Bexxar

Generic name: Tositumomab

Usage of Bexxar

Bexxar is a monoclonal antibody that is linked with radioactive iodine I-131. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Bexxar is used to treat certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Bexxar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Bexxar side effects

Serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions may occur during treatment with Bexxar. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a fever, chills, chest tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing. These effects can occur during the injection or up to 48 hours later.

Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reaction to Bexxar: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

pale skin, feeling light-headed or short of breath, rapid heart rate, trouble concentrating;

easy bruising, unusual bleeding (nose, mouth, vagina, or rectum), purple or red pinpoint spots under your skin;

weakness, tired feeling, fever, chills, sore throat, body aches, flu symptoms;

blood in your urine or stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

stabbing chest pain, wheezing, cough with yellow or green mucus; feeling short of breath.

Common Bexxarside effects may include:

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

joint or muscle pain;

headache; or

mild itching or rash.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Before taking Bexxar

You should not receive Bexxar if you are allergic to mouse proteins, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a monoclonal antibody.

To make sure Bexxar is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

kidney disease; or

severe bone marrow suppression.

Bexxar can cause damage to the thyroid gland of an unborn baby if the mother receives this medication during pregnancy. You should not receive this medication if you are pregnant.

Bexxar can be harmful to an unborn baby whether the father or the mother receives this medication at the time of conception. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, whether you are a man or a woman. Continue using birth control for at least 12 months after you have received Bexxar.

Tositumomab can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Bexxar.

Some people treated with Bexxar later developed leukemia or other cancers. However, it has not been determined whether this medication actually increases the risk of causing other cancers. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How to use Bexxar

Usual Adult Dose for non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma:

Dosimetric dose : Bexxar 450 mg IV infusion over 60 minutes followed by I-131 tositumomab 5 mCi I-131 and 35 mg protein IV infusion over 20 minutes Therapeutic dose: Bexxar 450 mg IV infusion over 60 minutes followed by I-131 tositumomab dose calculated to deliver 75 cGy total body irradiation for patients with normal platelet count (platelet count greater than 150,000/mm3 obtained within 28 days prior to dosing) 7 to 14 days after dosimetric step Comments: -Do not administer the therapeutic dose if biodistribution is altered. -See manufacturer's product information for instructions on assessing dosimetry and biodistribution and calculating the therapeutic dose.

Warnings

Bexxar can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood will need to be tested often.

After you are treated with Bexxar, your body will retain radioactive material for several days. Follow your caregivers' instructions about how to avoid exposing other people to radiation until this effect wears off.

What other drugs will affect Bexxar

Other drugs may interact with tositumomab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell each of your health care providers about all medicines you use now and any medicine you start or stop using.

Disclaimer

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