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Brentuximab (Injection) (Injectable)

(ADCETRIS)
Brentuximab (By injection)
Brentuximab Vedotin (bren-TUX-i-mab ve-DOE-tin)Treats cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Adcetris

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to brentuximab or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:
Injectable

  • You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine. It is usually given every 3 weeks.
  • Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
  • Missed dose: Call your doctor or pharmacist for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:
Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

  • Do not use this medicine together with bleomycin.
  • Some medicines can affect how brentuximab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using ketoconazole or rifampin.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

  • This medicine may cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after your final dose.
  • Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
  • Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
  • This medicine may cause the following problems:
    • Peripheral neuropathy (a nerve problem)
    • Infusion reaction
    • Liver damage
    • Tumor lysis syndrome (electrolyte and metabolic problem that can be life-threatening)
    • Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (brain infection that can be life-threatening)
    • New or worse lung problems
    • Serious skin reactions
    • Stomach or bowel problems, including bleeding, blockage, perforation, or ulcers
  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:
Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing
  • Blistering, peeling, red skin rash
  • Chills, trouble breathing, rash, fever, headache
  • Confusion, changes in mood or behavior, problems with vision, speech, memory, or walking
  • Cough, trouble breathing, coughing up blood
  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
  • Difficult or painful urination, bloody or cloudy urine
  • Fever of 100.5 degrees F or higher, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches
  • Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
  • Severe stomach pain, bloody or black stools, vomiting of material that looks like coffee grounds
  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

  • Mild diarrhea or nausea
  • Tiredness

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.
Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088