Leronlimab
About Leronlimab
Leronlimab (also known as PRO 140) is an investigational monoclonal antibody being studied for the treatment of CCR5-tropic HIV-1 infection in adults. It has not received standard FDA or EMA approval for routine HIV treatment. Access is generally limited to clinical trials or expanded access (compassionate use) programs where available. When used, it is given along with other antiretroviral medicines to help reduce the amount of HIV in the body and support long-term viral control.
This injection is typically used once a week on a regular schedule. Because it is injected under the skin, its absorption is not affected by food, meaning you do not need to worry about meal timing when you inject your dose. To get the best results, it is important to combine this treatment with healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating a balanced diet, staying physically active, and getting enough rest. Living with HIV can feel challenging, but you are not alone. Your healthcare team will work with you to choose the most appropriate treatment plan and provide ongoing support throughout your care.
While taking Leronlimab, some people may experience mild side effects like redness or swelling at the injection site, muscle aches, or headaches. However, if you experience severe signs of an allergic reaction, such as difficulty breathing, severe skin rash, or swelling of your face, please contact your doctor right away or seek emergency medical care.
Before you begin taking this medicine, tell your doctor about your complete medical history, especially if you have a history of liver disease or other immune system disorders. Do not take this if you have had a severe allergic reaction to Leronlimab or any of the inactive ingredients in the injection.
This medicine may interact with certain other drugs or vaccines, so it is vital to share a list of all your current medications with your healthcare team. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or are an older adult, talk to your doctor or pharmacist to understand the safety and risks involved before starting treatment.
Uses of Leronlimab
Medicinal Benefits
Leronlimab helps control HIV-1 infection and supports long-term immune health when used as part of combination antiretroviral therapy. Its benefits include:
- Helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body by preventing the virus from entering healthy immune cells.
- Supports immune system function, helping maintain the body's ability to fight infections.
- Helps improve viral control when used with other antiretroviral medicines, particularly in people with treatment-resistant CCR5-tropic HIV-1.
- Offers the convenience of once-weekly dosing, reducing the need for daily treatment with this medicine.
- Supports long-term HIV management and overall quality of life when used as prescribed.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication, to improve effectiveness.
- Leronlimab will be administered by a healthcare professional.
- Do not self-administer it.
Storage
Side Effects of Leronlimab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Redness, swelling, pain, or itching at the injection site
- Mild headaches
- Muscle aches or joint pain
- Nausea or mild stomach upset
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of an allergic reaction, such as hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and difficulty breathing
- Severe dizziness or lightheadedness
- Signs of liver damage, such as yellowing of your skin or eyes (jaundice), dark urine, or severe pain in your upper right stomach area
Drug Warnings
- Inspect the solution: Before injecting, always check the liquid in the vial or syringe. It should appear clear to slightly opalescent (having a faint pearly appearance), colorless to pale yellow. Do not use it if it appears markedly cloudy, discolored, or contains visible particles. If you are unsure whether the medicine looks normal, contact your pharmacist or healthcare provider before using it.
- Rotate your injection sites: Never inject into the exact same spot two times in a row. Rotating sites between your thigh, abdomen, and upper arm helps prevent skin irritation, thickening, or scarring.
- Never share needles: Sharing syringes or needles poses a severe risk of transmitting infections. Always use a brand-new, sterile needle and syringe for every single dose.
- Avoid injecting damaged skin: Do not inject the medicine into skin areas that are red, bruised, scarred, swollen, or hard.
- Monitor your liver: Pay close attention to signs of liver distress, such as unusual fatigue, dark urine, or yellowing of the eyes, and report them to your doctor immediately.
Drug Interactions
- Other antiretroviral medicines: Leronlimab is intended to be used together with other HIV medicines as part of a complete treatment regimen. Your healthcare provider will determine the most appropriate combination based on your treatment history and resistance profile.
- Other monoclonal antibodies or biologic medicines: There are no well-established clinically significant interactions, but tell your healthcare provider if you receive other injectable biologic medicines that affect your immune system so your treatment plan can be reviewed appropriately.
- Immune-modifying medicines: Tell your healthcare provider if you take medicines that suppress or modify the immune system, including high-dose corticosteroids or transplant medicines, as additional monitoring may be recommended.
