Ipilimumab injection

What is this medicine?

IPILIMUMAB (IP i LIM ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat melanoma, colorectal cancer, liver cancer, lung cancer, and kidney cancer.

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.

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 12 years 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

• black, tarry stools

• bloody or watery diarrhea

• changes in vision

• dizziness

• eye pain

• fast, irregular heartbeat

• feeling anxious

• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls

• nausea, vomiting

• pain, tingling, numbness in the hands or feet

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

• signs and symptoms 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; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin

• unusual bleeding or bruising

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

• headache

• loss of appetite

• trouble sleeping

What may interact with this medicine?

Interactions are not expected.

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:

• Addison's disease

• blood in your stools (black or tarry stools) or if you have blood in your vomit

• eye disease, vision problems

• history of pancreatitis

• history of stomach bleeding

• immune system problems

• inflammatory bowel disease

• kidney disease

• liver disease

• lupus

• myasthenia gravis

• organ transplant

• rheumatoid arthritis

• sarcoidosis

• stomach or intestine problems

• thyroid disease

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

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

• pregnant or trying to get pregnant

• breast-feeding

What should I watch for while using this medicine?

Tell your doctor or healthcare professional if your symptoms do not start to get better or if they get worse.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for 3 months 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 3 months after the last dose.

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.

You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.