.A.U.

Tel: +34 93 494 8000

Poland

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel.: +48 502 188 023

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

France

Chiesi S.A.S.

Tel: +33 1 47688899

Portugal

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.

Tel: +39 0521 2791

Croatia

ExCEEd Orphan Distribution d.o.o.

Savska cesta 32, Zagreb, 100 00

Croatia

Tel: +385 99 320 0330

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Romania

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel: +40 744 366 015

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Ireland

Chiesi Farmaceutici S.p.A.

Tel: +39 0521 2791

Slovenia

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel: +386 30 210 050

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Iceland

Chiesi Pharma AB

Tel: +46 8 753 35 20

Slovakia

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel: +420 608 076 274

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Italy

Chiesi Italia S.p.A.

Tel: +39 0521 2791

Finland

Chiesi Pharma AB

Tel: +46 8 753 35 20

Cyprus

Amryt Pharmaceuticals DAC

Tel: +800 44 474447

Tel: +44 1604 549952

medinfo@amrytpharma.com

Sweden

Chiesi Pharma AB

Tel: +46 8 753 35 20

Latvia

ExCEEd Orphan s.r.o.

Bucharova 2657/12, Prague 5, 158 00

Czech Republic

Tel.: +370 661 663 99

pv.global@exceedorphan.com

Date of last revision of this leaflet: June 2025

This medicinal product has been authorized under “exceptional circumstances”. This means that due to the rarity of this disease, it has not been possible to obtain complete information on this medicinal product.

The European Medicines Agency will review any new information on this medicinal product that may become available every year and this leaflet will be updated as necessary.

Other sources of information

Detailed information on this medicinal product is available on the European Medicines Agency website: https://www.ema.europa.eu, and on the website of the Spanish Agency for Medicines and Health Products (AEMPS) (https://www.aemps.gob.es/).

There are also links to other websites on rare diseases and orphan medicines.

Instructions for use

Before using Myalepta, you must first read sections 1-6 of this leaflet and then the Instructions for use.

Before starting self-administration of this medicinal product at home, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will show you how to prepare and inject Myalepta. Contact them if you have any questions or need more information or help. Take the time to prepare and inject your medicinal product carefully; this includes the time it takes for the vial to reach room temperature after removing it from the refrigerator, which can take approximately 20 minutes.

Additional training information

You can find videos and additional training information that will help you understand how to use Myalepta correctly. Your doctor will tell you how to access this information.

Syringe reading

Align the top edge of the plunger with the line corresponding to the prescribed dose. Then, you can find an example of the different syringe sizes. If the syringe is not the same or has different dose markings, consult your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist for more information.

Using the 0.3 ml syringe

  • The 0.3 ml syringe shows the injection amount in “U”, instead of “ml”.
  • “U” means “units”.
  • 1 U is equal to 0.01 ml.
  • The 5 U intervals are shown with a number and a large line. This is equivalent to 0.05 ml.
  • The U change is shown with a smaller line between the large lines. This is equivalent to 0.01 ml.
  • The 0.5 U change is shown with a small line between the 1 U lines. This is equivalent to 0.005 ml.

Transparent syringe with numerical scale showing 0.12 ml and 12U, 0.25 ml and 25U, and enlarged detail of 0.06 ml and 6U

  • The last column of the following table shows the “unit” measurement of the syringe corresponding to the different possible doses of the medicinal product prescribed by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist, and will help you inject the Myalepta solution using the small 0.3 ml syringe.

Converting dose from “ml” to “units” with the 0.3 ml syringe

Child's weight

Myalepta dose

Amount of Myalepta solution mixed

Amount of Myalepta solution to be injected in “unit” measurement with the 0.3 ml syringe

9 kg

0.54 mg

0.10 ml

10

10 kg

0.60 mg

0.12 ml

12

11 kg

0.66 mg

0.13 ml

13

12 kg

0.72 mg

0.14 ml

14

13 kg

0.78 mg

0.15 ml

15

14 kg

0.84 mg

0.16 ml

16

15 kg

0.90 mg

0.18 ml

18

16 kg

0.96 mg

0.19 ml

19

17 kg

1.02 mg

0.20 ml

20

18 kg

1.08 mg

0.21 ml

21

19 kg

1.14 mg

0.22 ml

22

20 kg

1.20 mg

0.24 ml

24

21 kg

1.26 mg

0.25 ml

25

22 kg

1.32 mg

0.26 ml

26

23 kg

1.38 mg

0.27 ml

27

24 kg

1.44 mg

0.28 ml

28

25 kg

1.50 mg

0.30 ml

30

Using the 1 ml syringe

  • This syringe shows the injection amount in ml so you can inject the amount indicated by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. You do not need to convert the amount of ml to units.
  • You will be provided with the 1 ml syringe if the daily dose is more than 1.5 mg and up to 5 mg, which is a volume of between 0.3 and 1.0 ml of Myalepta solution.
  • The 0.1 ml intervals are shown with a number and a large line.
  • The 0.05 ml intervals are shown with a medium-sized line.
  • The 0.01 ml intervals are shown with a smaller line.

