Drug Notes

Blinatumomab (By injection)

Blinatumomab (blin-a-TOOM-oh-mab)

Treats leukemia.

Brand Name(s):

Blincyto

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Your doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.
• 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.
• This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.
• Missed dose: 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.

• Some medicines can affect how blinatumomab works. Tell your doctor the name of every medicine you take, especially if you take the following:
  • Cyclosporine
  • Warfarin
• This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 48 hours after your treatment ends.
• Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, any type of infection, or a history of seizures.
• This medicine may cause the following problems, some of which could be serious or life-threatening:
  • Cytokine release syndrome or infusion reaction
  • Neurological problems
  • Infections including sepsis and pneumonia
  • Tumor lysis syndrome
  • Pancreatitis
• This medicine may make you dizzy, confused, or less alert than you are normally. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.
• 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 do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. 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
• Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat
• Fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, and body aches
• Lightheadedness, dizziness, or fainting
• Problems with balance, walking, or speaking, confusion
• Rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet or lower legs
• Seizures or tremors
• Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting
• Trouble breathing or chest pain
• Yellow skin or eyes

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

• Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain
• Headache, trouble sleeping
• Joint pain or swelling, pain in your back, legs, or bones

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

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088

Last Updated: 1/27/2017