WARNING

Margenza is a brand name for the medication margetuximab, which is used to treat certain types of breast cancer. Like all medications, Margenza carries certain risks and potential side effects. Here are some potential risks and side effects associated with Margenza:

• Infusion Reactions: Margenza may cause infusion reactions, which can include symptoms like fever, chills, nausea, vomiting, headache, and breathing difficulties. These reactions usually occur during or shortly after the infusion and require medical attention.
• Cardiotoxicity: Margenza may have cardiotoxic effects, which could lead to heart problems. It may cause a decrease in the left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF), which measures how well the heart pumps blood. Patients may need cardiac monitoring during treatment.
• Decreased Immune Function: Margenza can lower your immune system’s ability to fight infections. You may be more susceptible to infections while taking this medication.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Some common side effects of Margenza include diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.
• Fatigue: Fatigue and weakness can be side effects of Margenza, which may affect your daily activities.
• Risk of Bleeding: Margenza can increase the risk of bleeding, so it’s essential to be cautious if you have a history of bleeding disorders or are taking medications that affect blood clotting.
• Low Blood Cell Counts: Margenza can lead to low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets, which can increase the risk of infections, anemia, and bleeding.
• Interactions: Margenza may interact with other medications you are taking, potentially affecting their effectiveness or increasing side effects. Be sure to inform your healthcare provider about all the drugs and supplements you are using.
• Allergic Reactions: Although rare, Margenza can cause severe allergic reactions. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or difficulty breathing.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Margenza can harm a developing fetus, so it should not be used during pregnancy. It is also not recommended while breastfeeding.

It’s essential to discuss the potential risks and benefits of Margenza with your healthcare provider before starting treatment. They can help you make an informed decision about whether this medication is appropriate for your specific medical condition and situation. Additionally, your healthcare team will closely monitor you during treatment to manage and mitigate any potential side effects.

Why is this medication prescribed?

Margenza (margetuximab-cmkb) is a prescription medication used in the treatment of certain types of breast cancer. Specifically, it is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 regimens, including trastuzumab and pertuzumab, in the metastatic setting.

How should this medicine be used?

Here’s how Margenza is typically used:

• Administration: Margenza is administered by a healthcare professional through an intravenous (IV) infusion into a vein. It is not taken orally as a pill or capsule.
• Dosage: The specific dosage of Margenza and the frequency of administration will be determined by your healthcare provider based on your individual medical condition and treatment plan.
• Infusion Schedule: Margenza is usually given in combination with other medications, such as chemotherapy, and is administered once every three weeks (21-day cycle).
• Pre-medication: Before receiving Margenza, you may be given pre-medications to help reduce the risk of infusion reactions and other side effects. Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions regarding these pre-medications.
• Duration of Treatment: Your healthcare provider will determine how long you should continue to receive Margenza based on the response to treatment and your overall health.
• Monitoring: While on Margenza, your healthcare team will monitor you for any signs of side effects or adverse reactions. It’s important to attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any changes in your health to your healthcare provider.
• Possible Side Effects: Like all medications, Margenza may cause side effects. Common side effects can include fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, headache, and infusion-related reactions. Your healthcare provider will discuss the potential side effects with you and help manage them.

It’s crucial to follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and treatment plan when receiving Margenza or any other cancer medication. If you have questions or concerns about Margenza or your breast cancer treatment, be sure to discuss them with your healthcare team for personalized guidance. This information is intended as a general overview, and individual patient circumstances may vary.

Other uses for this medicine

Margenza (margetuximab-cmkb) is primarily indicated for the treatment of metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. It is not typically used for other conditions or diseases. Its use is specific to breast cancer patients who meet certain criteria, as determined by a healthcare provider.

What special precautions should I follow?

Special precautions should be taken when using Margenza, and these precautions may include the following:

• Pregnancy and Contraception: Margenza can cause harm to a developing fetus. Therefore, it is essential to use effective contraception during treatment and for at least seven months after the last dose of Margenza if you are of childbearing potential. Inform your healthcare provider immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
• Infusion Reactions: Like many intravenous medications, Margenza can cause infusion-related reactions, which may include symptoms like fever, chills, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. These reactions typically occur during or shortly after the infusion. Healthcare providers will administer pre-medications and monitor you closely during the infusion to manage these reactions.
• Heart Problems: Margenza may cause left ventricular dysfunction (a decrease in heart function). Prior to starting Margenza, your healthcare provider will assess your heart function, and they will monitor it throughout your treatment. Report any signs or symptoms of heart problems, such as shortness of breath or swelling of the ankles, to your healthcare provider.
• Hypersensitivity: Inform your healthcare provider of any known allergies or hypersensitivity reactions to any medications, including monoclonal antibodies like Margenza.
• Liver Function: Margenza may affect liver function. Your healthcare provider will monitor your liver function through blood tests during treatment.
• Blood Cell Counts: Margenza can lead to a decrease in certain blood cell counts, such as white blood cells and platelets. This may increase the risk of infection and bleeding. Regular blood tests will be conducted to monitor your blood cell counts.
• Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD): Margenza has been associated with ILD, a serious lung condition. If you experience new or worsening respiratory symptoms, such as cough or shortness of breath, notify your healthcare provider promptly.
• Immunizations: Avoid live vaccines during treatment with Margenza and for at least four months after your last dose.
• Drug Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Margenza may interact with other drugs.
• Breastfeeding: It is not known if Margenza is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding should be avoided during treatment with Margenza and for at least seven months after the last dose.

