Plasminogen Injection

What is this medication?

PLASMINOGEN (plaz MIN uh jen) treats low level of plasminogen, a protein that helps your body break down blood clots (fibrin). It works by increasing levels of plasminogen in your body. This helps break down the thick growths that form on body tissues, which are caused by the buildup of fibrin.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): RYPLAZIM

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• Bleeding problems
• Taking a blood thinner
• An unusual or allergic reaction to plasminogen, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is injected under the skin. It can be given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting. It may also be given at home.

If you get this medication at home, you will be taught how to prepare and give it. Take it as directed on the prescription label. Keep taking it unless your care team tells you to stop.

This medication comes with INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE. Ask your pharmacist for directions on how to use this medication. Read the information carefully. Talk to your pharmacist or care team if you have questions.

It is important that you put your used needles and syringes in a special sharps container. Do not put them in a trash can. If you do not have a sharps container, call your pharmacist or care team to get one.

Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you get this medication at the hospital or clinic: Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.

If you give yourself this medication at home: It is important not to miss your dose. Talk to your care team about what to do if you miss a dose.

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions are not expected.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Visit your care team for regular checks on your progress. Tell your care team if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.

This medication may worsen or prolong bleeding. If you have tissue growths because of your low plasminogen, they may bleed as they heal in response to this medication. Seek emergency help if you vomit blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, have bloody or black, tar-like stools, or have heavy bleeding that doesn't stop after you apply pressure for 30 minutes.

As your tissue growths heal, they will fall off. This is normal response to your medication. It is not a side effect. You may see small pieces of tissue or blood clots when you cough or go to the bathroom, depending on where your lesions are at. Talk to your care team right away if you have trouble breathing, wheezing, a cough, trouble speaking, or pain in your back, belly, groin, or pelvis. These could be signs that tissue from healing lesions is blocking your lungs, kidneys, bladder, uterus, vagina, or intestines.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

• Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
• Bleeding—bloody or black, tar-like stools, vomiting blood or brown material that looks like coffee grounds, red or dark brown urine, small red or purple spots on skin, unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

• Bloating
• Dizziness
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Joint pain
• Nausea
• Stomach pain

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

Keep out of the reach of children and pets.

Store in a refrigerator or at room temperature between 20 and 25 degrees C (68 and 77 degrees F). Do not freeze. Keep this medication in the original packaging until you are ready to take it. Get rid of any unused medication 3 hours after mixing, or after the vial expires, whichever is first.

To get rid of medications that are no longer needed or have expired:

• Take the medication to a take-back program. Check with your pharmacy or law enforcement to find a location.
• If you cannot return the medication, ask your pharmacist or care team how to get rid of it safely.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.