Transparent syringe with numerical scale showing 0.5 ml and 1 ml, red arrow indicating 0.75 ml on the graduated scale

Using the 3.0 ml syringe

  • This syringe shows the injection amount in ml so you can inject the amount indicated by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. You do not need to convert the amount of ml to units.
  • You will be provided with the 3.0 ml syringe if the daily dose is more than 5 mg and up to 10 mg, which is a volume of more than 1.0 ml of Myalepta solution.
  • The 0.5 ml intervals are shown with a number and a large line.
  • The 0.1 ml intervals are shown with a smaller line between the large lines.

Transparent syringe with measurement scale in milliliters showing 1.2 ml to 1.9 ml and a red plunger indicating the volume

Step A: preparation

  1. Gather all the materials you will need for the injection. These will be provided by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

Place the following items on a white, well-lit work surface:

  • a glass vial of Myalepta powder
  • a container with water for injectable preparations to dilute the Myalepta powder
    • Water for injectable preparations may be supplied in plastic or glass ampoules, or in glass vials with a rubber stopper.
  • alcohol swabs (to clean the skin at the injection site and to clean the top of the vials)
  • a container for disposing of sharp objects (to safely dispose of the injection materials afterwards)

You will also need two syringes:

  • a 3 ml syringe and a 21-gauge, 40 mm needle for diluting the powder
  • a syringe for injection with a much shorter needle for injecting the solution under the skin

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will choose the size of this syringe that you will use for the Myalepta dose.

  • If the dose is 1.5 mg or less, you will use a 0.3 ml syringe.
  • If the dose is more than 1.5 mg and up to 5 mg, you will use a 1 ml syringe.
  • If the dose is more than 5 mg, you will use a 3.0 ml syringe.
  • If the dose is more than 5 mg, your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist may instruct you to inject the dose in two separate injections. See section 3 “Amount to be injected” for more information.

Yellow container for hazardous waste with two medicine vials, wet wipes, and two pre-filled syringes

  1. Before preparing the Myalepta solution, let the powder vial reach room temperature for about 10 minutes.

Transparent medicine vial next to a clock showing 10 minutes with a blue highlighted section

  1. Wash your hands before preparing the medicinal product.

Step B: filling the 3 ml syringe with 2.2 ml of water for injectable preparations

  1. Remove the 3 ml syringe from the plastic wrapper. Always use a new syringe.
    • The needle and 1 ml syringe will be provided separately.
    • The way you connect the needle to the syringe will depend on whether the water for injectable preparations is provided in a plastic ampoule, a glass ampoule, or a glass vial (see specific instructions below).
  1. Draw up 2.2 ml of water for injectable preparations into a 3 ml syringe.

Your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist will provide you with “water for injectable preparations” with the syringes and the medicinal product vial. This must be mixed with the Myalepta powder to dissolve it and obtain the liquid medicinal product that you must inject. The water for injectable preparations will be provided in:

  • a plastic ampoule;
  • a glass ampoule; or
  • a glass vial (with a rubber stopper)

Always use a new ampoule, water for injectable preparations, or vial. Never use leftover water for injectable preparations from a previous Myalepta solution preparation.

Plastic ampoule of water for injectable preparations

Transparent glass ampoule with narrow neck and white top cap outlined in light blue

The plastic ampoule is a sealed container with a easy-open cap.

To draw up the water for injectable preparations, break the ampoule.

  • Hold the ampoule with the top end facing up.
  • Hold the ampoule by the bottom with one hand and the top with the other hand.
  • Without moving the bottom of the ampoule, carefully break the top off.

Hands holding an automatic puncture device with a visible lancet to draw a drop of bloodHand holding a puncture device with needle and transparent protector over the thumb

  • Do not put the needle on the syringe.
  • Without attaching the needle, insert the tip of the 1 ml syringe as far as possible into the top of the plastic ampoule.

Keep the syringe inside the ampoule and turn it over. The syringe should now be facing up.

Keep the syringe inside the ampoule and carefully pull the plunger.

  • Pull the plunger until the top edge of the plunger aligns with the 0.6 ml mark.

Hand holding transparent syringe with liquid and numerical scale, inserting needle into skin with red arrow indicating direction

  • You must check that there are no air pockets or air bubbles in the 3 ml syringe. See steps 6 to 8 below for instructions on removing air pockets or air bubbles from the syringe.
  • Remove the syringe from the plastic ampoule.

Connect the needle to the syringe.

