WARNING
Elranatamab-bcmm (brand name Elrexfio) is a medication used in the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. Like any medication, Elrexfio carries potential risks and side effects. Some of the risks associated with taking Elrexfio may include:
- Infusion Reactions: Patients may experience infusion reactions, such as fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, or allergic reactions during or shortly after receiving the medication.
- Infections: Elrexfio may increase the risk of infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and others. Patients may need to be monitored for signs of infection and may require treatment with antibiotics or other medications.
- Decreased Blood Cell Counts: Elrexfio can cause a decrease in the number of certain blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may lead to an increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding.
- Neurological Effects: Some patients may experience neurological side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy (numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet), which may require dose adjustments or discontinuation of the medication.
- Tumor Lysis Syndrome: In rare cases, Elrexfio may cause tumor lysis syndrome, a serious condition characterized by the rapid breakdown of cancer cells, leading to electrolyte imbalances, kidney failure, and other complications.
- Other Side Effects: Other potential side effects of Elrexfio may include fatigue, diarrhea, constipation, muscle pain, joint pain, rash, and others.
It’s important for patients to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Elrexfio with their healthcare provider before starting treatment, and to report any unusual symptoms or side effects promptly for proper management.
Why is this medication prescribed?
Elrexfio (Generic Elranatamab-bcmm) is prescribed for the treatment of multiple myeloma, a type of cancer that affects plasma cells in the bone marrow. It is typically used in patients who have received at least three prior lines of therapy, including an immunomodulatory agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.
How should this medicine be used?
As for how Elrexfio should be used, it is administered as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional. The dosage and schedule may vary depending on factors such as the patient’s overall health, the stage of the disease, and other medications they may be taking.
Before starting treatment with Elrexfio, patients may undergo certain tests to determine their eligibility and to monitor for any potential side effects. It’s essential for patients to follow their healthcare provider’s instructions carefully and to attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring and follow-up during treatment.
Overall, the use of Elrexfio should be closely supervised by a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the treatment of multiple myeloma. Patients should also be educated about the potential risks and benefits of the medication and encouraged to report any unusual symptoms or side effects to their healthcare team promptly.
Other uses for this medicine
Elrexfio (Generic Elranatamab-bcmm) is primarily indicated for the treatment of multiple myeloma and does not have other approved uses. It specifically targets BCMA (B-cell maturation antigen), which is overexpressed in multiple myeloma cells.
What special precautions should I follow?
Regarding special precautions for using Elrexfio, here are some considerations:
- Administration by Healthcare Professionals: Elrexfio is typically administered intravenously by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting. Patients should receive proper instructions on how to prepare for and what to expect during treatment.
- Monitoring: Patients may require monitoring before, during, and after treatment with Elrexfio to assess for any potential side effects, including infusion reactions, changes in blood cell counts, and other adverse effects.
- Infections: Since Elrexfio may increase the risk of infections, patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and promptly report any symptoms to their healthcare provider. Precautions to prevent infections may also be recommended.
- Neurological Effects: Some patients may experience peripheral neuropathy or other neurological side effects. Monitoring for these effects and managing symptoms appropriately may be necessary.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Elrexfio during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not established. Patients should discuss the risks and benefits of treatment with their healthcare provider if they are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
- Drug Interactions: Patients should inform their healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products they are taking, as Elrexfio may interact with certain drugs.
- Hepatic Impairment: Patients with hepatic impairment may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring while taking Elrexfio.
- Renal Impairment: Patients with renal impairment may require dose adjustments or closer monitoring while taking Elrexfio.
It’s important for patients to discuss any questions or concerns about Elrexfio with their healthcare provider before starting treatment. Following the prescribed regimen and keeping regular appointments for monitoring can help ensure the safe and effective use of the medication.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Regarding special dietary instructions for Elrexfio, there are typically no specific dietary restrictions associated with its use. However, patients should maintain a healthy and balanced diet as recommended by their healthcare provider to support overall health and well-being during treatment.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If a dose of Elrexfio is missed, patients should contact their healthcare provider for guidance. It may be necessary to reschedule the missed dose or adjust the treatment schedule accordingly. It’s important not to double the dose to make up for a missed one unless advised to do so by a healthcare professional. Consistency in treatment schedule is important for optimal effectiveness of the medication.
What side effects can this medication cause?
Elrexfio (Generic Elranatamab-bcmm) can cause a range of side effects, which may vary in severity among individuals. Common side effects of Elrexfio may include:
- Infusion reactions: These can include fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, fatigue, flushing, and itching. These reactions typically occur during or shortly after the infusion and may require slowing down the infusion rate or administering medications to manage symptoms.
- Infections: Elrexfio may increase the risk of infections, including respiratory tract infections, urinary tract infections, and others. Patients should be vigilant for signs of infection and promptly report any symptoms to their healthcare provider.
- Decreased blood cell counts: Elrexfio can cause a decrease in the number of certain blood cells, including white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. This may lead to an increased risk of infection, anemia, and bleeding.
- Neurological effects: Some patients may experience peripheral neuropathy, characterized by numbness, tingling, or pain in the hands and feet. Other neurological side effects such as dizziness, headache, and tremors may also occur.
- Gastrointestinal disturbances: Diarrhea, constipation, nausea, vomiting, and abdominal pain are common gastrointestinal side effects associated with Elrexfio.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect of Elrexfio treatment.
- Musculoskeletal symptoms: Muscle pain, joint pain, and back pain may occur as side effects of Elrexfio.
- Rash and skin reactions: Some patients may experience skin rash, itching, or other skin reactions.
It’s essential for patients to report any side effects or symptoms they experience to their healthcare provider promptly. Depending on the severity of side effects, dose adjustments or additional supportive care measures may be necessary to manage them effectively.
What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?
Storage and disposal of Elrexfio:
- Storage: Elrexfio should be stored as directed by the manufacturer and per the instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Typically, it should be stored in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) until it’s ready for use. Do not freeze Elrexfio. Keep it in its original packaging until use to protect it from light. Do not shake the vial or container vigorously.
- Disposal: Unused or expired Elrexfio should be disposed of properly according to local regulations. Do not dispose of Elrexfio in household trash or pour it down the drain unless instructed to do so by your healthcare provider or pharmacist. Instead, consult with your healthcare provider or pharmacist for guidance on the proper disposal of Elrexfio.
In case of emergency/overdose
In the case of an emergency or overdose, seek immediate medical attention or contact your local poison control center. Overdose of Elrexfio may lead to an increased risk of side effects and complications. Symptoms of overdose may include severe infusion reactions, increased risk of infections, severe neurological effects, and other adverse reactions. Healthcare professionals will provide appropriate supportive care and management based on the specific circumstances of the overdose.
What other information should I know?
Before starting treatment with Elrexfio, inform your healthcare provider about all your medical conditions, including allergies, pregnancy, breastfeeding, and any medications, supplements, or herbal products you are taking. Your healthcare provider may need to adjust your treatment plan or monitor you closely for potential interactions or complications.
Additionally, follow all instructions provided by your healthcare provider or pharmacist regarding the administration of Elrexfio, including dosage, infusion schedule, and monitoring requirements. Attend all scheduled appointments for monitoring and follow-up during treatment to ensure the safe and effective use of Elrexfio. If you have any questions or concerns about Elrexfio or its use, don’t hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare provider.