Zevalin (Ibritumomab Tiuxetan) Drug Overview of Side Effects and Precautions for Patients and Caregivers at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zevalin

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Zevalin User Reviews >>

Zevalin

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Zevalin Consumer (continued)

SIDE EFFECTS: See also Warning section.

Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal/stomach pain, cough, dizziness, headache, flushing, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

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: pain/swelling at injection site, swelling ankles/feet, mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety), black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, vaginal bleeding.

Get medical help right away if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur: weakness on one side of the body, vision problems, confusion, slurred speech.

This medication is made from human blood. Even though donors are carefully screened and this medication goes through a special manufacturing process, there is a very small chance that you may get infections from the medication (e.g., viruses). Tell the doctor immediately if you develop any signs of infection, including fever or persistent sore throat.

This medication has infrequently caused another type of cancer (acute myelogenous leukemia-AML). This condition can lead to very serious blood disorders. See also Warning section for symptoms.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

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 to mouse proteins; or to other medications in the treatment plan (rituximab, Yttrium-90, Indium-111); 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: blood/bone marrow disorders (e.g., neutropenia, thrombocytopenia), recent/current infections.

This drug may make you dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can perform such activities safely. Limit alcoholic beverages.

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.

Since this medication may harm an unborn baby, both men and women receiving this medication should use at least 2 reliable forms of birth control (e.g., condoms, birth control pills) during treatment with this medication and for 12 months afterwards. Consult with your doctor for more details.

This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. 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.