What is Ibritumomab?
Ibritumomab, a protein that targets the white blood cells of the body, is used to treat cancer. Ibritumomab can be attached to radioactive chemicals to deliver radiation directly to tumors (lymphoma).
Ibritumomab can be used with other drugs to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma.Ibritumomab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Ibritumomab
If you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or a severe reaction to the skin (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, burning skin, or a red or purple rash that blisters and peels), seek emergency medical attention.
A life-threatening reaction may occur within 24 hours of the injection. If you feel short of breath or lightheaded, or if you have pain in your shoulder or jaw spreading or chest tightness, tell your carers.
Ibritumomab can cause serious and even fatal skin reactions or infections. These may happen during the treatment and for up to four months afterwards. If you experience:
- Redness, ulcers, or changes in the skin where the medicine has been injected
- Easy bruising, unusual bleeding, or purple or red patches under the skin
- Unusual weakness or fatigue
- Low red blood cells (anemia)--paleness, weakness, and cold hands or feet
- Low white blood cell count—fevers, mouth sores, and skin sores. Cough.
Side effects of ibritumomab include:
- Diarrhea and stomach pain.
- Fever, cough;
- You may experience sinus pain, a stuffy nose, or a sore throat.
- Feeling weak or tired?
There may be other side effects. For advice on side effects, seek medical advice from your physician or contact the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 for reporting of them.
Similar/related drugs
Methotrexate, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, rituxan, cytoxan, and bleomycin
Warnings
A life-threatening reaction may occur within 24 hours of the injection. If you feel short of breath or lightheaded, or if you have pain in your shoulder or jaw spreading or chest tightness, tell your carers.
Ibritumomab can cause serious and even fatal skin reactions or infections. These may occur up to four months after treatment. If you experience: fever, chills or sore mouths; pale or cold skin; cold feet and hands; lightheadedness or feeling short of breath; easy bleeding or bruising; or changes in the skin where the medicine has been injected, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
If you have an allergy to radioactive chemicals, mouse proteins, or ibritumomab, then it is not recommended that you receive treatment with this drug.
Tell your doctor if any of the following apply to you:
- Can be any type.
- Blood clotting or bleeding problems
- Breathing problems
- If you are taking a blood thinner, such as warfarin or Coumadin (or any other medication to prevent blood clots),
Ibritumomab can increase your risk for other cancers, including leukemia and leukemia. Consult your doctor to determine your risk.Before starting the treatment, you may need a negative pregnancy result.
This medicine can cause birth defects or harm to an unborn child if either the mother or father are taking it. Continue to use birth control at least 12 months after your last dose.If you become pregnant while using ibritumomab, tell your doctor immediately.Do not breastfeed for 6 months after the last dose of this medication.
How to take Ibritumomab?
Ibritumomab can be used with Rituximab and a radioactive substance. Ibritumomab can be given by infusion through a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider.If you experience any pain or swelling when the ibritumomab injection is administered, tell your carers.
While you receive ibritumomab, your doctor may prescribe medicine to help prevent certain side effects. Take all the medications prescribed by your doctor.Ibritumomab increases your risk of bleeding and infection. You will be required to undergo frequent medical tests.
Details on dosage
Adult dose for non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
Day 7, 8, or 9 after the initial rituximab injection:
Within four hours after rituximab administration, intravenously administer Y90 ibritumomab 0.4 mci/kg (14.8 mbq/kg actual body weight) over a period of 10 minutes to patients with a normal platelet count.
Maximum dose: 32 mci (11184 mbq), Y-90 ibritumomab, regardless of body weight.
Comments:
If platelets are less than 100,000/mm3, do not treat.
After the first dose of chemotherapy, initiate the regimen when the platelet count has recovered to at least 150 000/mm3, but no more than 12 weeks.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you are unable to attend your appointment for ibritumomab, call your doctor.
What happens if I Overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
Avoid being around people who are sick. If you notice any signs of an infection, tell your doctor immediately.
You should not receive any "live" vaccinations while you are using ibritumomab and for 12 months following the end of your treatment. The vaccine might not protect you as well and work less effectively during this period. Live vaccines are available for measles (MMR), rubella, mumps (R), typhoid (Yellow Fever), varicella (chickenpox), yellow fever (Typhoid), rotavirus (Typhoid), typhoid (rotavirus), typhoid (rotavirus), zoster (shingles), and influenza (nasal flu).
Interaction with other drug
Ibritumomab can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
