Mylotarg (Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin for Injection) Drug Overview and Uses for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

Pill Identifier Search

May 27, 2012

Mylotarg

Cancer »

What is cancer?

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 ...

Read the Cancer article »

« Previous
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
Next »

Mylotarg User Reviews >>

Mylotarg

font size

Mylotarg Consumer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

GEMTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN - INJECTION

(gem-TOOZ-oo-mab oh-zoh-GAM-ih-sin)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Mylotarg

WARNING: This medication will cause very serious blood disorders (decreased bone marrow function leading to low number of blood cells such as white cells, red cells, and platelets). This effect can decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, cause anemia, or cause your body to bruise or bleed more easily. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop any of the following symptoms: signs of infection (e.g., fever, persistent sore throat), easy bruising/bleeding, unusual tiredness, fast/pounding heartbeat.

This medication may cause a very serious (infrequently fatal) allergic reaction or breathing problems. In most cases, these reactions occurred while the medication was being given or within 24 hours, and the symptoms usually went away afterward. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction or breathing problem, including rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, shortness of breath, or trouble breathing.

This medication may also cause very serious (possibly fatal) liver disease. Tell your doctor immediately if you develop symptoms of liver disease, including persistent nausea/vomiting, yellowing skin/eyes, sudden weight gain, or severe stomach/abdominal pain.

USES: This medication is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (acute myeloid leukemia-AML). It is recommended for use in patients whose AML has returned for the first time and who are 60 years or older and cannot use other forms of cancer chemotherapy. This medication works by stopping the growth of cancer cells.

This drug has been withdrawn from the US market due to problems with safety and effectiveness (see also Warning section). For the treatment of AML, the risks outweigh the benefits of gemtuzumab. If you are currently being treated with this medication, talk to your doctor about the risks of this medication and what other treatment options are available.

HOW TO USE: This medication is given by injection into a vein by a health care professional. Dosage is based on your body size. This medication is usually given over 2 hours with another dose given 14 days later for a total of 2 doses. You will be given other medications (e.g., acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before the infusion to help prevent side effects.

To get the most benefit from this medication, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.