Ibritumomab (By injection)

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Treats non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This medicine is part of a treatment plan that also includes rituximab.

Drug classes

Antineoplastic Agent, Immunological Agent (About this – PubMed Health)

Uses

Uses of This Medicine

Ibritumomab injection is a monoclonal antibody. It is used together with another monoclonal antibody (rituximab) and one radioactive medication (Y-90). Ibritumomab is used to treat a type of cancer called non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) in patients who have never received any treatment and for those who have received other cancer medicines.

This medicine is to be administered only by or under the immediate supervision of your doctor.

Other uses (PubMed Health)

How To Use

Injectable

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 prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

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.

Tell your doctor right away if any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth.

Missed dose: This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic 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.

Some drugs and food can affect how ibritumomab works. Tell your doctor if you also using a blood thinner such as warfarin or an NSAID, including aspirin, diclofenac, ibuprofen, naproxen, or celecoxib.

This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive any live vaccine for 12 months after you finish treatment with this medicine.

When Not To Use

This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to Ibritumomab 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. Continue to use birth control for 12 months after your treatment ends.

Do not breastfeed while you receive this medicine.

This medicine may cause the following problems:

Increased risk for other cancer Serious infusion reaction or skin reaction

This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

Some of the side effects with this medicine may appear up to 4 months after you stop using it.

You will be exposed to radiation while you use this medicine. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Cancer medicine can cause nausea or vomiting, sometimes even after you receive medicine to prevent these effects. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control any nausea or vomiting that might happen.

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

Fever, chills, cough, sore throat, and body aches

Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting

Pain, redness, itching, or swelling where the needle is placed

Trouble breathing, blue lips or nails, chest pain

Unusual bleeding, bruising, tiredness, or weakness

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

Mild skin rash or itching

Nausea, diarrhea, stomach pain. appetite loss

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

Zevalin In-111, Zevalin Y-90

There may be other brand names for this medicine.