Brentuximab (By injection)
bren-TUX-i-mab ve-DOE-tin
Treats cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
Drug classes
Antineoplastic Agent (About this – PubMed Health)
Uses
Uses of This Medicine
Brentuximab injection is used to treat a type of cancer called Hodgkin lymphoma. It is given to patients who have received a bone marrow (autologous stem cell) transplant or other cancer treatments that did not work well. It is also given to patients who have a high risk of relapse or progression after the bone marrow transplant.
Brentuximab injection is used to treat patients with systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. It is given to patients after other cancer medicines did not work well. It interferes with the growth of cancer cells, which are then destroyed by the body.
This medicine is to be given only by or under the supervision of your doctor.
Other uses (PubMed Health)
How To Use
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 foods and medicines can affect how brentuximab works. Tell your doctor if you are using ketoconazole or rifampin.
When Not To Use
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.
Warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant.
Tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding, or if you have kidney disease or liver disease.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Peripheral neuropathy (a nerve problem) Infusion reaction Liver damage Tumor lysis syndrome Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML, a brain infection that can be life-threatening) New or worse lung problems Serious skin reactionsThis medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.
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.
Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.
Possible side effects
Summary More details
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, or red skin rash
Chills, nausea, trouble breathing, itching, fever, cough, headache, back pain
Cough, trouble breathing, or coughing up blood
Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes
Fever of 100.5 degrees F or higher, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches
Mood changes, usual behavior, confusion, dizziness, memory problems
Numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands, arms, legs, or feet
Pain or burning during urination, bloody or cloudy urine
Problems with vision, speech, thinking, or walking
Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness
If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:
Mild diarrhea, 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.
More side effects of this drug
Brand names include
Adcetris
There may be other brand names for this medicine.