Mylotarg (Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin for Injection) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Mylotarg

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Cancer is the uncontrolled growth of abnormal cells anywhere in a body. The abnormal cells are termed cancer cells, malignant cells, or tumor cells. Many cancers and the abnormal cells that compose the cancer tissue are further identified by the name of the tissue that the abnormal cells originated from (for example, breast cancer, lung cancer, colon cancer). Cancer is not confined to humans; animals and other living organisms can get cancer. Below is a schematic that shows normal cell division and how when a cell is damaged or altered without repair to its system, the cell usually dies. Also shown is what can occur when such damaged or unrepaired cells do not die and become cancer cells and proliferate with uncontrolled growth; a mass of cancer cells develop. Frequently, cancer cells can break away from this original mass of cells, travel through the blood and lymph systems, and lodge in other organs where they can again repeat the ...

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Mylotarg User Reviews >>

Mylotarg

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Mylotarg Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.

Fever, chills, dizziness, headache, nausea, vomiting, or pain/swelling at injection site may occur during or after the infusion. Tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly if any of these effects occur, persist, or worsen. You may be given additional medications to help control these symptoms. Mouth sores, a mild rash, constipation, or diarrhea may also occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Many people using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: increased thirst/urination, change in the amount of urine, muscle spasm/weakness, seizures, fast/irregular heartbeat, black/bloody stools.

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: slurred speech, weakness on one side of the body, confusion, pain/redness/swelling of arms or legs.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

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

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

PRECAUTIONS: Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: liver disease, lung disease, other blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., increased white blood cell count), bone marrow transplant, recent/current infections.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist that you are using this medication.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor, and avoid contact with people who have recently received oral polio vaccine or flu vaccine inhaled through the nose.

Wash your hands well to prevent the spread of infections.

To lower your risk of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Consult your doctor for more details. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor immediately.

It is not known whether this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.