  • Do not screw the needle on too tightly.
  • Do not remove the needle protector.
  • Do not touch the needle.

Glass ampoule of water for injectable preparations

Transparent glass ampoule with clear liquid and a black dot on the neck indicating the break point

The glass ampoule is a sealed container.

Before opening the water for injectable preparations ampoule, prepare the 1 ml syringe by attaching the needle. Do not screw the needle on too tightly.

  • Remove the needle protector.
  • Do not touch the needle.

To draw up the water for injectable preparations, open the ampoule by breaking it at the break point, as shown in the image.

  • Hold the ampoule with the tip facing up.
  • Clean the break point of the ampoule with the alcohol swab.
  • Hold the ampoule by the bottom with one hand and the top with the other hand.
  • Without moving the bottom of the ampoule, break the tip off.

Hand holding a needle with a white safety device, ready for injection in the skinHand holding an auto-injector with transparent protector and white button partially pressed

Insert the 3 ml syringe into the glass ampoule.

  • The glass ampoule should be placed at a 45° angle to the floor.
  • You must insert the needle as far as possible into the ampoule.

Remove the cap from the vial and pull the plunger with caution.

  • Pull the plunger until the top edge of it aligns with the 2.2 ml black mark.
  • You must check that there are no air pockets or bubbles in the 3 ml syringe. Refer to steps 6 to 8 below on removing air pockets or bubbles from the syringe.

Pre-filled syringe with medication showing measurement scale and needle inserted into the skin with a green focus circle

Glass vial of water for injectable preparations

Transparent glass vial with clear liquid and dark gray cap within a rounded green border

The glass vial will have a plastic cap that you should remove, and underneath you will find a rubber seal.

  • Do not remove the rubber seal.

Connect the needle to the 3 ml syringe. Do not tighten the needle too much.

  • Remove the needle protector.
  • Do not touch the needle.
  • Pull the plunger until you reach the 2.2 ml mark to introduce air into the syringe.

Place the vial on a rigid and flat surface.

  • Insert the needle of the 3 ml syringe into the vial through the rubber seal.
  • The needle should be facing downwards.
  • The needle should be inserted completely into the vial.

Push the plunger fully.

Hand holding syringe with transparent needle and silver plunger, red arrow indicating injection direction and green circle to the side

Keep the needle inside the vial and turn it around. The needle should now be facing upwards.

  • Do not remove the needle from the vial.

Hand holding syringe with needle inserted into a transparent and grayish medication vial

Pull the plunger with caution.

  • Pull the plunger until the top edge of it aligns with the 2.2 ml black mark.

Transparent syringe with liquid and number 2 highlighted within a green circle with hand holding it and red arrow indicating direction

  1. Regardless of whether you have extracted the water for injectable preparations from a vial or an ampoule, you must check that there are no air pockets or bubbles in the 3 ml syringe.
    • Sometimes large air masses (air pockets) become trapped inside the syringe. You may also see smaller air bubbles inside the syringe.
    • You must remove the air pockets or bubbles from the syringeto ensure that it contains the correct amount of sterile water.

Transparent syringe with numerical scale showing an air bubble pointed out and an air pocket labeled in red

  1. Remove the air pockets and bubbles.

With the glass vial or plastic ampoule

  • With the syringe still inserted in the glass vial or plastic ampoule, tap the side of the syringe to displace the air pocket or bubbles towards the top of the syringe.
  • Gently press the plunger to make the air escape from the syringe.

Hand holding syringe with needle inserted into the skin, red arrow indicating injection direction and graduated cylinder visible

With the glass ampoule

  • Remove the syringe from the ampoule and hold it with the needle facing upwards.
  • Tap the side of the syringe to displace the air pocket or bubbles towards the top of the syringe.
  • Gently press the plunger to make the air escape from the syringe.
  1. Check the amount of water for injectable preparations
    • If the syringe contains less than 2.2 ml of water for injectable preparations, extract more water for injectable preparations into the syringe and repeat steps 6 and 7 until the syringe contains 2.2 ml.
  1. When the syringe contains 2.2 ml of water for injectable preparations, remove it from the vial or ampoule.
    • Do not move the plunger.
    • Do not touch the exposed needle of the syringe, as it is sterilized and could damage the needle or cause injury.

Step C: dilution of Myalepta

  1. Make sure the Myalepta powder vial has been out of the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to reach room temperature.
  1. Remove the plastic cap from the Myalepta powder vial.
    • Place the vial on a rigid and flat surface.
    • Clean the top of the vial with a cotton swab.
  1. Insert the needle of the 3 ml syringe with 2.2 ml of water for injectable preparations completely into the Myalepta vial containing the powder.

