Yescarta

Generic name:axicabtagene ciloleucel [ AKS-ee-KAB-ta-jeen-SYE-loe-LOO-sel ]
Drug class:Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on May 11, 2022.

What is Yescarta?

Yescarta is an immunotherapy medicine used to treat large B-cell lymphoma when your first treatment did not work or your cancer returned within a year of first treatment, OR when at least two kinds of treatment have failed to control your cancer.

Yescarta is also used to treat follicular lymphoma when at least two kinds of treatment have failed to control your cancer.

Large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma are both two types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Yescarta is made using white blood cells removed from blood that is drawn from your body through a vein.

Yescarta is available under a special program. You must be registered in the program and understand the risks and benefits of this medicine.

Warnings

A serious side effect of Yescarta is called cytokine release syndrome, which causes fever, chills, trouble breathing, vomiting, and other symptoms. Your caregivers will have medication available to quickly treat this condition if it occurs.

Yescarta can also cause life-threatening nerve problems. Tell your caregivers or seek emergency medical attention if you have problems with speech, problems with thinking or memory, confusion, or a seizure.

Before taking this medicine

To make sure Yescarta is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• an active or chronic infection;

• memory problems;

• a seizure;

• liver or kidney disease;

• a stroke; or

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