Inotuzumab ozogamicin is used to treat acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (cancer of the blood where you have too many white blood cells). It is used for those whose disease has returned after responding to treatment or has failed to respond to other treatments.
Inotuzumab ozogamicin 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.
Before Inotuzumab ozogamicin is administered, you may be given other medicines to prevent or lessen the side effects of this medicine.
The dose of Inotuzumab ozogamicin 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 Inotuzumab ozogamicin.
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.
Alert your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- have previously had severe veno-occlusive disease (a condition in which the blood vessels in the liver become damaged and blocked by blood clots) or have ongoing veno-occlusive disease
- serious liver disease e.g. cirrhosis (a condition in which the liver does not function properly due to long-term damage), active hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
as Inotuzumab ozogamicin may not be suitable for you.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for at least 2 months after the last dose.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- history of or tendency for heart rhythm disorder
- have undergone stem cell transplant
- imbalance of essential minerals in the body
- history of or ongoing liver disease
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with Inotuzumab ozogamicin. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist. Avoid pregnancy for at least 8 months after you stop using this medicine.
Men should not father a child while being treated with Inotuzumab ozogamicin. You must use proven birth control methods during therapy and for at least 5 months after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss other reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Inform your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated. Do not receive any vaccinations without first asking your doctor.
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 positivity assay for CD22 protein must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, ECG, electrolyte levels) 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.
- Monitoring of signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions must be done within 1 hour of infusion.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of veno-occlusive disease, infection, and bleeding may also be needed.
Inotuzumab ozogamicin may cause tiredness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects include any of the following: stomach pain or distension, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, constipation, mouth sores, fever, loss of appetite, headache, and nosebleeds.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- fever, chills or breathing problems during or shortly after the infusion
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- changes in heart rhythm, decreased urine output, blood in urine, muscle spasms, weakness, or cramps
- dizziness, lightheadedness or fainting
Inotuzumab ozogamicin will cause the level of your red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to drop.
Red blood cells carry oxygen around your body. A fall in the level of red blood cells may make you feel tired and worn out.
White blood cells help your body to fight infections. A fall in the level of your white blood cells may put you at higher risk for infections, such as coughs, colds, and flu, which may lead to more serious infections. Avoid crowded places and people who are sick. Alert your doctor if you have a fever, cough, or flu that does not go away.
Platelets help your blood to clot when there is a cut in the skin. A fall in the level of your platelets may put you at risk of bleeding more than usual. Do not take part in activities where you may fall or get injured, such as contact sports. Alert your doctor if you get any unusual bruising (large bruises or several bruises, especially if the bruises appeared on their own) or bleeding that takes a long time to stop (for example, too much bleeding when you floss or brush your teeth).
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Avoid vaccinations with live vaccines during treatment with this medicine. Alert your doctor if you have been recently vaccinated or if you are planning to get vaccinated.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines that may cause heart rhythm disorder.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking 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 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 Inotuzumab ozogamicin 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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