Gemtuzumab ozogamicin

Generic name: gemtuzumab ozogamicin [ jem-TOOZ-ue-mab-OH-zoe-ga-MYE-sin ]
Brand name: Mylotarg
Dosage form: intravenous powder for injection (4.5 mg)
Drug class:CD33 monoclonal antibodies

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Sep 23, 2020. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is gemtuzumab ozogamicin?

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is a monoclonal antibody linked to a chemotherapy drug. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is used to treat a certain type (CD33-positive) of newly-diagnosed acute myeloid leukemia in adults and children at least 1 month old.

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is also used to treat CD33-positive acute myeloid leukemia after other treatments did not work or have stopped working in adults and children at least 2 years old.

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin can increase your risk of bleeding or liver damage, either of which may be life-threatening.

Call your doctor at once if you have upper stomach pain, yellowing of your skin or eyes, rapid weight gain, swelling in your midsection, sudden numbness or weakness, problems with speech or vision, severe headache, or unusual bleeding (bleeding gums, vaginal bleeding, blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood).

Before taking this medicine

You should not be treated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin if you are allergic to it.

Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

• liver disease;

• long QT syndrome (in you or a family member);

• a stem cell transplant; or

• an electrolyte imbalance (such as low levels of potassium or magnesium in your blood).

Gemtuzumab ozogamicin can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or the father is using gemtuzumab ozogamicin.

• If you are a woman, you may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 6 months after your last dose.

• If you are a man, use effective birth control if your sex partner is able to get pregnant. Keep using birth control for at least 3 months after your last dose.

• Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother ...