Ebanga

Ebanga (Intravenous)

Generic Name: ansuvimab-zykl [ an-SOO-vi-mab– zykl ]
Drug Class: Antiviral Monoclonal Antibodies

Uses for Ebanga

Ebanga (ansuvimab-zykl) is prescribed to treat infections caused by the Zaire ebolavirus, one of the most dangerous and deadly forms of Ebola virus. This medicine helps the body fight off the infection by binding to the virus and preventing it from infecting healthy cells.

Ebanga is administered only under the direct supervision of a healthcare professional within a medical facility.

 

Side Effects of Ebanga

Serious Side Effects (Seek medical help immediately):

• Severe back pain
• Chest discomfort or tightness
• Rapid heartbeat
• Fever or chills
• Nausea or vomiting
• Dizziness or fainting
• Difficulty breathing
• Unusual fatigue or weakness
• Flushing or skin rash
• Confusion

Common Side Effects (May not need medical attention):

• Mild diarrhea
• Injection site reactions (pain, swelling, redness, warmth, or itching)
• Mild headache
• Temporary dizziness

If any symptoms persist or worsen, inform your healthcare provider.

Reporting Side Effects:

You can report side effects to the UK’s Yellow Card Scheme or contact your healthcare professional.

Warnings

• Do not use Ebanga if you are allergic to ansuvimab-zykl or any component of this medication.
• Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Avoid live vaccines during treatment unless your doctor advises otherwise.
• Use under strict medical supervision only; self-administration is not allowed.

Before Taking Ebanga

Before starting treatment with Ebanga, discuss the following with your doctor:

Allergies

Inform your healthcare provider if you’ve ever experienced allergic reactions to this drug or other medicines, foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals.

Pediatric Use

Clinical studies have not shown any unique safety concerns for children. Ebanga has been deemed safe and effective in pediatric populations.

Geriatric Use

Although limited data are available for elderly patients, no age-specific risks have been identified to date.

Breastfeeding

It’s unclear whether Ebanga passes into breast milk or could affect a nursing infant. Speak with your doctor to carefully weigh potential risks and benefits before breastfeeding during treatment.

What to Avoid

While you are receiving treatment with Ebanga, keep the following precautions in mind:

• Avoid Live Vaccines:
  Do not receive any live vaccines (such as MMR, varicella, or nasal flu vaccines) during and after treatment with Ebanga without your doctor’s approval. This medicine can reduce your body’s ability to respond properly to vaccines, and you may be at risk of developing the disease the vaccine is meant to prevent.

• Limit Close Contact with Recently Vaccinated People:
  Avoid close contact with individuals (including family members) who have recently received live virus vaccines, as they may potentially spread the virus to you. Maintain distance especially if they’ve been vaccinated against measles, mumps, rubella, rotavirus, or smallpox.

• Do Not Self-Administer:
  Ebanga must only be given by trained healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. Do not attempt to inject this medicine yourself.

• Discuss All Medications:
  Inform your doctor about any prescription, over-the-counter, or herbal products you are using to prevent possible interactions.

• Alcohol and Food:
  There are no known direct interactions between Ebanga and food, beverages, or alcohol. However, you should consult your healthcare provider before consuming alcohol during treatment.

• Avoid Other Infections:
  Due to a potential temporary weakening of your immune response, try to avoid crowded places or contact with sick individuals to reduce the risk of infections.

Interactions with Medicines

Ebanga can interact with certain live vaccines. Inform your doctor if you are scheduled to receive or have recently received any of the following:

• Measles, Mumps, Rubella (MMR) Vaccine
• Influenza (nasal spray) Vaccine
• Rotavirus Vaccine
• Smallpox Vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) Vaccine
• Yellow Fever Vaccine
• Zoster (shingles) Vaccine

Note: Avoid close contact with individuals recently vaccinated with live vaccines, as the virus from the vaccine may potentially spread to you.

Interactions with Food, Tobacco, and Alcohol

No known interactions exist between Ebanga and food, alcohol, or tobacco. However, always inform your healthcare provider about your lifestyle habits for safe guidance.

Proper Use of Ebanga

Ebanga is delivered through intravenous infusion in a clinical setting. The medication is administered slowly via a vein, and the process typically takes at least 1 hour.

Never attempt to administer this medicine yourself. Follow your doctor’s or nurse’s instructions precisely.

Dosage

Ebanga’s dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on your body weight and clinical condition. Do not adjust your dose without consulting your doctor.

Detailed dosage information will be provided by your medical team.

Precautions While Using Ebanga

• Medical Supervision: Close monitoring by your doctor is essential during and after infusion to detect potential side effects.
• Infusion Reactions: Be alert for symptoms such as fever, chills, dizziness, rash, or difficulty breathing during infusion. Report these immediately to your healthcare team.
• Vaccinations: Avoid live vaccines while receiving this treatment. Always consult your doctor before any immunization.
• Infection Risk: Take extra care to avoid infections while on Ebanga, especially from household contacts who may have recently received live vaccines.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is Ebanga used for?

Ebanga is used to treat Zaire ebolavirus infection in adults and children.

2. Can I get vaccinated while on Ebanga?

You must avoid live vaccines during and shortly after Ebanga treatment, unless your doctor approves.

3. Is Ebanga safe during pregnancy or breastfeeding?

The safety of Ebanga during pregnancy or breastfeeding isn’t fully established. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.

4. What should I do if I experience side effects?

Notify your doctor immediately if you experience serious symptoms like chest tightness, trouble breathing, or a fast heartbeat. For minor side effects like mild diarrhea or injection site discomfort, monitor them and inform your doctor if they persist.

5. How is Ebanga administered?

Ebanga is given via intravenous infusion in a healthcare setting under professional supervision.

6. Does Ebanga interact with other medications?

It may interfere with live vaccines. Always inform your doctor about all medications, supplements, or recent vaccinations.

Further Information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure this information suits your condition and situation.

Disclaimer: This information is intended for educational purposes and should not replace professional medical advice. Always follow the guidance of your healthcare provider.