Talimogene laherparepvec

Generic name: Talimogene Laherparepvec
Brand names: Imlygic
Dosage form: injectable suspension (1 mpfu/mL; 100 mpfu/mL)
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Usage of Talimogene laherparepvec

TalImogene laherparepvec is a cancer medicine that affects the actions of the body's immune system, helping the body produce an "antitumor" response. Talimogene laherparepvec is a genetically modified weak form of type 1 herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes common cold sores).

Talimogene laherparepvec is used to treat a type of cancer called melanoma when it is on the skin or in the lymph glands.

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

Talimogene laherparepvec side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic Reaction: hives; difficult breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any signs that you may be developing herpes simplex virus, such as:

  • tingling, burning, or pain (especially around your mouth or genitals);
  • weakness or cramps in an arm or leg, sometimes with burning pain;
  • eye pain, crusting or drainage, blurred vision (your eyes may be more sensitive to light);
  • confusion, severe drowsiness; or
  • blisters forming on your fingers or ears, or around your mouth or genitals.

    • Also call your doctor if you have:

  • any skin lesion that will not heal; or
  • redness, swelling, warmth, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given.

    • Common side effects of talimogene laherparepvec may include:

  • fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;
  • feeling tired;
  • nausea; or
  • pain where the medicine was injected.

    • 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 Talimogene laherparepvec

    Accidental exposure to the virus in talimogene laherparepvec may cause you to develop symptoms of herpes virus infection. However, not treating melanoma can allow the cancer to progress and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is difficult to treat after it progresses, and this type of cancer can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using talimogene laherparepvec.

    You should not be treated with talimogene laherparepvec if you are allergic to it, or if:

  • you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
  • you are pregnant.

    • Tell your doctor if you have ever had:

  • cold sores or genital herpes;
  • blood cancer (leukemia);
  • bone marrow cancer (myeloma);
  • HIV or AIDS; or
  • an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis.

    • Tell your doctor if anyone in your household is pregnant or has a weak immune system.

    Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant. If you develop symptoms of herpes virus infection while using talimogene laherparepvec, the virus could be passed to your baby during childbirth.

    It may not be safe to breastfeed while using talimogene laherparepvec. Ask your doctor about any risk.

    Relate drugs

    How to use Talimogene laherparepvec

    Usual Adult Dose for Melanoma -- Metastatic:

    Initial Dose: -Up to 4 mL at a concentration of 10(6) [1 million] plaque-forming units (PFU) per mL by intralesional injection.-Largest lesion(s) should be injected first.-Remaining lesion(s) should be prioritized for injection based on lesion size.Second Dose: -Up to 4 mL at a concentration of 10(8) [100 million] PFU per mL by intralesional injection 3 weeks after initial treatment.-New lesions that developed since initial treatment should be injected first.-Remaining lesion(s) should be prioritized for injection based on lesion size.All Subsequent Treatments (including Reinitiation):-Up to 4 mL at a concentration of 10(8) [100 million] PFU per mL by intralesional injection 2 weeks after previous treatment.-New lesions that developed since previous treatment should be injected first.-Remaining lesion(s) should be prioritized for injection based on lesion size.Maximum Dose: The total injection volume for each treatment visit should not exceed 4 mL for all injected lesions combined.Duration of Therapy: -At each treatment visit: Lesions should be injected until maximum injection volume is reached or until all injectable lesion(s) have been treated. -Full treatment course: At least 6 months unless other treatment is required or until there are no injectable lesions to treat.Comments:The injection volume should be based on lesion size (lesions clustered together should be treated as a single lesion):-Greater than 5 cm: Up to 4 mL-Greater than 2.5 cm to 5 cm: Up to 2 mL-Greater than 1.5 cm to 2.5 cm: Up to 1 mL-Greater than 0.5 cm to 1.5 cm: Up to 0.5 mL-0.5 cm or less: Up to 0.1 mLUse: Local treatment of unresectable cUTAneous, suBCutaneous, and nodal lesions in patients with melanoma recurrent after initial surgery.

    Warnings

    Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

    What other drugs will affect Talimogene laherparepvec

    Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

  • medicine to treat herpes (acyclovir, Valacyclovir, or others); or
  • drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection).

    • This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect talimogene laherparepvec, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

    Disclaimer

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    The absence of a warning for a given drug or drug combination in no way should be construed to indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective or appropriate for any given patient. Drugslib.com does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information Drugslib.com provides. The information contained herein is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. If you have questions about the drugs you are taking, check with your doctor, nurse or pharmacist.

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