Blinatumomab

Generic name: Blinatumomab
Brand names: Blincyto
Dosage form: intravenous (infusion) injection
Drug class: CD19 monoclonal antibodies

Usage of Blinatumomab

Blinatumomab is a cancer treatment for adults and children with certain types of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).   ALL is a cancer of the blood which has one type of white blood cell that is growing out of control.

Blinatumomab is a monoclonal antibody which is a type of "targeted" cancer therapy. It targets specific proteins on the surface of the cancer cells. This tells your immune system to find and destroy cancer cells, which helps you to live longer.

Monoclonal antibodies only target specific cells so they may be less toxic to healthy cells.

Blinatumomab side effects

What are the serious side effects caused by Blinatumomab? 

  • See “Important information” above on this page.
  • Infections. blinatumomab may cause life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you develop any signs or symptoms of an infection.
  • Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Neutropenia is common with blinatumomab treatment and may sometimes be life-threatening. Low white blood cell counts can increase your risk of infection. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your white blood cell count during treatment with this medicine. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you get a fever.
  • Abnormal liver blood tests. Your healthcare provider will do blood tests to check your liver before you start this medicine and during treatment.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis may happen in people treated with blinatumomab and corticosteroids. It may be severe and lead to death. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have severe stomach-area pain that does not go away. The pain may happen with or without nausea and vomiting.

    • What are the most common side effects of blinatumomab?

  • infections
  • low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
  • fever
  • reactions related to infusion of the medicine such as face swelling, low blood pressure, and high blood pressure (infusion-related reactions)
  • headache
  • low red blood cell count (anemia)

    • These are not all the possible side effects of blinatumomab.

    Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

    Before taking Blinatumomab

    If you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant, blinatumomab may harm your unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you become pregnant during treatment with blinatumomab. 

  • If you are able to become pregnant, your healthcare provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with blinatumomab.
  • Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control during treatment with blinatumomab, and for 48 hours after the last dose of blinatumomab.

    • If you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed, it is not known if blinatumomab passes into your breast milk. 

  • You should not breastfeed during treatment with blinatumomab and for 48 hours after your last treatment.

    • Relate drugs

    How to use Blinatumomab

    Your dose of blinatumomab will depend on which condition you are treating, your age, weight and whether you are in the induction cycle or the consolidation cycle.

    Your dose may change or be stopped if you start having side effects.

    Warnings

    Call your healthcare provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the symptoms listed below.

    Blinatumomab may cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death, including:

  • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and Infusion Reactions. Symptoms of CRS and infusion reactions may include:
  • fever
  • vomiting
  • tiredness or weakness
  • chills
  • dizziness
  • face swelling
  • headache
  • wheezing or trouble breathing
  • low blood pressure
  • skin rash
  • nausea
  • Neurologic problems. Symptoms of neurologic problems may include:
  • seizures
  • loss of balance
  • difficulty in speaking or slurred speech
  • headache
  • loss of consciousness
  • difficulty with facial movements, hearing, vision, or swallowing
  • trouble sleeping
  • confusion and disorientation

    • Your healthcare provider will check for these problems during treatment with this medicine. Your healthcare provider may temporarily stop or completely stop your treatment, if you have severe side effects.

    See “What are the side effects of blinatumomab?” below on this page for other side effects of this medicine.

    What other drugs will affect Blinatumomab

    Other drugs may interact with blinatumomab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

    Popular FAQ

    The cost of a Blincyto (blinatumomab) vial is about $5,169 per 35 microgram (mcg) single-dose vial. This price will vary based upon your length of treatment, insurance, and other fees. When Blincyto was first approved by the FDA, Amgen announced that the price for the drug was $178,000 per year. Continue reading

    The cost of a Blincyto (blinatumomab) vial is about $5,169 per 35 microgram (mcg) single-dose vial. This price will vary based upon your length of treatment, insurance, and other fees. When Blincyto was first approved by the FDA, Amgen announced that the price for the drug was $178,000 per year. Continue reading

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