Unituxin: Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Unituxin, also known as dinutuximab, is a monoclonal antibody drug used to treat neuroblastoma, a type of cancer that mostly affects children. This article will cover the uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options of Unituxin in detail. Uses As mentioned, Unituxin is mainly used to treat neuroblastoma, a cancer that develops from immature nerve cells called neuroblasts. Neuroblastoma usually starts in the adrenal glands, located above the kidneys, but can also occur in other parts of the body like the neck, chest, abdomen, or pelvis. It is the most common cancer diagnosed in infants and the most common solid tumor found in children under five years of age. Unituxin is used in combination with other drugs, such as cisplatin, etoposide, and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), as part of a regimen called the Unituxin, Cisplatin, Etoposide, GM-CSF (UCD) protocol. This protocol is used to treat pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who have undergone an appropriate amount of surgery and chemotherapy but still have residual disease. Dosage The dosage of Unituxin is based on the patient's body weight and is given as an infusion into a vein over 10-20 hours for four consecutive days. Then, the patient takes a 10-day break before receiving another cycle of the same dosage for up to five cycles. The dosage is usually calculated as 17.5 mg/m2/day for children weighing less than or equal to 12 kg and as 25 mg/m2/day for those weighing more than 12 kg. The dosage may be adjusted depending on the patient's response and tolerance. Demographic Unituxin is approved for use in pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who have undergone an appropriate amount of surgery and chemotherapy but still have residual disease. It is usually given to children between the ages of one and 15, although it may be used in patients older than 18 years in certain circumstances. The drug is not recommended for use in pregnant women as it may harm the fetus. Side Effects The most common side effects of Unituxin include pain, fever, allergic reactions, vomiting, diarrhea, low blood pressure, elevated liver enzymes, and infections. Severe side effects may include neuropathic pain, nerve damage, capillary leak syndrome, and anemia. The drug label includes a boxed warning about the potential for severe infusion reactions, including anaphylaxis, cardiac arrest, and respiratory distress. Interactions There are no known drug-drug interactions with Unituxin. However, co-administration with corticosteroids may affect the treatment's efficacy as they can decrease the body's immune response. It is advisable to inform the healthcare provider about all medications and supplements the patient is taking before starting Unituxin. Generic Options As of 2021, there are no FDA-approved generic versions of Unituxin available in the market. The branded drug is manufactured by United Therapeutics Corporation and distributed by Accredo Health Group, Inc. Conclusion Unituxin is a monoclonal antibody drug used in combination with other drugs to treat high-risk neuroblastoma in pediatric patients. The dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options of Unituxin have been covered in this article. It is essential to discuss all aspects of treatment with the healthcare provider before starting Unituxin.