Brentuximab Vedotin, Injection bren-TUKS-i mab

What are other names for this medicine?

Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); monoclonal antibody

Generic and brand names: brentuximab vedotin, injection; Adcetris

What is this medicine used for?

This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat:

• Hodgkin lymphoma
• systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma

It is used to treat people whose cancer has come back or progressed under other treatment.

What should my healthcare provider know before I take this medicine?

Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:

• an allergic reaction to any medicine
• progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women because it can harm the baby. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. Do not become pregnant during treatment with this medicine. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are receiving this medicine.

How do I use it?

The infusions are given by your healthcare provider. You will be watched carefully after you receive each dose to make sure that you do not have a serious reaction. Be sure to keep all appointments for these infusions and for blood tests to find out how this medicine affects you.

Your provider may tell you to take certain medicines before each infusion to help reduce any side effects. Follow your healthcare provider's directions exactly.

What if I miss a dose?

Do not miss an appointment for an infusion. If you miss an appointment for an infusion, contact your healthcare provider to reschedule your appointment.

What should I watch out for?

This medicine increases the risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a brain infection that can lead to death or severe disability. You need to have exams and blood tests regularly to see how this medicine affects you. Keep all appointments for these tests.

You may get infections more easily when you are taking this medicine. Stay away from people with colds, flu, or other infections. Also, do not have any vaccines without getting your healthcare provider's approval first. If you develop a fever (over 100°F), contact your healthcare provider right away. The fever may be caused by a low white blood cell count, which would increase your risk of getting severe infections.

If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.

What are the possible side effects?

Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.

Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).

Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): numbness or tingling of your hands or feet; unusual weakness or tiredness; unusual bruising or bleeding; pain when urinating; fever; cough; sore throat; trouble breathing; severe irritation, rash, peeling, or blisters; confusion; loss of memory or problems thinking; trouble walking or talking; changes in vision; decreased strength or weakness on one side of your body.

Other: Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, headache, back pain, joint or muscle pain, dry skin, night sweats, weight loss, trouble sleeping, dizziness, hair loss.

What products might interact with this medicine?

When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:

• antibiotics such as clarithromycin (Biaxin), isoniazid, rifampin, and telithromycin (Ketek)
• antidepressants such as nefazodone
• antifungal medicines such as itraconazole (Sporanox), ketoconazole (Nizoral), posaconazole (Noxafil), and voriconazole (VFEND)
• anti-HIV medicines such as atazanavir (Reyataz), delavirdine (Rescriptor), fosamprenavir (Lexiva), indinavir (Crixivan), nelfinavir (Viracept), ritonavir (Norvir), and saquinavir (Invirase)
• antiseizure medicines such as carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital, and phenytoin
• bleomycin (Blenoxane)
• conivaptan (Vaprisol)
• heart medicines such as nicardipine (Cardene, Cardene SR) and quinidine
• imatinib (Gleevec)
• St. John's wort

If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.

This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.

Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.

Do not share medicines with other people.