Lisocabtagene Maraleucel Injection
Lisocabtagene maraleucel injection may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully during your infusion and for at least 4 weeks afterwards. Tell your doctor if you have an inflammatory disorder or if you have or think you may have any type of infection now. You will be given medications 30 to 60 minutes before your infusion to help prevent reactions to lisocabtagene maraleucel. If you experience any of the following symptoms during and after your infusion, tell your doctor immediately: fever, chills, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, shaking, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.
Lisocabtagene maraleucel injection may cause severe or life-threatening central nervous system reactions. These reactions can occur after treatment with lisocabtagene maraleucel. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, a stroke, or memory loss. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: headache, dizziness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness, confusion, anxiety, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, loss of consciousness, agitation, seizures, loss of balance, or difficulty speaking.
Lisocabtagene maraleucel injection is only available through a special restricted distribution program. A Breyanzi REMS program (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) has been set up because of the risks of CRS and neurological toxicities. You can only receive the medication from a doctor and healthcare facility that participates in the program. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this program.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with lisocabtagene maraleucel and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.
🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?
Lisocabtagene maraleucel is used to treat certain types of large B-cell lymphoma (a type of cancer that begins in the white blood cells) in adults whose cancer has returned or is unresponsive to other treatments. Lisocabtagene maraleucel is in a class of medications called autologous cellular immunotherapy, a type of medication prepared using cells from the patient’s own blood. It works by causing the body’s immune system (a group of cells, tissues, and organs that protects the body from attack by bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other substances that cause disease) to fight the cancer cells.
🔔 How should this medicine be used?
Lisocabtagene maraleucelcomes as a suspension (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a doctor’s office or infusion center. It is usually given as two infusions over a total period of up to 30 minutes as a one-time dose. Before you receive your lisocabtagene maraleucel dose, your doctor or nurse will administer other chemotherapy medications to prepare your body for lisocabtagene maraleucel.
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Before your dose of lisocabtagene maraleucel injection is to be given, a sample of your white blood cells will be taken at a cell collection center using a procedure called leukapheresis (a process that removes white blood cells from the body). Because this medication is made from your own cells, it must be given only to you. It is important to be on time and to not to miss your scheduled cell collection appointment(s) or to receive your treatment dose. You should plan to stay near where you received your lisocabtagene maraleucel treatment for at least 4 weeks after your dose. Your healthcare provider will check to see if your treatment is working and monitor you for any possible side effects. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare for leukapheresis and what to expect during and after the procedure.
🔔 Other uses for this medicine
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
🔔 What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving lisocabtagene maraleucel,
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to lisocabtagene maraleucel, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in lisocabtagene maraleucel. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had hepatitis B virus or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start lisocabtagene maraleucel. If you become pregnant while receiving lisocabtagene maraleucel, call your doctor immediately.
- you should know that lisocabtagene maraleucel injection may make you drowsy and cause confusion, weakness, dizziness, seizures, and coordination problems. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for at least 8 weeks after your lisocabtagene maraleucel dose.
- do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells for transplantation after you receive your lisocabtagene maraleucel injection.
- check with your doctor to see if you need to receive any vaccinations. Do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor for at least 6 weeks before starting chemotherapy, during your lisocabtagene maraleucel treatment, and until your doctor tells you that your immune system has recovered.
🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.