This medication is used to treat certain types of breast
cancer. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your pharmacist before you start using sacituzumab govitecan and each time
you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
on days 1 and 8 of every treatment cycle. Each treatment cycle is 21 days.
The first dose is usually injected slowly over 3 hours, and you will be
monitored for at least 30 minutes after each injection. If you can take the
first dose well, later doses may be given over 1 to 2
hours.
The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
and response to treatment.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of
this drug and for 24 hours afterward. Your doctor may prescribe other
medications before each treatment to help prevent these side effects. Tell
your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such
as fever, chills, flushing, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor
may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.
Your doctor should prescribe medications before each
dose to help prevent side effects such as infusion reactions, nausea, and
vomiting.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Numbness/tingling in your hands/feet, tiredness, trouble
sleeping, loss of appetite, change in how food tastes, constipation,
headache, dizziness, muscle/joint pain, or dry/itchy skin may occur. If any
of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
Nausea and vomiting are common and can sometimes be
severe. Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea that doesn't stop may result in
dehydration. Your doctor may prescribe medication to prevent or relieve
nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Eating several small meals, not eating
before treatment, or limiting activity may help lessen some of these
effects. Contact your doctor right away if you are not able to get your
diarrhea under control within 24 hours, or if you notice any symptoms of
dehydration, such as unusual decreased urination, unusual dry mouth/thirst,
fast heartbeat, or dizziness/lightheadedness.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
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:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- black/bloody stools
Sacituzumab govitecan can commonly cause a rash that is
usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a
rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right
away if you develop any rash.
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 sacituzumab govitecan, 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:
- liver problems
- nerve problems (such as numbness/tingling)
Sacituzumab govitecan 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
sacituzumab govitecan 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 or clear vision until you can do it safely.
Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana
(cannabis).
If you have been told that you carry a certain gene
(uridine diphosphate-glucuronosyl transferase A1), you may have a higher
risk of side effects with this medication, especially low white blood cell
counts. Ask your doctor for details.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Older adults may be at greater risk for infections while
using this drug.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using sacituzumab govitecan.
Sacituzumab govitecan may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a
pregnancy test before you start this medication. Women using this
medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during
treatment and for 6 months after the last dose. Men using this medication
should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for 3
months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes 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 and for 1 month 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.
Do not share this medication with others.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts)
should be done while you are using this medication. Keep all medical and
lab appointments.
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 or doctor's office 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).