Always follow your healthcare provider’s instructions and communicate any concerns or side effects promptly. It’s important to have regular check-ups and monitoring while on Margenza to ensure your safety and the effectiveness of your treatment. Your healthcare team will provide you with personalized guidance based on your specific medical condition and needs.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There are no specific dietary restrictions associated with Margenza. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet to support your overall well-being during cancer treatment. You may want to consult with a registered dietitian or nutritionist to address any specific dietary concerns you have based on your individual needs and side effects you may experience.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

Since Margenza is administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion, you are not responsible for remembering doses. The healthcare team will ensure that you receive the appropriate dose at the scheduled times. If there are any delays or issues with your infusion, they will manage it accordingly.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Margenza (margetuximab-cmkb) is a medication used in the treatment of metastatic human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive breast cancer. Like many medications, Margenza can cause side effects, which can vary in severity from person to person. Some of the common side effects associated with Margenza include:

• Infusion-Related Reactions: Margenza may cause infusion-related reactions, which can occur during or shortly after the infusion. These reactions can include symptoms like fever, chills, rigors, headache, rash, itching, and difficulty breathing. Healthcare providers typically administer pre-medications to reduce the risk of these reactions and closely monitor patients during the infusion.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or fatigued is a common side effect of Margenza and cancer treatment in general.
• Nausea and Vomiting: Some patients may experience nausea and vomiting. Your healthcare provider can prescribe medications to help manage these symptoms.
• Diarrhea: Diarrhea is another possible side effect of Margenza. Your healthcare team may recommend medications or dietary changes to manage diarrhea.
• Headache: Headaches are a relatively common side effect.
• Decreased Appetite: Some individuals may experience a decrease in appetite.
• Cough: Margenza can cause coughing in some patients.
• Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath may occur.
• Fever: An elevated body temperature can be a side effect.
• Low White Blood Cell Counts: Margenza may lead to a decrease in white blood cell counts, which can increase the risk of infection.
• Low Platelet Counts: Platelets are essential for blood clotting, and a decrease in platelet counts can lead to an increased risk of bleeding or bruising.
• Changes in Heart Function: Margenza can affect heart function and may cause left ventricular dysfunction. Regular cardiac monitoring is essential during treatment.
• Liver Function Abnormalities: It can affect liver function, as evidenced by elevated liver enzyme levels in blood tests.
• Hypersensitivity Reactions: In some cases, hypersensitivity reactions or allergic reactions can occur. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms like hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, or difficulty breathing.

It’s important to note that not all patients will experience these side effects, and the severity and duration of side effects can vary. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely during treatment and can provide medications and supportive care to manage side effects effectively. If you experience any side effects or have concerns during your Margenza treatment, be sure to communicate with your healthcare team so they can provide the necessary support and adjustments to your treatment plan if needed.

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

Storage:

• Storage Location: Margenza is typically stored in a healthcare facility or clinic where it is administered by healthcare professionals. Patients do not store this medication at home.
• Proper Handling: Margenza should be handled and administered by trained healthcare providers in accordance with their facility’s protocols and safety guidelines.

Disposal:

Since Margenza is administered in a healthcare setting, patients are not responsible for disposing of the medication. Healthcare providers and facilities have specific procedures for the disposal of medical waste, including used syringes, vials, and other materials associated with the administration of Margenza. These procedures are designed to ensure the safe and appropriate disposal of hazardous materials.

In case of emergency/overdose

In the unlikely event of an overdose or a severe adverse reaction during Margenza administration, the healthcare professionals administering the medication are trained to respond promptly and appropriately. They have access to emergency equipment and medications to manage adverse reactions.

If you experience any concerning symptoms or side effects after receiving Margenza, it’s essential to alert your healthcare provider or the medical team immediately. They are equipped to assess the situation and provide appropriate medical care.

What other information should I know?

• Regular Monitoring: Your healthcare provider will monitor your progress and any potential side effects closely during Margenza treatment. Attend all scheduled appointments and communicate any changes in your health or well-being to your healthcare team.
• Medication Interactions: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as Margenza may interact with other drugs.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: As mentioned earlier, Margenza can harm a developing fetus, so effective contraception is necessary during treatment. Avoid breastfeeding while on Margenza and for at least seven months after the last dose.
• Immunizations: Avoid live vaccines during Margenza treatment and for at least four months after the last dose.
• Follow Healthcare Provider’s Instructions: Always follow the instructions and guidance provided by your healthcare team regarding Margenza treatment, including any pre-medications, infusion schedules, and precautions.

Remember that Margenza is prescribed specifically for the treatment of HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer, and its use should be guided by your healthcare provider’s recommendations and treatment plan. If you have any questions or concerns about Margenza or your cancer treatment, do not hesitate to discuss them with your healthcare team, who can provide you with the most relevant and personalized information and support.