Ibritumomab
Generic name: ibritumomab [ ib-ri-TYOO-mo-mab ]
Brand names: Y-90 Zevalin, In-111 Zevalin
Dosage form: intravenous kit (3.2 mg/2 mL)
Drug classes:CD20 monoclonal antibodies, Radiologic conjugating agents
What is ibritumomab?
Ibritumomab is a protein that targets white blood cells in the body. When ibritumomab is attached to a radioactive chemical, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor (lymphoma).
Ibritumomab is used in combination with other medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Ibritumomab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Life-threatening reactions may occur during the injection or within 24 hours afterward. Tell your caregivers or seek medical attention if you feel light-headed or short of breath, or if you have chest tightness or pain spreading to your jaw or shoulder.
Serious and sometimes fatal infections or skin reactions may occur during treatment with ibritumomab, and up to 4 months afterward. Call your doctor right away if you have: fever, chills, mouth sores, pale skin, cold hands and feet, feeling light-headed or short of breath, easy bruising or bleeding, or skin changes where the medicine was injected.
Before taking this medicine
You should not be treated with ibritumomab if you are allergic to ibritumomab, or to radioactive chemicals or mouse proteins.
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
any type of infection;
bleeding or blood clotting problems;
breathing problems; or
if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin) or other medicine to prevent blood clots.
Using ibritumomab may increase your risk of developing other types of cancer, such as leukemia or preleukemia. Ask your doctor about your specific risk.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
Both men and women using this medicine should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy. Ibritumomab can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects if the mother or father is using this medicine. Keep using birth control for at least 12 months after your last dose.
Tell your doctor right away if a pregnancy occurs while either the mother or the father is using ibritumomab.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 6 months after your last dose.
