Mylotarg (Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin for Injection) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug 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 Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking gemtuzumab (Mylotarg)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to gemtuzumab

If you have any of these other conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely use this medication:

any type of infection;
lung or breathing problems;
liver disease;
kidney disease;
if you have ever received a stem cell transplant; or
if you being treated with other cancer medications.

FDA pregnancy category D. Gemtuzumab can cause harm to an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Before you receive gemtuzumab, tell your doctor if you are pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

It is not known whether gemtuzumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not use this medication without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How is gemtuzumab given (Mylotarg)?

Gemtuzumab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The medicine must be given slowly through an IV infusion, and can take at least 2 hours to complete.

Gemtuzumab can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill.

Contact your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection such as fever, chills, sore throat, flu symptoms, easy bruising or bleeding (nosebleeds, bleeding gums), loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, mouth sores, or unusual weakness.

To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Your kidney or liver function may also need to be tested. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

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