Blinatumomab injection

What is this medicine?

BLINATUMOMAB (BLIN a TOOM oh mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat acute lympoblastic leukemia (ALL).

How should I use this medicine?

This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is usually given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.

A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 1 month of age for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?

Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue

• breathing problems

• changes in vision

• confusion

• decreased hearing

• headache

• loss of balance

• loss of consciousness

• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets; you may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding

• nausea, vomiting

• seizures

• severe stomach pain

• signs and symptoms of infection like fever or chills; cough; sore throat; pain or trouble passing urine

• signs and symptoms of low blood pressure like dizziness; feeling faint or lightheaded, falls; unusually weak or tired

• trouble sleeping

• trouble speaking

• trouble swallowing

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):

• swelling of the ankles, feet, hands

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions have not been studied. However, this medicine may interact with the following medications:

• cyclosporine

• live virus vaccines

• warfarin

What if I miss a dose?

It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medicine?

Keep out of the reach of children.

This drug is usually given in a hospital or clinic. In rare cases, this medicine may be given at home. If you are using this medicine at home, you will be instructed on how to store this medicine.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• history of radiation therapy to the brain

• infection

• liver disease

• neurological problems, such as seizures, confusion, trouble speaking or loss of balance

• scheduled to receive a vaccine

• an unusual or allergic reaction to blinatumomab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine. You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.

Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness while on this medicine.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 48 hours after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for 48 hours after stopping it.