This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (diffuse large B-cell lymphoma). Tafasitamab belongs to a class of
drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. 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 tafasitamab and each time you get a
refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
Before each dose, your doctor may direct you to take
other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine, corticosteroids)
to help prevent side effects. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for
all your medications.
This medication is given by slow injection into a vein
as directed by your doctor. The injection is given by a health care
professional, usually over about 90 to 120 minutes.
Tell your health care professional if you have symptoms
during or right after the injection such as fever, chills, flushing,
headache, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may temporarily stop or slow
down the injection, or give you medication to help decrease
symptoms.
The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your
medical condition, weight, 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.
Tiredness, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite,
back pain, or muscle spasms 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- swelling arms/legs
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, painful/frequent urination).
This medication may increase your risk of getting a rare
but very serious (possibly fatal) brain infection (progressive multifocal
leukoencephalopathy-PML). Get medical help right away if you have any of
these side effects:
- clumsiness
- loss of coordination/balance
- weakness
- sudden change in your thinking (such as confusion, difficulty
concentrating, memory loss)
- difficulty talking/walking
- seizure
- vision changes
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 tafasitamab, 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:
Tafasitamab 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
tafasitamab 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.
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 tafasitamab.
Tafasitamab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 3 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 and for at least 3 months 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.
Some products that may interact with this drug
are:
- other drugs that weaken the immune system/increase the risk
of infection (such as natalizumab, rituximab)
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 you start using this medication and while you are
using it. 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 clinic or
hospital 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).