Blincyto
Generic name:blinatumomab [ BLIN-a-TOOM-oh-mab ]
Drug class:CD19 monoclonal antibodies
What is Blincyto?
Blincyto is used to treat a certain type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults and children.
Blincyto is given after other cancer treatments have been tried without success.
Blincyto was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to this medicine, but further studies are needed.
Acute lymphoblastic leukemia is a cancer of the blood in which a particular kind of white blood cell is growing out of control.
Warnings
Some side effects may occur during the Blincyto injection. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, chilled or feverish, or if you have a headache, skin rash, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
A serious side effect of Blincyto 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.
Also tell your caregivers or seek emergency medical attention if you have slurred speech, confusion, loss of balance, or seizure (convulsions). These could be signs of life-threatening nerve problems.
Before taking this medicine
You should not use Blincyto if you are allergic to blinatumomab.
To make sure Blincyto is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
nerve problems (neurologic disorder), such as seizures, confusion, trouble speaking, or problems with balance;
chemotherapy, or radiation treatment to your brain;
any type of infection; or
a reaction to a blinatumomab injection.
Before using Blincyto, tell your doctor if you have recently received a vaccine or if you are scheduled for a booster dose.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Do not use Blincyto if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using Blincyto and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.
How is Blincyto given?
Blincyto is given around the clock (continuous) using an infusion pump. A healthcare provider will give you this injection. The medicine enters the bod...
