This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (high-risk neuroblastoma). Dinutuximab 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.
This medication is given by slow injection (infusion)
into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually over 10 to 20 hours, for 4
days in a row during each treatment cycle.
The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your
medical condition, body size, and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, dizziness, or
lightheadedness may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell
your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
To reduce the risk of dizziness and lightheadedness, get
up slowly when rising from a sitting or lying position.
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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- mental/mood changes (such as confusion)
- muscle/joint pain
- stomach/abdominal pain
- difficulty urinating
- signs of kidney problems (such as blood in the urine, change
in the amount of urine)
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
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).
This medication can rarely cause a serious condition
(capillary leak syndrome), that can sometimes be fatal. Tell your doctor
right away if you develop symptoms including swelling, severe dizziness, or
tiredness.
Rarely, this medication may cause a nerve problem of the
eye(s). Tell your doctor right away if you develop symptoms such as blurred
vision, double vision, drooping upper eyelid, or sensitivity to
light.
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 dinutuximab, 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:
- blood/bleeding problems
- kidney problems
Dinutuximab 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
dinutuximab 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.
This drug may make you dizzy. Alcohol or marijuana
(cannabis) can make you more dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do
anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Limit 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).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using dinutuximab.
Dinutuximab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 2 months 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 drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug. 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 blood pressure,
complete blood count, blood minerals) 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.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
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).