home > drugs a-z list > bexxar (tositumomab and iodine 1131 tositumomab) drug center > bexxar (tositumomab and iodine 1131 tositumomab) drug - patient side effects and images

Brand Names: Bexxar Dosimetric, BexxarTherapeutic

Generic Name: tositumomab (Pronunciation: TOE si too MOE mab)

• What is tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• What are the possible side effects of tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• What is the most important information I should know about tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• What should I discuss with my health care provider before I receive tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• How is tositumomab given (Bexxar)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (Bexxar)?
• What happens if I overdose (Bexxar)?
• What should I avoid after receiving tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• What other drugs will affect tositumomab (Bexxar)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is tositumomab (Bexxar)?

Tositumomab is a monoclonal antibody that is linked with radioactive iodine I-131. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Tositumomab is used to treat certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Tositumomab may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of tositumomab (Bexxar)?

Some people receiving tositumomab have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregivers right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or short of breath, or if you have fever or chills during the injection.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have a serious side effect such as:

• pale skin, easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness;
• black, bloody, or tarry stools;
• blood in your urine;
• fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;
• cough with yellow or green mucus; or
• stabbing chest pain, feeling short of breath.

Less serious side effects may include:

• decreased energy;
• weight gain;
• headache;
• joint or muscle pain;
• feeling weak or irritable;
• increased thirst and hot, dry skin;
• nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain;
• loss of appetite;
• mild itching or skin rash;
• runny or stuffy nose; or
• pain, itching, swelling, or redness around your IV needle.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about tositumomab (Bexxar)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to mouse proteins, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a monoclonal antibody.

Before you receive tositumomab, tell your doctor if you have kidney disease or severe bone marrow suppression.

Tositumomab can cause damage to the thyroid gland of an unborn baby if the mother receives this medication during pregnancy. You should not receive this medication if you are pregnant.

Tositumomab can be harmful to an unborn baby whether the father or the mother receives this medication at the time of conception. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, whether you are a man or a woman. Continue using birth control for at least 12 months after you have received tositumomab.

This medication can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections, making it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Avoid being near people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses. Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine just after you receive tositumomab.

After you are treated with tositumomab, your body will retain radioactive material for several days. During this time you will be giving off a small amount of radiation to others around you. Your caregivers should give you instructions about how to avoid exposing other people to radiation until this effect wears off. Follow these instructions carefully.

Take all medications your doctor prescribes to help protect your thyroid gland when you receive tositumomab. You may need to have blood tests to check your thyroid function at regular intervals for the rest of your life. Visit your doctor regularly.