Axicabtagene ciloleucel is used to treat a certain type
of cancer (non-Hodgkin lymphoma). This type of treatment is known as gene
therapy. Axicabtagene ciloleucel 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 professionals.
Your doctor may give you 3 days of chemotherapy before
treatment with this product to prepare your body.
This product is given by slow injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor, usually over less than 30 minutes. To decrease the
risk of side effects, your doctor may also give you other medications (such
as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before injecting axicabtagene
ciloleucel. 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 axicabtagene ciloleucel 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 axicabtagene ciloleucel, 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)
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
axicabtagene ciloleucel 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 axicabtagene
ciloleucel. Axicabtagene ciloleucel 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.
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.
After receiving this treatment, do not donate blood,
organs, tissues, or cells.
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).