What is Zynlonta?
Zynlonta is a prescription medication for adults suffering from specific types of B-cell lymphoma that have returned (relapsed) or didn't respond to prior treatment (refractory) and have had several treatments to treat their cancer.
It isn't known whether this medication has been proven safe or effective for children.
Before you take this drug
Before starting treatment, inform your physician about your medical issues, including those that:
- Are suffering from an active infection or have recently had one.
- Suffer from liver issues.
- Are pregnant or planning to be pregnant or plan to be pregnant?Zynlonta can harm your unborn baby.
Females who are able to be pregnant- Your healthcare provider could perform a pregnancy test prior to beginning treatment.
- It is important to utilize an effective method of birth control (contraception) throughout the course of treatment and for a period of nine months following your last dosage. Consult your physician about the best method of birth control. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you find yourself pregnant or suspect that you're pregnant during treatment.
Males with women partners that are expecting
- You must utilize an effective method of birth control (contraception) throughout the treatment and for a minimum of six months following your last dosage.
- Who are nursing or plan to be nursing. It is unclear whether Zynlonta gets into the breast milk. Do not breastfeed while you are treated with Zynlonta and up to 3 months after the last dose.
Inform your doctor about every medicine you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medications such as vitamins and herbal supplements. Know what medicines you are taking. Keep a list to show your healthcare professional or pharmacist if you are prescribed a new medicine.
Similar/related drugs
Prednisone, rituximab, cyclophosphamide, rituxan, doxorubicin, and cytoxan
How to take Zynlonta?
- Zynlonta is prescribed via your health care provider in the form of an IV infusion that is injected into your vein over a period of 30 minutes.
- Zynlonta is usually administered every 3 weeks.
- Your doctor may prescribe you medication prior to each infusion to lower the chance of experiencing side effects.
- Your doctor may decide to stop the treatment, extend the treatment, or alter the dosage if you experience serious adverse effects.
- Your doctor should conduct regular blood tests to look for any adverse consequences.
- Your physician will determine what treatments you will require.
What should be avoided?
Reduce or eliminate exposure to sunlight, such as the sun shining through glass, such as in vehicles or building windows, as well as artificial sunlight like sunlamps and tanning beds. The exposure to sunlight during treatment may cause skin reactions or eruptions. Make sure you are protected from sun exposure, like sunscreen, and wear loose-fitting clothing that covers your skin outdoors in the sun.
Side effects of Zynlonta
Zynlonta could produce serious side effects, for example:
- Retention of fluid. Your body may be able to hold too much fluid throughout treatment. This could be a serious issue. Inform your doctor in the event that you experience an increase or worsening of swelling, the appearance of puffiness, weight gain, chest discomfort, breath shortness, or trouble breathing.
- The low blood count (platelets, red blood cells, and white blood cells) Low blood cell counts are common in Zynlonta, but they could also be very serious or even life-threatening. Your doctor will be monitoring the blood count of your patients while you are receiving treatment. Contact your healthcare professional immediately if you notice an increase in temperature at 100.4°F (38°C) or more or if you experience any bleeding or bruising. Bleeding.
- Infections that are serious, such as those that could cause death, are common among patients who were treated by Zynlonta. Inform your doctor immediately if you notice symptoms or signs that are new or getting worse. Signs of infection, for example:
- The fever
- Chills
- Flu-like symptoms (cough, fatigue, weakness, tiredness, and body pains)
- Headache
- Breathing issues
- Cut or scrapes that appear tender, warm, red, or painful
- Skin reactions. Serious skin reactions occur in patients receiving Zynlonta. Inform your doctor in the event that you develop any new or more severe skin reactions, such as sensitivity to sunlight, skin rash, peeling, redness, or irritation. It is possible to be more susceptible to burning or suffer severe sunburns. Read more What should I stay clear of when receiving Zynlonta?
The most frequent adverse reactions include:
- Feeling tired or weak
- Skin itchy rash
- Swelling
- Nausea
- Joint or muscle pain or joint
- An increase in blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- Changes in certain blood types or lab tests
Zynlonta could cause fertility issues in males that could hinder the ability to father children. Discuss this with your physician if this concerns you. These aren't the only possible adverse consequences. Contact your doctor to get medical advice on possible side effects. You can report the side effects to the FDA by calling 1-800-FDA-1088.
Interaction with other drugs
Other medications may be incompatible with loncastuximab, which includes prescription and over-the-counter medicine, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your current medications and any medication you begin or stop taking.