Brentuximab vedotin solution for injection

November 20, 2020

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Brentuximab vedotin solution for injection

What is this medicine?

BRENTUXIMAB VEDOTIN (bren TUX see mab ve DOE tin) is a monoclonal antibody and a chemotherapy drug. It is used for treating Hodgkin lymphoma and certain non-Hodgkin lymphomas, such as anaplastic large-cell lymphoma, mycosis fungoides, and peripheral T-cell lymphoma.

How should I use this medicine?

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

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

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

  • changes in emotions or moods

  • diarrhea

  • 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.

  • pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

  • redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth

  • shortness of breath

  • signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine

  • signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine

  • signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness

  • signs of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; yellowing of the eyes or skin

  • stomach pain

  • sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm or leg

  • vomiting

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

  • constipation

  • dizziness

  • headache

  • muscle pain

  • tiredness

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:

  • bleomycin

This medicine may also interact with the following medications:

  • ketoconazole

  • rifampin

  • St. John's wort; Hypericum perforatum

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?

This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

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

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

  • immune system problems

  • infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)

  • kidney disease

  • liver disease

  • low blood counts, like low white cell, platelet, or red cell counts

  • tingling of the fingers or toes, or other nerve disorder

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

  • pregnant or trying to get pregnant

  • breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Visit your doctor for checks on your progress. This drug may make you feel generally unwell. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

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.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

In some patients, this medicine may cause a serious brain infection that may cause death. If you have any problems seeing, thinking, speaking, walking, or standing, tell your doctor right away. If you cannot reach your doctor, urgently seek other source of medical care.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 6 months after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. Men should not father a child while taking this medicine and for 6 months after stopping it. 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.

This may interfere with the ability to father a child. You should talk to your doctor or health care professional if you are concerned about your fertility.

Updated:  

November 20, 2020