Ibritumomab

 
Generic Name: ibritumomab

Brands: In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin

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What is the most important information I should know about Ibritumomab?

· Ibritumomab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Serious side effects have been reported with the use of the Ibritumomab treatment regimen including: allergic and infusion reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); lung problems; heart problems; kidney problems; rashes and severe skin problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from the treatment regimen using Ibritumomab.

· Ibritumomab is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although Ibritumomab is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Ibritumomab.

 

What is Ibritumomab?

· Ibritumomab is a protein that specifically targets white blood cells (lymphocytes) in the body. When Ibritumomab is attached to a radioactive chemical, such as Indium-111 and Yttrium-90, the radiation is delivered directly to the sites of the lymphoma.

· Ibritumomab is used in a regimen with rituximab and a radioactive chemical in the treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

· Ibritumomab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

 

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Ibritumomab?

· Do not use Ibritumomab without first talking to your doctor if you have     ·had a previous allergic reaction to Ibritumomab, rituximab (Rituxan), radioactive chemicals, mouse protein, or other medicines;     ·liver disease;     ·kidney disease;     ·any type of infection;     ·lung or breathing problems;     ·bleeding or blood clotting problems;     ·low platelet counts;     ·low blood pressure; or     ·a history of heart disease, heart attack, angina (chest pain), or irregular heart beats.

· You may not be able to take Ibritumomab, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring if you have any of the conditions listed above.

· Ibritumomab is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is not known to be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not use Ibritumomab without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Birth control should be used during and for 12 months following treatment with Ibritumomab.

· It is not known whether Ibritumomab passes into breast milk. Do not take Ibritumomab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

 

How should I use Ibritumomab?

· Ibritumomab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

· Ibritumomab is administered intravenously (into a vein).

· Ibritumomab is used in combination with rituximab (Rituxan) and a radioactive chemical, such as Indium-111 and Yttrium-90.

· Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with Ibritumomab depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

· Your doctor may want you to have blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with Ibritumomab to monitor progress and side effects.

· Your healthcare provider will store Ibritumomab as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing Ibritumomab at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

 

What happens if I miss a dose?

· Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of Ibritumomab.

 

What happens if I overdose?

· If for any reason an overdose of Ibritumomab is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

· Symptoms of a Ibritumomab overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although possibly more severe.

 

What should I avoid while using Ibritumomab?

· Ibritumomab can lower the activity of the immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with Ibritumomab. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu or painful or difficult urination.

 

What are the possible side effects of Ibritumomab?

· Ibritumomab is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain infectious agents (e.g., viruses) that can cause disease. Although Ibritumomab is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the possibility that it carries an infectious agent, it can still potentially transmit disease. Discuss with your doctor the risks and benefits of using Ibritumomab.

· If you experience any of the following serious side effects from the Ibritumomab treatment regimen, contact your doctor immediately:     ·an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; low blood pressure; or hives);     ·lung problems (difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, increased coughing, or chest pain);     ·heart problems (irregular heart beats, chest pain);     ·unusual bleeding or bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black or tarry stools, or blood in the urine;     ·unusual or severe weakness, tiredness, fainting, or dizziness;     ·signs of infection such as fever, chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty with urination; or     ·a rash or skin reaction.

· Other, less serious side effects may be more likely to occur. Continue taking Ibritumomab and talk to your doctor if you experience:     ·nausea, vomiting, or decreased appetite;     ·anxiety;     ·muscle aches or weakness;     ·headache;     ·flushing; or     ·mild to moderate dizziness.

· Other side effects have also been reported. Discuss with your doctor any side effect that occurs during treatment with Ibritumomab.

 

What other drugs will affect Ibritumomab?

· Do not receive "live" vaccines during treatment with Ibritumomab. Administration of a live vaccine may be dangerous and/or may not be effective, during treatment with Ibritumomab.

· Other drugs may interact with Ibritumomab. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any other prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products, during treatment with Ibritumomab.

 

Where can I get more information?

· Your healthcare provider may have additional information about Ibritumomab that you may read.

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