Dostarlimab is used to treat certain endometrial cancer (cancer of the inner lining of the womb) and solid tumours (tumours or mass of cancer cells that does not contain cysts or liquid areas). It is used in individuals with certain changes in the gene called mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).
This medicine is used for those whose cancer has returned, or has spread or cannot be removed by surgery, and who have failed previous therapy.
Dostarlimab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Dostarlimab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Dostarlimab if you are pregnant. If you become pregnant while on Dostarlimab therapy, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while using this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Dostarlimab therapy and for 4 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with Dostarlimab and for 4 months after stopping the treatment.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of severe allergic reaction with other medicines for cancer
- have received or plan to receive a stem cell (blood-forming cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests and verification of dMMR status must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver, kidney and thyroid function, blood sugar) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of allergic reactions and infusion-related reactions may also be needed.
Dostarlimab may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, chills, and itchy skin.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- signs and symptoms of lung problems e.g. shortness of breath, cough, fever
- signs and symptoms of liver problems e.g. yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- signs and symptoms of kidney problems e.g. pain or difficulty in passing urine, changes in the amount of urine passed, blood in the urine
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- changes in eyesight, severe eye irritation, eye pain
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Dostarlimab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Protect from light.
If you notice that the injection has changed colour or has become cloudy, do not use it. Throw it away and use a new injection.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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