GENERIC NAME: IBRITUMOMAB TIUXETAN - INJECTABLE (ih-brih-TOO-mow-mab tie-ooh-X-eh-tan)
BRAND NAME(S): Zevalin
Warning | Medication Uses | How To Use | Side Effects | Precautions | Drug Interactions | Overdose | Notes | Missed Dose | Storage | Medical Alert
WARNING: A medication used along with this product (rituximab) may infrequently cause serious (sometimes fatal) side effects including severe lung problems (e.g., hypoxia, pulmonary infiltrates, ARDS), heart problems (e.g., cardiogenic shock, MI, ventricular fibrillation), and blood disorders (e.g., cytopenias). These effects, if they occur, usually occur within 30 minutes to 2 hours of receiving the drug. Tell your doctor if you have any blood disorders, heart problems, or breathing problems before using this product and seek immediate medical attention if you develop severe trouble breathing, swelling, dizziness/lightheadedness, irregular heartbeat, or chest pain.
USES: Ibritumomab tiuxetan is a type of protein (monoclonal antibody plus a chelator) used, along with another monoclonal antibody (rituximab) and two radioactive pharmaceuticals (In-111 and Y-90); to treat a certain form of cancer (non-Hodgkin's lymphoma).
HOW TO USE: Follow all instructions for proper handling, mixing, and dilution with the correct IV fluids. If you have any questions regarding the use of this medication, consult the doctor or pharmacist. Ibritumomab is not a radioactive chemical by itself. There is no risk of radioactive exposure with this medication kit until it is combined with the In-111 or Y-90; all radioactive handling precautions should be followed at that time. The radioactive medication will be added to this drug by a properly-trained medical professional. Your doctor may prescribe medications to be taken 30 minutes before this drug is given. These drugs may help decrease the risk and/or severity of allergic reactions and some side effects. After being given another medication (rituximab), this medication will be injected into a vein (IV) over 10 minutes exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Generally, another rituximab dose is given 7 to 9 days later, followed by this medication, given IV over a 10 minute period. The dosage is based on your medical condition, response to therapy, and an established dosing guideline. Consult your doctor for details. Before using, check this product visually for particles or discoloration. If either is present, do not use the liquid. Learn how to store and discard needles and medical supplies safely. Consult your pharmacist.
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
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