Key facts about Blinatumomab
What dosages is Blinatumomab available in?
Blinatumomab is available as 35 mcg in a single-dose vial.
What is Blinatumomab used for?
Blinatumomab is a monoclonal antibody that is used to treat:
- CD19-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in first or second complete remission with minimal residual disease (MRD) greater than or equal to 0.1%. Relapsed or refractory CD19-positive B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL)
How does Blinatumomab work?
Blinatumomab works by helping your immune system slow or stop the spread of cancer cells. It is a monoclonal antibody.
How do I take Blinatumomab?
Blinatumomab dose is based on weight and schedule. You will be hospitalized for part of the first cycle.
Is it safe for me to take Blinatumomab?
Blinatumomab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.
Blinatumomab Common Side Effects
Common side effects of Blinatumomab:
- Fever
- Infusion-related reactions
- Infections
- Headache
- Neutropenia
- Anemia
- Thrombocytopenia
Blinatumomab Serious Side Effects
Serious side effects are rare with Blinatumomab. Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the symptoms listed
below.
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Infusion Reactions: fever, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, face swelling, wheezing or trouble breathing and skin rash
- Neurologic problems: seizures, difficulty in speaking or slurred speech, loss of consciousness, trouble sleeping, confusion and disorientation, loss of balance, difficulty with facial movements, hearing, vision, or swallowing, and tremors
Effects of other drugs, drug classes and over-the-counter products on Blinatumomab
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with Blinatumomab. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.
Who makes Blinatumomab?
Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers
Is Blinatumomab safe in pregnancy?
Blinatumomab may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with Blinatumomab. If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with Blinatumomab. Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with Blinatumomab, and for 48 hours after your last dose of Blinatumomab.
