Sipuleucel-T
Generic name: sipuleucel-T [ SI-pu-LOO-sel-tee ]
Brand name: Provenge
Dosage form: intravenous suspension (-)
Drug class:Therapeutic vaccines
What is sipuleucel-T?
Sipuleucel-T is an immunotherapy medicine used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men.
Sipuleucel-T is made from a small amount of your own white blood cells, removed from blood that is drawn from your body.
Sipuleucel-T is usually given after surgery or other treatments have failed.
Sipuleucel-T may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Before receiving sipuleucel-T tell your doctor about all your medical conditions or allergies, all medicines you use, and if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
heart problems;
a stroke; or
breathing problems.
How is sipuleucel-T given?
Sipuleucel-T is given after a procedure called leukapheresis (LOO-kuh-fuh-REE-sis).
During leukapheresis, some of your blood is collected through a small tube (catheter) placed into a vein. The catheter is connected to a machine that separates your white blood cells from other parts of the blood.
The collected blood cells are then mixed with sipuleucel-T and injected back into your body about 3 days after leukapheresis.
When injected into your body, these treated blood cells help strengthen your immune system to target and attack certain prostate cancer cells.
A healthcare provider will give you this infusion, which takes about 60 minutes to complete. You will be watched closely for at least 30 minutes to make sure you do not have an infusion reaction.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
This treatment is usually given 3 times about 2 weeks apart.
Your doctor will determine your schedule for cell collection and sipuleucel-T injection. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. The timing of cell collection in relation to sipuleucel-T infusion is extremely important. If you miss an infusion appointment your prepared infusion cannot be used in the future.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss any appointment in your cell collection or sipuleucel-T infusion schedule.
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medication is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.
What should I avoid while receiving sipuleucel-T?
Follow your doctor's instruction...
