What is Dostarlimab?
Dostarlimab can be used to treat certain cancers in adults after other treatments have failed or stopped working. The cancer may also have returned or spread, or the surgery cannot remove it. Dostarlimab is only prescribed if your doctor determines that you have a specific type of tumor. Dostarlimab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Dostarlimab
If you experience symptoms of an allergic response (hives or difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat), a severe reaction to the skin (fever or a sore throat), or have rashes or blisters with a red or purple color, call 911. Some side effects can occur during injection. If you experience lightheadedness, a fever, or itchiness, tell your doctor. Dostarlimab is a drug that strengthens the immune system and helps it fight cancer. However, it can also cause serious side effects or even death.
Dostarlimab may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Shortness of breath or a new cough.
- Chest pain and irregular heartbeats
- A feeling of lightheadedness, as if you could pass out.
- A seizure;
- Eye pain, redness, or confusion
- Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or bloody or tarry stool
- Low red blood cells (anemia): pale skin, fatigue, and cold hands and/or feet
- Low white blood cell count—fevers, mouth sores, and skin sores;
- Kidney problems: swelling in the ankles, bloody urine, or little or no urination.
- Liver disorders: right-sided upper stomach pain, appetite loss, bruised or bloodied urine and jaundice symptoms such as yellowing of skin or eyes can indicate liver issues;
- Signs of hormonal disorders include: frequent or unusual headaches; dizziness; feeling very weak; mood or behavior change; hoarse voice or increased thirst or hunger; increased urination or increased hunger; constipation; hair fall; sweating; feeling cold; or weight gain.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be permanently stopped or delayed.
Dostarlimab side effects may include:
- Abnormal liver function tests
- Nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
- Anemia is characterized by low levels of white blood cells.
- Feeling weak or tired?
There may be other side effects.Call your doctor if experiencing side effects; for safety reports on specific conditions contact 1-800-FDA-1088 or your state agency of Health and Human Services (DHHS).
Similar/related drugs
methotrexate, Keytruda, Hydroxyurea, Provera, Pembrolizumab, Megestrol, and Medroxyprogesterone
Warnings
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as: chest pain, severe stomach discomfort, diarrhea, bloody stools or tarry stool, headaches or confusion, severe weakness or vision problems, decreased urine production, bruising, bleeding, blood or dark urine, or yellowing skin or eyes.
Before you take this drug
Inform your doctor immediately of any of the following issues:
- Breathing problems
- Immune system problems.
Can harm an unborn child. A pregnancy test may be needed to confirm that you are not pregnant. Use birth control during treatment with dostarlimab and for at least 4 months following your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Dostarlimab should not be used while breastfeeding.
How to take Dostarlimab?
Dostarlimab injections are administered by a healthcare professional. This medicine is slowly injected over a period of 30 minutes. Dostarlimab can be given up to six times a year, initially every three weeks. Dostarlimab can be used for a long time. However, you may need to undergo medical testing.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for endometrial cancer:
Initial dose:
Doses 1 to 4: 500mg IV every 3 weeks.
Maintenance dose:
Subsequent Dosing starting 3 weeks after Dose 4 (Dose 5 and onwards): 1,000 mg IV every 6 weeks
Duration of treatment:
-Until disease progression occurs or toxicities are unacceptable
Use: To treat adult patients who have mismatch repair-deficient endometrial carcinoma that is recurrent, advanced, or has progressed after prior treatment.
Adult dose for solid tumors:
Initial dose:
Doses 1 to 4: 500mg IV every 3 weeks.
Maintenance dose:
Subsequent Dosing starting 3 weeks after Dose 4 (Dose 5 and onwards): 1,000 mg IV every 6 weeks
Duration of treatment:
-Until disease progression occurs or toxicities are unacceptable
Comment:
This indication has been approved under an accelerated approval process based on the tumor response rate and duration of response. The approval of this indication could be conditional on the verification and description of confirmatory trials.
Use: To treat solid tumors that have progressed or have not responded to prior treatment and for which there are no other satisfactory treatment options.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to receive your dostarlimab, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Dostarlimab can be given in medical settings, so an overdose is unlikely.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Dostarlimab may be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the other medications you take.