Hand holding syringe injecting medication into a transparent vial with red arrow indicating direction of insertion

  1. Hold the vial at a 45° angle to the table and slowly press the plunger with your thumb until the end.
    • The water for injectable preparations should slide down the inner wall of the vial.
    • You must inject all the water into the vial.

Hand holding syringe with transparent liquid over a small vial and red arrow indicating direction of injection

  1. Remove the needle from the vial and discard the syringe in the container for disposing of sharp objects.

Hand holding syringe with needle over a small and transparent vial with grayish cap on a white surface

  1. Mix the powder and the water for injectable preparations.
    • Gently rotate the vial with circular movements.
    • Continue until the powder dissolves and the liquid is transparent. Do not shake or mix forcefully.
    • The solution will become transparent in less than five minutes.

When well mixed, the Myalepta solution should be transparent and not contain any dry powder residue, bubbles, or foam. Do not use the solution if it is not transparent or contains particles. Discard it and start again from step 1.

Hand holding medication vials on a red circular surface with arrows indicating rotational movementTransparent glass vial with light blue liquid and black cap within a rounded green frame

Step D: filling the syringe with injectable Myalepta

  1. To inject the Myalepta solution, you will use a new injection syringe that will be 0.3 ml, 1.0 ml, or 3.0 ml, which will be provided by your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist. Remove the needle protector.
    • Do nottouch the needle.
    • Do notmove the plunger.
  1. Insert the needle completely into the vial containing the dissolved Myalepta solution through the central part of the rubber stopper.

Transparent syringe extracting orange liquid from a transparent glass vial with light blue liquid

  1. Keep the needle inside the vial and turn it around.

Hand holding syringe filling with liquid from a transparent vial with numerical scale visible

  1. Keep the needle inside the vial and pull the plunger.
    • The top edge of the plunger should align with the black mark on the syringe that corresponds to the amount of Myalepta solution to be injected.

Hand holding syringe with transparent liquid and red needle pointing downwards over light skin with arrow indicating direction

  1. Check that there are no air pockets or bubbles.
    • If you see an air pocket or bubbles, follow the same instructionsdescribed in step 7 to remove air from the syringe.
  1. If the syringe contains the correct dose of Myalepta for you, remove the needle from the vial.
    • Do notmove the plunger.
    • Do nottouch the needle.

Hand holding vial and pre-loaded syringe with orange liquid preparing for injection

Step E: selection and preparation of the injection site

  1. Choose the place where you want to inject Myalepta carefully. You can inject this medication in the following areas:
    • abdomen (stomach area), except for the area within 5 cm directly around the navel
    • thigh
    • upper back (upper arm)

Human silhouette showing injection areas highlighted in abdomen, thighs, and upper right arm

If you want to perform all injections in the same area of the body, do not use the same point where you performed the previous injection.

  • If you are injecting other medications, do not inject Myalepta in the same place you used for the other medications.
  1. Clean the area where the injection will be performed with a clean alcohol swab and let the skin dry.
    • Do not touch the cleaned area until you are injecting Myalepta.

Step F: injection of Myalepta

Important:Myalepta should be injected under the skin (“subcutaneously”). Do notinject into a muscle.

  1. To perform the injection under the skin, pinch the skin with one hand at the place where the injection will be performed.

Hand applying pressure with fingers on the injection site on the light skin of the arm

  1. With the other hand, hold the syringe as if it were a pencil.
  1. Insert the needle gently into the skin at an angle of approximately 45° with respect to the body.
    • Do notinsert the needle into a muscle.
    • The needle is short and should be inserted into the skin completely at a 45° angle.

Hand holding syringe with needle inserted into the skin at a 45-degree angle indicated with an orange triangle

  1. Use your thumb to gently push the plunger until the end.
    • Inject all the medication.
    • If medication remains in the syringe, the full dose has not been administered.

Hand holding syringe with dark liquid, showing plunger and needle pointing downwards

  1. Remove the syringe from the skin.

Step G: disposal of used materials

  1. Immediately discard the two used syringes and all caps, vials, or ampoules in the container for disposing of sharp objects.
    • Talk to your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist about how to properly dispose of your container for sharp objects when it is full. There may be local regulations for this.

Various used vials and syringes floating over a yellow biological waste container with white lid

Important

  • Do not use syringes more than once. Always use new syringes.
  • The vials may be almost full with the product after extracting the required dose. The remaining solution should be discarded after use.
  • Do not dissolve another dose of Myalepta powder using a vial or ampoule that contains unused water for injectable preparations. You must discard the unused water for injectable preparations in your container for sharp objects. Always use a new vial or ampoule of water for injectable preparations each time you prepare the Myalepta powder dilution.
  • Do not recycle syringes, caps, or the container for disposing of sharp objects, nor dispose of them in household waste.
  • Keep the container for disposing of sharp objects out of the reach of children at all times.

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