- Vaccines: If your immune system is weakened, your doctor may advise caution with certain live vaccines (vaccines containing a weakened form of a virus or bacteria). Always discuss planned vaccinations with your healthcare provider before receiving them.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionIt is not recommended to consume alcohol with Leronlimab. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Pregnancy
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Leronlimab on pregnancy. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Breast Feeding
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Leronlimab on nursing. Please consult your doctor in case of any concerns.
Driving
cautionIt is not known if Leronlimab affects your ability to drive. Drive only if you are alert.
Liver
cautionExercise caution before using Leronlimab in case of established liver disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Kidney
cautionExercise caution before using Leronlimab in case of established kidney disease. Please consult your doctor to address any concerns.
Children
cautionNot enough studies exist to ascertain the effect of Leronlimab on the paediatric age group. Please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet: Focus on a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains to support your body's immune defenses and overall strength.
- Practice food safety: Because your immune system may be compromised, always wash raw foods thoroughly, cook meats to safe internal temperatures, and avoid unpasteurized dairy products to prevent foodborne infections.
- Stay physically active: Engage in regular, moderate exercise like walking, swimming, or cycling, which can help boost your energy, maintain muscle mass, and improve your overall well-being.
- Avoid smoking and limit alcohol: Smoking and excessive alcohol consumption can strain your liver and weaken your immune response, making it harder for your body to manage the infection.
Special Advise
In case of a fever or rash following Leronlimab, do not use any antipyretic or anti-allergic medicines without consulting the doctor.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Coronavirus Disease: Coronavirus disease is an infection caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus. It can range from a mild cold, cough and fever to full-blown pneumonia. Coronavirus belongs to a group of RNA viruses and has crown-like projections on the surface of the pathogen. The virus transmits through droplets generated from an infectious person’s cough, sneeze or heavy breathing. The common symptoms of coronavirus disease are dry cough, tiredness, breathlessness, fever, loss of sense of taste and smell, diarrhoea, body pains, headache, and sore throat.
FAQs
Leronlimab belongs to the group of monoclonal antibodies used in the prevention and treatment of respiratory illness caused by COVID-19.
Leronlimab works by blocking the virus from entering into certain cells, thereby arresting the virus’ multiplication.
Only an RT-PCR test can determine whether or not you have COVID. While a loss of smell has been noted as a common symptom, the new variant does not cause a loss of smell.
Remdesivir is an antiviral that functions to kill the virus. On the other hand, Leronlimab blocks the virus from attaching to the cells of the body. Thereby, prevents the progression of the infection.
Vaccines stimulate the body to make its own antibodies against infection. On the other hand, monoclonal antibodies deliver lab-made antibodies against the virus whilst preventing the entry of the virus into the cells.
Yes, you can self-inject this medicine at home once your healthcare provider has properly trained you or your caregiver on the correct injection technique. Do not attempt to inject it until you feel comfortable and have been fully instructed. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions about the process.
This medicine is typically injected once a week, on the same day each week. Always follow the specific schedule prescribed by your healthcare provider. If you need to change your injection day, talk to your doctor first.
If you miss a dose, inject it as soon as you remember. However, if your next scheduled dose is coming up very soon, skip the missed dose and resume your regular weekly schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are confused.
Yes, this injection must be stored in the refrigerator between 2°C and 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Never freeze the medicine, and keep it in its original package to protect it from light. If you have questions about traveling with this medication, talk to your doctor or pharmacist.
While there is no direct chemical interaction between alcohol and this medicine, excessive alcohol use can strain your liver and weaken your immune system. It is best to limit alcohol intake to support your overall health and treatment success. Talk to your doctor about what is safe for you.
The safety of this medicine in pregnant women has not been fully established. If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breast-feeding, you must discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before starting or continuing this treatment. Talk to your doctor to make an informed decision.
The most common side effects are reactions at the injection site, such as redness, mild swelling, pain, or itching where you gave the injection. These symptoms are usually mild and go away on their own. If they persist or worsen, talk to your doctor.
No, this medicine does not cure HIV infection. It is designed to help control the virus and support your immune system when used as part of a complete antiretroviral treatment plan. You must continue taking all your HIV medicines exactly as prescribed. Talk to your doctor for more information about managing your condition.
