ADCETRIS - 50mg

Storage/Handling:

Adcetris is stored at 2°C to 8°C in the refridgerator

Uses of ADCETRIS - 50mg:

Adcetris brentuximab vedotin is a CD30-directed antibody-drug conjugate used to treat various types of lymphoma.

Product Introduction:

Adcetris is a branded prescription medication designed for treating specific forms of lymphoma in adults. Lymphoma, a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system and certain white blood cells called lymphocytes, is the target condition for this drug.

Adcetris is employed to treat particular categories of lymphoma, specifically when cancer cells display a surface protein called CD30 (CD30-positive). Its mechanism of action involves targeting the CD30 protein to disrupt the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

In the realm of medical treatment, Adcetris is used in combination with other cancer medications to address both adult and pediatric patients dealing with Hodgkin lymphoma who haven't undergone prior treatment. Furthermore, Adcetris is prescribed for use in adult patients with Hodgkin lymphoma who have received autologous stem cell transplantation or alternative cancer treatments but have either experienced a cancer recurrence, remain at risk of recurrence, or haven't responded to treatment.

In conjunction with other cancer drugs, Adcetris is harnessed to manage Hodgkin lymphoma in adults who are treatment-naive or who have experienced a relapse after previous cancer medication treatment. Additionally, Adcetris is utilized in the treatment of mycosis fungoides.

Expectedly, Adcetris can lead to common side effects, including neutropenia, anemia, peripheral neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea, vomiting, and fever. Notably, a study reported that 91 percent of patients receiving Adcetris alongside chemotherapy experienced neutropenia, resulting in a 19 percent occurrence of febrile neutropenia (neutropenia with fever).

It's crucial to highlight that Adcetris carries a boxed warning, emphasizing the potential risk of John Cunningham virus infection leading to progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but severe brain infection that can be fatal.

Benefits of ADCETRIS - 50mg:

It serves as an anti-cancer drug employed in the treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Initially approved in 2011, Brentuximab vedotin received its first authorization. In March 2018, Adcetris received approval from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adult patients with previously untreated stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), in combination with chemotherapy.

Furthermore, the FDA has previously sanctioned Adcetris for the management of Hodgkin's lymphoma following relapse, Hodgkin's lymphoma after stem cell transplantation with a substantial risk of relapse or progression, systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) after the failure of alternative treatment regimens, and primary cutaneous ALCL when other treatment regimens have proven ineffective.

Side Effects of ADCETRIS - 50mg:

Many of the mild side effects linked to Adcetris typically resolve within a few days or weeks. If these effects worsen or persist, it's advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist. Common mild side effects of Adcetris include:
1. Reactions related to the infusion process†
2. Fatigue (lack of energy)
3. Nausea and vomiting†
4. Diarrhoea
5. Constipation
6. Abdominal (belly) pain†
7. Upper respiratory tract infections, like the common cold
8. Fever
9. Hair loss
10. Weight loss
11. Stomatitis (soreness or inflammation inside the mouth)
12. Mucositis (inflammation or ulcers on the lining of the digestive tract)

Although severe side effects from Adcetris are rare, they can occur. If you encounter any of these severe side effects, it is vital to promptly reach out to your doctor. These significant side effects include:
1. Respiratory problems, such as lung inflammation or respiratory distress syndrome
2. Liver damage
3. Major skin reactions
4. Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
5. Severe gastrointestinal issues, including ulcers, bleeding, inflammation, ruptures, or obstructions in the stomach or intestines
6. Blood disorders, involving low levels of red blood cells or white blood cells
7. Elevated blood sugar levels

Drug Interactions:

Interactions with Food: It's important to be aware of potential food interactions, particularly when it comes to grapefruit products. Grapefruit has the ability to inhibit CYP3A4 metabolism, which can potentially increase the concentration of monomethyl auristatin E (MMAE), the anti-tumor component in brentuximab vedotin.

Interactions with Medications: Caution should be exercised when it comes to drug interactions. Concurrent use of certain medications may not be safe, as some drugs can impact the levels of other medications in your bloodstream, potentially increasing side effects or reducing the effectiveness of the drugs.

Brentuximab vedotin may potentially interact with other medications. It is advisable to have a discussion with your doctor and pharmacist before starting Adcetris. Make sure to provide information about all prescription and over-the-counter medications, as well as any vitamins, herbal supplements, or other substances you are using. Sharing this information will help in avoiding potential interactions.

How ADCETRIS - 50mg Works:

Adcetris works to decrease the number of lymphoma cells in your body by specifically targeting and engaging abnormal B and T lymphocytes. This interaction hinges on CD30, a protein found on the surface of these deviant lymphocytes. (Importantly, CD30 is not normally found on healthy cells, enabling Adcetris to selectively target cancerous cells in most cases.)
Once the antibody in Adcetris attaches to the lymphoma cell, the chemotherapy drug enters the cell and triggers its destruction.

