BRENTUXIMAB - INJECTION

BRENTUXIMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (bren-TUX-i-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Adcetris

GENERIC NAME(S): brentuximab vedotin

Uses

USES: Brentuximab is used to treat certain types of cancers (Hodgkin's lymphoma, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma, primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma or CD30-expressing mycosis fungoides). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use BRENTUXIMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein over 30 minutes by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 3 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your health care professional will monitor you during the infusion in case you develop a reaction to brentuximab. If a rare but severe allergic reaction occurs, the infusion will be stopped and you should never receive brentuximab again. If a less serious reaction occurs, the infusion will be interrupted, you will be treated for the reaction, and the infusion will be continued. If you develop a less serious infusion reaction, you will be directed by your doctor to take certain medications (such as acetaminophen, antihistamines, corticosteroids) before each future brentuximab infusion to lessen the chance of symptoms. Consult your doctor for more details. Get medical help right away if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, rash, itching, cough, or trouble breathing within 24 hours of the infusion.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning and How to Use sections. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, headache, or unusual tiredness may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: numbness/tingling/weakness/pain of the hands/feet/arms/legs, muscle weakness, signs of infection (such as fever, chills, cough, persistent sore throat), shortness of breath, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), severe diarrhea, severe constipation, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds. Brentuximab sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as: low back/side pain (flank pain), signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination, pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine), muscle spasms/weakness. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using brentuximab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: kidney disease, liver disease. Brentuximab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Therefore, wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infection. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports. This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are using brentuximab. Brentuximab may harm an unborn baby. Men and women should ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 6 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. See also Notes section. It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to a nursing infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Some products that may interact with this drug include: bleomycin, other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab). Other medications can affect the removal of brentuximab from your body, which may affect how brentuximab works. One example is rifampin, among others.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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Faq for BRENTUXIMAB - INJECTION

Brentuximab injection is used to treat Hodgkin lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and other types of lymphomas or cancers that affect the lymphatic system.

Brentuximab injection works by targeting and binding to specific proteins on cancer cells, causing them to die. It also activates the immune system to help destroy cancer cells.

Common side effects of Brentuximab injection include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, fever, rash, peripheral neuropathy (tingling or numbness in the extremities), and upper respiratory tract infections.

Brentuximab injection is administered by a healthcare professional through an intravenous (IV) infusion. Each dose typically takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete.

The frequency of Brentuximab injection depends on the specific disease being treated. In most cases, it is given once every three weeks for a total of six to eight cycles.

Brentuximab injection may cause harm to a developing fetus, and its use is generally not recommended during pregnancy. It is also not known if it passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding is not advised while receiving treatment.

Brentuximab injection can lower the body's ability to fight infections and may increase the risk of certain infections. It may also cause other serious side effects, such as lung problems, liver problems, and nerve damage. Close monitoring and regular check-ups are necessary during treatment.

If a dose of Brentuximab injection is missed, it should be rescheduled as soon as possible. However, it is important to consult with a healthcare provider for further guidance on rescheduling and dosing adjustments.

Brentuximab injection may interact with certain medications, including live vaccines and certain chemotherapy agents. It is important to inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and treatments you are currently taking to prevent potential interactions.


Warning

WARNING: Rarely, a serious (sometimes fatal) brain infection (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy-PML) has occurred in people receiving this medication. Get medical help right away if you develop any signs of PML, including changes in mood, unusual behavior, confusion, difficulty concentrating, changes in vision/speech/walking, decreased strength or weakness on one side of the body.


Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.