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| Brand Names |
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| Mylotarg™ |
|
|
| Therapeutic
Categories |
|
|
Antineoplastic Agent, Natural Source (Plant) Derivative |
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| Reasons not to take this
medicine |
|
|
- If you have an allergy to gemtuzumab or any other part of the
medicine.
|
|
|
| What is this medicine used
for? |
|
|
- This medicine is used for patients who have acute myeloid leukemia. It
is used after the first treatment failure. It is usually for people over 60
years of age.
|
|
|
| How does it work? |
|
|
- Gemtuzumab binds to cells, both cancer and healthy, and breaks down
their genetic material causing death of the
cell.
|
|
|
| How is it best taken? |
|
|
- This medicine is given into the vein over 2 hours. It may be repeated
in 2 weeks.
- Patients receive medicine (acetaminophen and diphenhydramine) 1 hour
before gemtuzumab to decrease fever and chills. Drink plenty of fluids and eat
well. If you are having problems call healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| What do I do if I miss a
dose? |
|
|
- It is a single dose. It is only given once and may be given again in
14 days. It will only be given in a healthcare
setting.
|
|
|
| What are the precautions when
taking this
medicine? |
|
|
- Avoid alcohol (includes wine, beer, and liquor).
- Avoid aspirin, aspirin-containing products, ibuprofen or like
products, other blood thinners (warfarin, ticlopidine, clopidogrel), garlic,
ginseng, ginkgo, vitamin E.
- You will bleed easily. Be careful. Avoid injury. Use soft toothbrush,
electric razor.
- Tell dentists, surgeons, and other healthcare providers about this
medicine.
- Tell healthcare provider if you are allergic to any medicine. Make
sure to tell about the allergy and how it affected you. This includes telling
about rash; hives; itching; shortness of breath; wheezing; cough; swelling of
face, lips, tongue, throat; or any other symptoms involved.
- Do not use in pregnancy and do not get pregnant. Use birth control you
can trust while taking this medicine.
- Do not use if you are
breast-feeding.
|
|
|
| What are the common side effects
of this
medicine? |
|
|
- Nausea or vomiting. Small frequent meals, frequent mouth care, sucking
hard candy, or chewing gum may help.
- Fever and chills while medicine is being given. Other medicines may be
given to prevent this or help with this problem.
- Diarrhea.
- Mouth sores. Frequent mouth care with a soft toothbrush or cotton
swabs and rinsing mouth may help.
- Risk of infection. Avoid crowds and people with infections, colds, or
flu.
- Not feeling hungry. Talk to nutritionist if you are not eating very
well.
- Bleeding problems.
- Weakness.
|
|
|
| What should I monitor? |
|
|
- Watch for change in temperature or worsening of infection.
- Check weight weekly. Report a 3-5 pound weight loss.
- Check blood work. Talk with healthcare provider.
- Follow up with healthcare
provider.
|
|
|
| Reasons to call healthcare
provider
immediately |
|
|
- Signs of a life-threatening reaction. These include wheezing;
tightness in the chest; fever; itching; bad cough; blue skin color; fits;
swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat.
- Fever and/or chills. Any signs or symptoms of infection.
- Unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Dizziness or lightheadedness.
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Yellow eyes or skin.
|
|
|
| How should I store this
medicine? |
|
|
- You will only receive this medicine in a healthcare
office.
|
|
|
| General statements |
|
|
- Do not share your medicine with others and do not take anyone else's
medicine.
- Keep all medicine out of the reach of children and pets.
- Keep a list of all your medicines (prescription, herbal/supplements,
vitamins, over-the-counter) with you. Give this list to healthcare provider
(doctor, nurse, pharmacist, physician assistant).
- Talk with healthcare provider before starting any new medicine,
including over-the-counter or natural products (herbs,
vitamins).
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