How To Use ADCETRIS - 50mg:

Adcetris is administered via intravenous infusion, typically given by a healthcare provider every 2 to 3 weeks. It's vital to strictly follow your doctor's recommended dosage instructions.

Safety Instructions For ADCETRIS - 50mg:

PREGNANCY Unsafe Adcetris should be avoided during pregnancy as it may pose a risk to the developing fetus. Clinical studies on Adcetris use during human pregnancy are limited, but animal studies have indicated a connection between Adcetris and miscarriages and birth defects. If you are currently pregnant or planning to become pregnant, it's crucial to have a conversation with your doctor about this matter. ALCOHOL Consult your Doctor Adcetris is not recognized for directly interacting with alcohol. However, drinking alcohol while undergoing Adcetris treatment could potentially worsen certain side effects such as nausea, fatigue, and possible liver complications. If you have any reservations regarding the safety of alcohol consumption, it's advisable to discuss this with your doctor. BREAST FEEDING Unsafe It is recommended that mothers abstain from breastfeeding while using Adcetris, as it could pose risks to the well-being of the baby. LIVER Caution People with liver issues may face a risk of Adcetris accumulating in their body, potentially increasing the likelihood of adverse drug reactions. Adcetris has the potential to worsen pre-existing liver conditions and may even lead to liver damage. If you have liver problems, it's essential to discuss with your doctor whether Adcetris is suitable for your condition. KIDNEY Unsafe Adcetris undergoes metabolism primarily in the kidneys. In instances of severe kidney impairment, there is a potential for Adcetris to accumulate in the body. Consequently, individuals with significant kidney problems should have a conversation with their doctor to determine the suitability of Adcetris. It's important to note that Adcetris treatment is not recommended for people with severe kidney issues. CHILDREN Caution As of the present, Adcetris is not sanctioned for use in children. Nevertheless, ongoing research is exploring the potential use of Adcetris as a treatment for Hodgkin lymphomas and T-cell (non-Hodgkin) lymphomas in pediatric patients. These applications of the medication are currently regarded as off-label uses.

Habit Forming

No

Remember:

1. If you are undergoing Adcetris treatment for specific types of classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL), such as stage 3 or stage 4 cHL that hasn't been treated before, or untreated CD30-expressing* peripheral T-cell lymphomas, including untreated systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL), you will typically receive chemotherapy drugs alongside Adcetris.
2. If you have previously experienced an infusion-related reaction following Adcetris treatment, precautionary medications are likely to be administered before your subsequent Adcetris infusion to reduce the risk of another reaction.
3. Your doctor may prescribe medication to manage nausea and vomiting while you are receiving Adcetris treatment, particularly when combined with chemotherapy.
4. Although there are no reported interactions between Adcetris and specific herbs or supplements, it's advisable to consult your doctor or pharmacist before using such products alongside Adcetris to avoid potential interactions.
5. While on Adcetris treatment, it is recommended to avoid close contact with individuals who have received a live vaccine within the past two weeks.
6. Adcetris may potentially affect male fertility, leading to difficulties in achieving pregnancy. Animal studies have indicated possible effects such as reduced sperm count and damage to reproductive organs responsible for sperm production.
7. Adcetris could impact male fertility, potentially causing challenges in achieving pregnancy. Animal studies have shown that the drug may result in reduced sperm count and harm to reproductive organs involved in sperm production.

FAQs:

1. How is Adcetris 50 mg administered?

Adcetris is administered via intravenous (IV) infusion in a medical setting, typically at a doctor's office or outpatient clinic. The frequency of infusions generally occurs every 2 to 3 weeks, depending on your specific diagnosis.

2. How often do I need to receive the medication Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin)?

Your prescribed dosage will be determined by your doctor based on your weight. Your doctor will also provide guidance on the recommended infusion schedule and the anticipated duration of your clinic visits.

3. How soon can I expect to see results?

Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) is typically administered over the long term. While it begins working immediately after administration, noticeable changes may not become apparent right away.

4. Can the use of Adcetris Takeda lead to allergic reactions?

If you have previously experienced a mild or moderate allergic reaction to Adcetris, your healthcare provider may recommend premedications to prevent a recurrence. Premedications are medications given before the infusion. It's advisable to consult your doctor to explore alternative medications to Adcetris if you have concerns.

5. What precautions should diabetic patients take?

Adcetris may occasionally cause hyperglycemia (elevated blood sugar levels). If you have diabetes, incorporating Adcetris into your treatment plan may affect blood sugar management. Adjustments to your diabetes medication dosage might be necessary during Adcetris treatment. If you are a diabetic patient, it's advisable to discuss the initiation of Adcetris with your doctor in advance.