This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia-ALL). Blinatumomab belongs to a class
of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping
the growth of cancer cells.
See also Warning section.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using blinatumomab and each time you get a refill. If you
have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your
medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. To reduce your risk
of side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as
dexamethasone) before each treatment to help reduce side effects. Also,
your doctor may start this medication at a low dose and gradually increase
your dose.
This medication is given by slow injection (infusion)
into a vein as directed by your doctor. A special machine (infusion pump)
is used for giving the injection, usually over 4 weeks (28 days), followed
by a break (usually 2 weeks) during which you will not be given
blinatumomab. After the break, your doctor will decide if you will be given
another treatment cycle with this medication. In later treatment cycles,
your breaks may be longer (8 weeks). Do not change the settings on the
infusion pump since you might get the wrong dose. Ask your health care
professional right away if you have any questions about the infusion
pump.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, heartburn, constipation, shaking (tremor),
swelling ankles/feet/hands, or dizziness may occur. If any of these effects
last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Blinatumomab sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using blinatumomab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- bleeding/blood problems
- brain/nerve disorders
- current or returning infections
- seizures
- Down syndrome
This drug may make you dizzy, confused, or cause
seizures. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or
confused. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness
while you are receiving this medication. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to
your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Blinatumomab can make you more likely to get infections
or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an
infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles,
flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for
more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
blinatumomab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured,
use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid
activities such as contact sports.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using blinatumomab.
Blinatumomab may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 48 hours after the last dose.
If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this medication passes into breast
milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this medication and for 48 hours after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
liver function) should be done while you are using this medication. Keep
all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more
details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all
medications away from children and pets.
Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them
into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when
it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste
disposal company.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).