English | Spanish
Blinatumomab ( blih-nuh-TOO-moh-mab ) (Blincyto®) What is this medicine used for? Blinatumomab is used to treat B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It is given to patients whose disease has recurred (returned) or is refractory (does not respond to treatment). It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells in the body.
(hyptoension), and changes to liver function test results • Kidney damage, which may require dialysis • High blood pressure, which may cause blurred vision • Low blood pressure, which may cause feeling faint • Weight gain, causing swelling in arms and legs • Internal bleeding, which may cause black tarry stool or blood in vomit • Air trapped in internal organs, which may cause discomfort or pain • Bleeding of the mouth • Bleeding in the brain • Damage to the brain or nerves, which may result in confusion, restlessness, worry, or sensing things that are not there • Brain damage, which may cause headache, seizure, and blindness (Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome) • Mini stroke • Restlessness or worry Special instructions: • Blood tests will be done to check the blood cell count and electrolyte levels (especially potassium). • Fluid intake and urine output will be closely monitored while receiving the medication. • Hospitalization is recommended while receiving the first and second cycles of the medication. • Neurological checks will be performed while receiving this medication. • Patients should not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks while receiving this drug. • Consult your healthcare provider before becoming pregnant, fathering a child, or breastfeeding. It may be important to use birth control while taking this medicine and for several months after treatment is completed. • In utero exposure may cause fetal harm.
What does it look like? • Liquid How is it given? • Into the vein (IV) or venous access device, as a continuous infusion What are the common side effects? • Diarrhea • Nausea • Decreased appetite • Feeling tired (fatigue, malaise) • Fever • Infection, especially when white blood cell count is low • Headache • Abnormal body movement • Difficulty talking • Nerve problems, such as
ж difficulty walking, talking, or sleeping ж change(s) in thinking patterns, voice, or personality ж dizziness, confusion (trouble with memory) ж seizure
What are the less common side effects? • Anemia, which may require blood transfusion • Bleeding or bruising, which may require a platelet transfusion • Blood clotting, which may cause swelling, pain, or shortness of breath • Pain • Constipation • Vomiting • Allergic reaction, which may cause rash, low blood pressure, wheezing, cough, shortness of breath, or swelling of the face or throat • Cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which may feel like an infection (chills and fever) or cause headache, nausea, weakness, lack of energy, low blood pressure
Not all of the possible side effects of this medicine and precautions related to taking it are covered in this information sheet. For a complete list of side effects and precautions, ask your healthcare professional (doctor, nurse, pharmacist) for a manufacturer’s package insert or another reference.
Powered by FlippingBook