Zevalin (Ibritumomab Tiuxetan) Patient Information: How Should I Take the Drug at RxList

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May 27, 2012

Zevalin

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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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Zevalin User Reviews >>

Zevalin

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Zevalin Patient Information including How Should I Take

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ibritumomab (Zevalin)?

You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ibritumomab, or to radioactive chemicals or mouse proteins.

Before you receive ibritumomab, tell your doctor if you are allergic to any drugs, or if you have:

liver disease;
kidney disease;
any type of infection;
lung or breathing problems;
bleeding or blood clotting problems;
low platelet counts;
low blood pressure; or
a history of heart disease, heart attack, angina (chest pain), or irregular heart beats.

If you have any of these conditions, you may need a dose adjustment or special tests to safely receive ibritumomab.

FDA pregnancy category D. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Do not receive ibritumomab if you are pregnant. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medication.

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

Ibritumomab is made from human plasma (part of the blood) and may contain viruses and other infectious agents that can cause disease. Although donated human plasma is screened, tested, and treated to reduce the risk of it containing anything that could cause disease, there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.

Some people receiving ibritumomab have developed "secondary" bone marrow or blood cell cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk while receiving this medication.

How is ibritumomab used (Zevalin)?

Ibritumomab is used in combination with rituximab (Rituxan) and a radioactive chemical. Ibritumomab is given as an injection through a needle placed into a vein. Your doctor, nurse, or other healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Ibritumomab is usually given every 7 to 9 days. Follow your doctor's instructions.

Ibritumomab can lower the 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. To be sure your blood cells do not get too low, your blood will need to be tested on a regular basis. Do not miss any scheduled appointments.

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