WARNING

Brentuximab vedotin injection is a medication used to treat certain types of cancers, such as Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Like all medications, it carries potential risks and side effects. Some common risks associated with Brentuximab vedotin include:

• Infusion Reactions: Some individuals may experience allergic reactions during or shortly after receiving the infusion, which can range from mild to severe.
• Nerve Damage: This medication can cause peripheral neuropathy, leading to symptoms such as numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet.
• Bone Marrow Suppression: Brentuximab vedotin can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, leading to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may increase the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.
• Liver Toxicity: It can cause liver problems, including elevated liver enzymes and liver damage.
• Pulmonary Toxicity: Some patients may experience lung problems such as inflammation or scarring.
• Risk of Infections: Since Brentuximab vedotin can suppress the immune system, there is an increased risk of developing infections.
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome: In rare cases, rapid destruction of cancer cells treated with Brentuximab vedotin can lead to a condition called tumor lysis syndrome, which can cause kidney failure and other serious complications.

It’s essential for patients receiving this medication to be closely monitored by their healthcare team for any signs of these potential side effects, and to promptly report any concerning symptoms. Always consult with a healthcare professional for personalized medical advice and to discuss the risks and benefits of Brentuximab vedotin treatment.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Brentuximab vedotin injection is prescribed for the treatment of certain types of cancers, primarily Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It is typically used in patients who have relapsed after receiving other treatments or who have not responded well to other therapies.

The medication works by targeting and attaching to a specific protein found on the surface of cancer cells called CD30. Once attached, it delivers a potent chemotherapy drug directly to the cancer cells, which helps to kill them while minimizing damage to healthy cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Brentuximab vedotin injection comes as a powder to be mixed with fluid and injected over 30 minutes intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a medical office or hospital. The dosage and frequency of administration will vary depending on factors such as the type and stage of cancer being treated, as well as the patient’s overall health and response to the medication.

Before starting treatment with Brentuximab vedotin, patients will undergo various tests and assessments to determine if it is the appropriate treatment option for them. It’s crucial to follow the dosing schedule and instructions provided by the healthcare team and to attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring and follow-up.

It’s also important for patients to discuss any questions or concerns they have about Brentuximab vedotin treatment with their healthcare provider. They should also inform their healthcare team about any other medications, supplements, or medical conditions they have, as these factors can affect the safety and effectiveness of Brentuximab vedotin therapy.

Other uses for this medicine

Some potential off-label uses of Brentuximab vedotin may include:

• Other types of lymphomas: While Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma are the primary indications, Brentuximab vedotin may be considered for other subtypes of lymphoma in certain cases.
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma: There is emerging evidence suggesting that Brentuximab vedotin may be effective in treating certain types of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, particularly in patients who have not responded to other therapies.
• Solid tumors: Clinical trials are ongoing to evaluate the efficacy of Brentuximab vedotin in treating solid tumors, such as certain types of lung cancer and breast cancer.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be observed when using Brentuximab vedotin injection. Some of these precautions include:

• Monitoring: Patients receiving Brentuximab vedotin should be closely monitored by their healthcare team for signs of infusion reactions, neuropathy, bone marrow suppression, liver toxicity, and other potential side effects.
• Infection risk: Due to the medication’s effects on the immune system, patients may be at increased risk of developing infections. Precautions to reduce the risk of infection, such as avoiding close contact with individuals who are sick and practicing good hand hygiene, should be followed.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Brentuximab vedotin may cause harm to a developing fetus and should not be used during pregnancy unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment with Brentuximab vedotin, as it is not known whether the medication passes into breast milk.
• Liver function: Patients with pre-existing liver conditions should be monitored closely for liver toxicity during treatment with Brentuximab vedotin.
• Concomitant medications: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking, as some medications may interact with Brentuximab vedotin and affect its efficacy or safety.

Overall, patients should discuss any questions or concerns about Brentuximab vedotin treatment with their healthcare provider and adhere to their recommendations for monitoring and precautions.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Regarding dietary instructions, there are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Brentuximab vedotin injection. However, maintaining a balanced and nutritious diet can support overall health and well-being during cancer treatment. It’s essential to stay hydrated and consume a variety of fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains unless otherwise instructed by your healthcare provider.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you forget a dose of Brentuximab vedotin injection, contact your healthcare provider or treatment facility as soon as possible to reschedule the missed dose. It’s important to adhere to the prescribed dosing schedule to maximize the effectiveness of the treatment. Do not attempt to administer the missed dose yourself without consulting a healthcare professional.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Brentuximab vedotin injection, like many medications, can cause side effects. Some common side effects of Brentuximab vedotin include:

• Infusion reactions: Symptoms may include fever, chills, rash, itching, difficulty breathing, or low blood pressure. These reactions typically occur during or shortly after the infusion and are usually managed by slowing down the infusion rate or temporarily stopping treatment.
• Peripheral neuropathy: This condition involves numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hands and feet. It can be temporary or persistent and may require dose adjustments or temporary discontinuation of Brentuximab vedotin.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect of many cancer treatments, including Brentuximab vedotin.
• Nausea and vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea during treatment. These symptoms can often be managed with medications.
• Decreased appetite: Some individuals may experience a loss of appetite while receiving Brentuximab vedotin.
• Infections: Brentuximab vedotin can suppress the immune system, increasing the risk of infections. Patients should be monitored for signs of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.
• Bone marrow suppression: This medication can affect the bone marrow’s ability to produce blood cells, leading to a decrease in white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may increase the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.
• Liver toxicity: Brentuximab vedotin can cause liver problems, including elevated liver enzymes and liver damage. Patients should be monitored for signs of liver dysfunction.
• Hair loss: Some individuals may experience hair loss or thinning while receiving Brentuximab vedotin, although this side effect is less common compared to some other cancer treatments.

It’s important for patients to discuss any concerns or potential side effects with their healthcare provider. Not all patients will experience these side effects, and some may experience side effects not listed here. Prompt reporting of any new or worsening symptoms can help healthcare providers manage side effects effectively.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Storage and disposal of Brentuximab vedotin injection are important considerations to ensure its safety and efficacy:

• Storage: Brentuximab vedotin injection should be stored in its original packaging at room temperature (between 20-25°C or 68-77°F). It should be protected from light. Do not freeze or shake the medication. Keep it out of the reach of children and pets.
• Disposal: Unused or expired Brentuximab vedotin injection should be disposed of properly according to local regulations. It should not be flushed down the toilet or poured down the drain. Instead, consult with a healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on safe disposal methods.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of emergency or overdose of Brentuximab vedotin injection, immediate medical attention is necessary. Symptoms of overdose may include severe infusion reactions, peripheral neuropathy, bone marrow suppression, and liver toxicity. If you or someone else may have overdosed on Brentuximab vedotin, contact a poison control center or seek emergency medical assistance right away.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Patients receiving Brentuximab vedotin should undergo regular monitoring by their healthcare provider to assess treatment response and manage any potential side effects.
• Follow-up Care: It’s important to attend all scheduled appointments with healthcare providers for follow-up care and monitoring during and after treatment with Brentuximab vedotin.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as they may interact with Brentuximab vedotin and affect its efficacy or safety.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Brentuximab vedotin may cause harm to a developing fetus, so effective contraception should be used during treatment, and breastfeeding should be avoided. Discuss family planning with your healthcare provider.
• Patient Assistance Programs: Some pharmaceutical companies offer patient assistance programs to help individuals access necessary medications, including Brentuximab vedotin, if they meet certain eligibility criteria. These programs may provide financial assistance or other support services.