Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin Injection
Conditions Treated
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection is used to treat a certain type of leukemia (cancer that begins in the cells of the bone marrow) in people who are at least 60 years old, whose disease has come back after treatment with a different medication, and who cannot be treated with other medications. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection is in a class of medications called antineoplastic agents. It works by killing cancer cells.
Possible Side Effects
What Side Effects Can This Cause?
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- nausea
- vomiting
- cold sores
- sores in mouth or throat
- constipation
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- headache
- back pain
- weakness
- depression
- difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- cloudy urine
- irregular heartbeat
- muscle or joint pain
- loss of muscle control
- seizures
Usage Instructions
How Should This Medication Be Used
Gemtuzumab ozogamicin comes as a powder to be mixed with water and slowly injected into a vein over 2 hours in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually given as two doses spaced 14 days apart.
What Dietary Instructions Should I Follow
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Are There Any Special Instructions
Before using gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection, tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection or any other medications. tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects. tell your doctor if you have or have ever had any of the conditions mentioned in the IMPORTANT WARNING section of if you have kidney disease. if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are being treated with gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection.
Brand Names
Common Brand Names for This Medication
- Mylotarg®
Overdose
What To Do In The Case of Emergency
In case of overdose, call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim has collapsed or is not breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Forgotten Doses
What Should I Do If I Forget A Dose?
The medical staff will give you your medication as scheduled.
Additional Information
What Are the Storage Conditions for this Medication?
This medication will be stored in the hospital or medical facility where you receive each dose.
What Other Information Should I Know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to gemtuzumab ozogamicin injection. It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.