gemtuzumab Health Article

Generic name(s):

gemtuzumab

Brand name(s):

Mylotarg

What is the most important information I should know about gemtuzumab?

Gemtuzumab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Serious side effects have been reported with the use of gemtuzumab including: allergic and infusion reactions (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); decreased bone marrow function and blood problems (extreme fatigue; easy bruising or bleeding; black, bloody or tarry stools; fever or chills; or signs of infection); liver problems; lung problems; and others. Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects from treatment with gemtuzumab.

What is gemtuzumab?

Gemtuzumab is a cancer (antineoplastic) medication. Gemtuzumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body.

Gemtuzumab is used in the treatment of acute myeloid leukemia, a type of blood cancer.

Gemtuzumab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemtuzumab?

Do not use gemtuzumab without first talking to your doctor if you have

• any type of infection;

• lung or breathing problems;

• liver disease; or
• kidney disease.

The use of gemtuzumab may be dangerous if you have any of the conditions listed above.

Gemtuzumab is in the FDA pregnancy category D. This means that it is known to harm an unborn baby. Do not use gemtuzumab without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment. Discuss with your doctor the appropriate use of birth control during treatment with gemtuzumab. It is not known whether gemtuzumab passes into breast milk. Do not take gemtuzumab without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I use gemtuzumab?

Gemtuzumab should only be administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare provider experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapeutic agents.

Your doctor will determine the correct amount and frequency of treatment with gemtuzumab depending upon the type of cancer being treated and other factors. Talk to your doctor if you have any questions or concerns regarding the treatment schedule.

Your doctor will probably want you to have regularly scheduled blood tests and other medical evaluations during treatment with gemtuzumab to monitor progress and side effects.

Your healthcare provider will store gemtuzumab as directed by the manufacturer. If you are storing gemtuzumab at home, follow the directions provided by your healthcare provider.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Contact your doctor if you miss a dose of gemtuzumab.

What happens if I overdose?

If for any reason an overdose of gemtuzumab is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Symptoms of a gemtuzumab overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

What should I avoid while using gemtuzumab?

Gemtuzumab can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with gemtuzumab. In addition, avoid contact with individuals who have recently been vaccinated with a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus can be passed on to you.