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Epratuzumab ( ep-rah-TOO-zoo-mab ) (LymphoCide®) What is this medication used for?
Epratuzumab is a monoclonal antibody designed to target a certain type of lymphocyte (a kind of white blood cell or infection-fighting cell) that has a protein on it called CD22. Many leukemia cells also have CD22 on them, and the binding of epratuzumab to CD22 on a leukemia cell may cause that cell to die.
• Changes in blood pressure. • Anxiety • Reddening of the face or skin with feelings of warmth (flushing) • Infections • Infection in the upper respiratory system (for example, a cold) • Return of shingles or chicken pox for some patients with a history of these infections Special instructions: • Other medications will be given before the infusion to help prevent flu-like symptoms and allergic reactions. • Vital signs will be watched closely for at least 1 hour after the infusion is completed. • The first infusion will be given at a slower rate than all other doses. • Lab tests will be done frequently to monitor blood counts • Blood pressure medication cannot be taken within 12 hours of beginning the infusion. • 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 slow infusion What are the common side effects? • Nausea or vomiting • Flu-like symptoms such as fever, chills, and shaking chills (rigors) • A feeling of being very tired that does not go away with sleep What are the less common side effects? • Severe infusion reactions or allergic reaction: redness in face; rash or hives; fevers or chills; shortness of breath; trouble breathing (rare) • Cough • Shortness of breath • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia), causing easier bruising and bleeding • Headache • Itching • Increased sweating • Dizziness • Pain in the chest, stomach, or back
Notes from Your Healthcare Team
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.
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