Brentuximab Vedotin
About Brentuximab Vedotin
Brentuximab Vedotin is used to treat Hodgkin’s disease. It is a type of lymphoma, a group of cancers that affect the lymphatic system, particularly the lymph nodes. Tumours commonly develop in the lymph nodes or surrounding areas where lymphatic vessels come together.
Brentuximab Vedotin contains brentuximab vedotin. It works by targeting specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. It uses an antibody-drug conjugate to deliver a toxic substance directly to the cancer cells, effectively destroying them. This method helps to reduce tumour size and alleviate symptoms in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
The dose and duration of treatment with Brentuximab Vedotin may vary depending on your medical condition. The common side effects of Brentuximab Vedotin include dizziness, constipation, decreased appetite, mouth sores, anxiety, bone, muscle, joint, back, arm, or leg pain and hair loss. Most of these side effects gradually resolve on their own over time. However, consult the doctor if these side effects persist or worsen.
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy. You must take a pregnancy test before treatment, and use effective birth control during and for two months after completion of the treatment. If you are male and your partner is pregnant or could become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for 4 months after your final dose as Brentuximab Vedotin may cause harm to the foetus. This medicine is not recommended for breastfeeding women. Inform your doctor about all the medicines you are taking and about your pre-existing health conditions.
Uses of Brentuximab Vedotin
Medicinal Benefits
Brentuximab Vedotin targets specific proteins found on the surface of cancer cells, inhibiting their growth. It reduces tumour size and alleviates symptoms in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma. Follow your doctor's instructions to achieve the maximum benefits of the treatment.
Directions for Use
Check the detailed instructions that come with Brentuximab Vedotin on how to prepare and inject a dose of Brentuximab Vedotin. Use it exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is administered as an Intravenous infusion only by the health care professional.
Storage
Side Effects of Brentuximab Vedotin
- Dizziness
- Constipation
- Decreased appetite
- Mouth sores
- Anxiety
- Bone pain
- Muscle pain
- Joint pains
- Hair loss
Drug Warnings
Inform your doctor if you experience symptoms like numbness or tingling, as neuropathy may occur, that requires monitoring and potential dosage adjustments. Inform your doctor if you experience any signs of serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, during or within 24 hours of infusion, as it may require immediate discontinuation and medical attention. Inform your doctor if you experience severe hematologic toxicities like neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, or anaemia, as regular blood count monitoring will be required. Also, tell your doctor if you notice signs of infections, such as pneumonia or sepsis, as close monitoring will be essential during treatment. Inform your doctor if you experience any signs of tumour lysis syndrome, renal or hepatic impairments, hepatotoxicity, PML (Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy), serious dermatologic reactions, or embryo-fetal toxicity, as these conditions require careful management and monitoring while receiving Brentuximab Vedotin. Brentuximab Vedotin is safe for children if prescribed by the doctor and is not recommended for children under 18 years of age as its safety and efficacy were not established. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding and about all the medications you are taking to rule out the potential side effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interaction: Brentuximab Vedotin may interact with NSAIDs (ibuprofen), antibiotics (amoxicillin, bleomycin, sulfamethoxazole, trimethoprim), statins (atorvastatin), and analgesics (acetaminophen).
Drug-Food Interaction: Brentuximab Vedotin may cause interactions with grapefruit or grapefruit juice.
Drug-Disease Interaction: Inform your doctor if you have peripheral neuropathy, infections like pneumonia, sepsis and hematologic toxicities such as neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anaemia and pre-existing medical conditions like renal and hepatic impairments or hepatotoxicity.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorAvoid alcohol consumption of alcohol if you are receiving Brentuximab Vedotin, as it can exacerbate potential side effects of the medication, especially liver problems, and may interfere with the effectiveness of treatment. Always consult your doctor before consuming alcohol while taking this medication.
Pregnancy
unsafeBrentuximab Vedotin can harm your foetus. If you are a woman receiving Brentuximab Vedotin, avoid pregnancy. If you become pregnant while on treatment, report immediately to the doctor.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAvoid breastfeeding while on treatment with Brentuximab Vedotin as it may harm your baby.
Driving
cautionAvoid driving or operating machinery if you feel uncomfortable after receiving Brentuximab Vedotin.
Liver
cautionThere have also been severe hepatotoxic cases with potentially deadly results. The risk may also be raised by comorbidities, concurrent drugs, and pre-existing liver disease. Before starting Brentuximab Vedotin, liver function should be assessed, and patients should have regular liver function checks.
Kidney
cautionBrentuximab Vedotin should not be used in people who have significant renal impairment (creatinine clearance < 30 mL/min). Patients with severe renal impairment may use it, provided that their dosage is adjusted and they are closely monitored.
Children
safe if prescribedBrentuximab Vedotin in combination with other chemotherapeutic agents like doxorubicin, vincristine, etoposide, prednisone, and cyclophosphamide can be used safely in children 2 years of age and older with previously untreated high-risk classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL). Your doctor may recommend the correct combination and dosage based on the child's condition.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Eat a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins to support your immune system and overall health.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Add fibre to the diet and stay active by moving regularly.
- Avoid risky activities by avoiding participating in sports or activities with a high risk of injury or bleeding.
- Avoid heavy, greasy, spicy, or acidic foods (such as lemons, tomatoes, and oranges), as these may worsen symptoms.
- Practice good hygiene and avoid contact with people who are sick to prevent the spread of infections.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Hodgkin's lymphoma: Hodgkin’s disease or Hodgkin's lymphoma is a blood cancer of a specific type of cells called WBCs, specifically lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are key in controlling infections and supporting the body’s immune function. However, in a cancerous state, there is an abnormal multiplication of these blood cells, causing many problems such as fatigue, fever, loss of appetite, itching, night sweats and lymph node swelling.
FAQs
Brentuximab Vedotin belongs to the group of medications called Monoclonal antibodies used to treat Hodgkin’s disease or Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Brentuximab Vedotin contains Brentuximab vedotin. It works by targeting a protein called CD30, which is found on the surface of cancerous cells. It is an antibody-drug conjugate that delivers a toxic substance directly to these cells, leading to their destruction. This process helps reduce tumour growth and improve symptoms in patients with Hodgkin lymphoma.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, chills, rash, hives, itching, or difficulty breathing during or after 24 hours of receiving Brentuximab Vedotin. Your doctor may prescribe medications before your infusion to help prevent allergic reactions if you've had one previously.
Brentuximab Vedotin may cause common side effects, such as dizziness, constipation, decreased appetite, mouth sores, anxiety, bone pain, muscle pain, joint pain, leg pain, back pain, arm pain, and hair loss. However, please consult your doctor if any of these symptoms persist or worsen.
Please inform your doctor before taking any other medicines while treatment with Brentuximab Vedotin. Your doctor will decide regarding medicines that should not be taken along with Brentuximab Vedotin.
