Ibritumomab tiuxetan (Injection)

Introduction:

Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (eye-bri-TOOM-oh-mab tye-UX-e-tan)

Treats non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This medicine is a monoclonal antibody that is used with other medicines for radiation treatment.

Brand Name(s):

Zevalin Y-90, Zevalin In-111

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• The medicine is usually given in two visits about 7 to 9 days apart. During each visit, you will receive two separate injections. You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting or allergic reactions.
• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your doctor or nurse right away.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin or Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, or Orudis®). Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you have had, including radiation.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines while you are receiving this medicine. Vaccines may not work as well, or they could make you ill while you are using this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. The medicine may also cause birth defects if the father is using it when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 12 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
• Do not breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine.
• This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.
• This medicine may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have fever, chills, trouble with breathing, chest tightness, swelling in your face or hands, lightheadedness, or if you feel like fainting within a few hours after you receive it.
• If this medicine accidentally seeps out of the vein into which it is injected, it may damage some tissues and cause scarring. Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection.
• If you experience a severe skin reaction, you should stop receiving this treatment and seek medical attention immediately. Symptoms may include blistering or loosening of skin; red, swollen, irritated, or scaly skin; skin peeling or fissures; fingernail changes; or fever or chills.
• Some of the side effects with this medicine may appear up to 3 months after you have stopped using it.
• This medicine contains albumin, which is derived from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made from human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the making of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing.
• Blistering, peeling, or red skin rash.
• Bloody or black, tarry stools.
• Change in how much or how often you urinate, or painful urination.
• Chest pain, shortness of breath, or coughing up blood.
• Fever, chills, cough, runny or stuffy nose, sore throat, and body aches.
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting.
• Pain, redness, itching, or swelling where the IV needle is placed.
• Sudden or severe headache, confusion, problems with vision, speech, or walking.
• Swelling in your hands, ankles, or feet.
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness.

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Anxiety or trouble sleeping.
• Back, joint, or muscle pain.
• Loss of appetite.
• Mild skin rash or itching.
• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or stomach pain.
• Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest.

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor: