WARNING

Taking Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) involves several risks, including:

• Infection Risk: The medication can weaken the immune system, increasing the likelihood of infections.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: It can cause nerve damage, leading to symptoms like numbness or tingling in the extremities.
• Liver Issues: Potential liver damage, including elevated liver enzymes or jaundice.
• Low Blood Counts: May cause anemia, low white blood cells, or low platelets, increasing bleeding risk.
• Allergic Reactions: Possible severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing or swelling.
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome: Rarely, rapid breakdown of cancer cells can lead to kidney issues and metabolic imbalances.

Regular monitoring and prompt medical attention for side effects are crucial to manage these risks.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Adcetris (generic name: brentuximab vedotin) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, specifically:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: It is used for patients with relapsed or refractory Hodgkin lymphoma who have failed other treatments.
• Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma (ALCL): It is used for patients with relapsed or refractory ALCL.

Brentuximab vedotin is a type of targeted therapy known as an antibody-drug conjugate. It combines an antibody that targets a specific protein on cancer cells with a chemotherapy drug. The antibody part of the drug binds to the CD30 protein, which is present on the surface of many lymphoma cells. Once attached, the drug is taken into the cancer cell and delivers the chemotherapy directly to the cancer cell, which helps kill the cancer cells while minimizing damage to normal cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) is administered intravenously (IV) by a healthcare professional. Here’s a general overview of how it’s used:

• Administration: The drug is given through an IV infusion into a vein. The infusion typically lasts about 30 minutes.
• Dosage: The dosage and frequency depend on the specific condition being treated, the patient’s overall health, and other factors. The standard dosing schedule for Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma often involves administration every 2 or 3 weeks.
• Pre-Medication: Sometimes, patients may receive pre-medications, such as antihistamines or corticosteroids, to help reduce potential side effects.
• Monitoring: Regular monitoring is necessary during treatment to watch for side effects and assess how well the drug is working. This can include blood tests, imaging studies, and other evaluations.
• Adjustments: The treatment plan might be adjusted based on the patient’s response and any side effects experienced.

It’s important for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions and attend all scheduled appointments for infusions and monitoring.

Other uses for this medicine

• Primary Cutaneous Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma: It can be used for patients with this type of lymphoma who have not responded to other treatments.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions to follow when using Adcetris include:

• Allergic Reactions: Be aware of signs of severe allergic reactions, such as rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Notify your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of these symptoms.
• Infection Risk: Adcetris can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. It’s important to avoid exposure to infections and seek medical attention if you develop symptoms of an infection, such as fever, chills, or sore throat.
• Peripheral Neuropathy: The drug may cause nerve damage leading to symptoms like tingling, numbness, or pain in the hands or feet. Report any such symptoms to your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your treatment.
• Blood Counts: Regular blood tests are necessary to monitor for changes in blood cell counts. Adcetris can affect blood cells, so monitoring is important to manage potential complications like anemia or low platelets.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Adcetris is not recommended during pregnancy due to potential harm to the fetus. Effective contraception should be used during treatment. It’s also advised not to breastfeed while using this medication.
• Liver Function: The drug may affect liver function. Your healthcare provider will monitor liver function tests during treatment.

Always consult with your healthcare provider for personalized advice and follow their instructions closely to manage any risks associated with the medication.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

• No Specific Dietary Restrictions: There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Adcetris. However, maintaining a balanced diet can help support your overall health and manage potential side effects.
• Hydration: Ensure adequate hydration, as it can help manage some side effects and support overall health.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

• Contact Your Healthcare Provider: If you forget a dose of Adcetris, contact your healthcare provider for instructions. They will advise you on whether to take the missed dose as soon as you remember or if you should wait until your next scheduled dose.
• Do Not Double Dose: Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one unless specifically instructed to do so by your healthcare provider.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) can cause a range of side effects. Some common and serious side effects include:

Common Side Effects:

• Fatigue: Feeling unusually tired or weak.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Upset stomach or vomiting.
• Diarrhea: Frequent, loose, or watery stools.
• Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.
• Fever: Elevated body temperature.
• Chills: Feeling cold and shivery.
• Skin Rash: Redness or irritation of the skin.
• Headache: Pain in the head or upper neck.

Serious Side Effects:

• Peripheral Neuropathy: Numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands or feet. This can be serious and may affect daily activities.
• Infections: Increased risk of infections due to a weakened immune system. Symptoms can include fever, chills, sore throat, or persistent cough.
• Liver Issues: Elevated liver enzymes, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes), or severe abdominal pain.
• Low Blood Counts: This can include anemia (low red blood cells), neutropenia (low white blood cells), or thrombocytopenia (low platelets). Symptoms might include unusual bleeding, bruising, or signs of infection.
• Allergic Reactions: Severe reactions including rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing.
• Tumor Lysis Syndrome: A condition that can occur when cancer cells break down rapidly, potentially leading to kidney problems, abnormal heart rhythms, or metabolic imbalances.
• Pulmonary Issues: Rarely, Adcetris can cause severe lung problems, such as pneumonitis or pulmonary fibrosis.
• Reproductive Issues: Potential impacts on fertility.

It’s important to report any new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider immediately. They can provide guidance on managing side effects and may adjust your treatment plan as needed.

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

Storage and Disposal:

• Storage: Adcetris should be stored according to the manufacturer’s instructions, typically in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze the medication. Keep it in its original packaging to protect it from light.
• Disposal: Dispose of unused or expired Adcetris properly. Do not throw it in household trash or flush it down the toilet. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions or local regulations for the safe disposal of medications. Many communities have drug take-back programs or disposal kiosks.

In case of emergency/overdose

• Emergency Contact: If you experience severe symptoms or an allergic reaction (such as trouble breathing, severe rash, or swelling), seek emergency medical help immediately or call your local emergency services.
• Overdose: In case of an overdose, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Symptoms of an overdose may include severe or unusual side effects, which should be addressed promptly.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Regular check-ups and monitoring are essential while on Adcetris. This includes blood tests to monitor for side effects and assess the effectiveness of the treatment.
• Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you are using, as there may be interactions.
• Pregnancy and Contraception: If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss with your healthcare provider how Adcetris might affect you and your baby. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment.
• Patient Education: Understand your treatment plan, including potential side effects and when to seek medical help. Keeping a list of questions or concerns to discuss with your healthcare provider can be helpful.
• Emergency Preparedness: Keep contact information for your healthcare provider and emergency services readily accessible in case you need immediate assistance.

Following these guidelines will help ensure that you use Adcetris safely and effectively while managing any potential risks or side effects.