Tisagenlecleucel is used to treat certain types of
cancer (acute lymphoblastic leukemia-ALL, B-cell lymphoma, follicular
lymphoma). This type of treatment is known as gene therapy.
Tisagenlecleucel is made from your own white blood cells and is given only
to you. The white blood cells have been changed to have a specific protein
(chimeric antigen receptor-CAR) that helps your body slow or stop the
growth of certain cancer cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your healthcare
professional before you start using this product. If you have any
questions, ask your healthcare professional(s).
Before you get treatment with this product, your doctor
may give you chemotherapy for a few days to prepare your
body.
This product is given by slow injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually over less than one hour. To decrease the
risk of side effects, your doctor may also give you other medications (such
as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before injecting tisagenlecleucel. The
dosage is based on your medical condition and weight. You should plan to
stay for at least 4 weeks near the place of your treatment (for example,
within 2 hours' drive). Your doctor will check to see if your treatment is
working and help you manage any side effects.
See also Warning section.
Headache, tiredness, or loss of appetite 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.
Although tisagenlecleucel is used to treat cancer, it
may rarely increase your risk of developing other cancers. Also, this
product may cause a severe decrease in your blood cells, which lowers your
ability to fight infections and increases the risk of anemia/bleeding
problems. You may be more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection
and any infection you have may get worse. Tell your doctor right away if
you develop unusual growths or lumps, swollen glands, signs of infection
(such as a sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills), easy or
unusual bruising/bleeding, or unusual tiredness.
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 receiving tisagenlecleucel, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any 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:
- past/current/recent infection (including hepatitis,
HIV)
- bleeding/blood problems
This product 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
tisagenlecleucel 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, affect your coordination,
or make it harder for you to think clearly. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis)
can worsen these effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that
needs alertness until you can do it safely (at least 8 weeks after
receiving treatment is recommended by the manufacturer). 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 tisagenlecleucel.
Tisagenlecleucel may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a
pregnancy test before you start this medication. If you become pregnant,
talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this
medication.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
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.
This product may interfere with certain lab tests (such
as some HIV tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab
personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.
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 counts)
should be done before and after you receive this product. Keep all medical
and lab appointments.
If your dose is interrupted or stopped, ask your doctor
or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This product 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).