OLARATUMAB - INJECTION

OLARATUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (OH-lar-AT-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Lartruvo

GENERIC NAME(S): olaratumab

Uses

USES: This medication is used along with other medications (such as doxorubicin) to treat a certain type of cancer (soft tissue sarcoma). Olaratumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.


How to use OLARATUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually on days 1 and 8 of each treatment cycle. Each injection is given slowly, usually over at least 60 minutes. The dosage is based on your weight and response to treatment. Olaratumab may cause serious infusion reactions during or soon after treatment. Your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as diphenhydramine, dexamethasone) before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as flushing, trouble breathing, fever, chills, or dizziness.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, headache, dry eyes, tiredness, muscle/joint pain, numbness/tingling, or loss of appetite may occur. Nausea and vomiting can be severe. In some cases, your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve nausea and vomiting. Eating several small meals, not eating before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these effects. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt. It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods. Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should return after treatment has ended. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: easy bruising/bleeding. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, cough). 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 receiving olaratumab, 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: current/recent infection. Olaratumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. 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. 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 using olaratumab. Olaratumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 3 months after treatment. 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.

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 OLARATUMAB - INJECTION

Olaratumab is an injectable medication used to treat certain types of soft tissue sarcoma. It works by binding to a protein called platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-alpha), which helps to inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Olaratumab is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional in a hospital or clinic setting. It is usually given once a week for the first eight weeks, followed by a break of two weeks, and then once every two weeks thereafter.

Some common side effects of Olaratumab include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, muscle pain, decreased appetite, hair loss, and low white blood cell count. It is important to report any severe or persistent side effects to your healthcare provider.

Yes, there are some serious risks associated with Olaratumab. These include infusion reactions, low blood pressure, heart problems, bleeding, and embryo-fetal toxicity. It is important to discuss your medical history and any potential risks with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Yes, Olaratumab is often used in combination with a chemotherapy medication called doxorubicin. This combination has shown to be more effective in treating soft tissue sarcoma compared to doxorubicin alone.

The duration of Olaratumab treatment can vary depending on the individual and their response to the medication. Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate length of treatment for you.

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Olaratumab. However, it is important to follow your healthcare provider's instructions and maintain a healthy lifestyle while undergoing cancer treatment.

Olaratumab may cause harm to an unborn baby, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It is also not known whether the medication passes into breast milk, therefore breastfeeding is not recommended while receiving Olaratumab.

Your healthcare provider will regularly monitor your blood counts and heart function during treatment with Olaratumab. The frequency of these tests will vary depending on your specific situation and response to treatment.

Olaratumab is a medication that is administered through injection. It is used in the treatment of certain types of soft tissue sarcoma.

Olaratumab works by targeting and binding to a protein called platelet-derived growth factor receptor alpha (PDGFR-alpha). This protein is found on the surface of cancer cells, and by binding to it, Olaratumab helps to slow down tumor growth and spread.

Olaratumab is used in combination with doxorubicin, another chemotherapy drug, for the treatment of adult patients with advanced soft tissue sarcoma that has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed by surgery.

Some common side effects of Olaratumab include fatigue, nausea, muscle pain, low white blood cell count, diarrhea, and swelling or fluid retention in the legs, ankles, or feet. It may also cause more serious side effects, such as blood clotting problems or infusion-related reactions.

The duration of Olaratumab treatment can vary depending on individual circumstances and response to the medication. It is important to follow the instructions given by your healthcare provider and continue taking it for as long as prescribed.

Olaratumab may harm an unborn baby, so it is not recommended to use this medication during pregnancy. It is also not known whether Olaratumab passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided while receiving treatment.

The safety and effectiveness of Olaratumab have not been established in pediatric patients, so it is generally not recommended for use in children.

Olaratumab is not a cure for soft tissue sarcoma, but it has been shown to improve progression-free survival when used in combination with doxorubicin. It is used as a treatment option to slow down the growth and spread of the cancer.



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.