Uses of Axicabtagene
Axicabtagene injection is used to treat a certain type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cancer that begins in white blood cells that normally fight infection) that has returned or is unresponsive to other treatment(s) in people who have already been treated with at least two other chemotherapy medications. Axicabtagene injection is in a class of medications called autologous cellular immunotherapy, a type of medication prepared using cells from the patient’s own blood. It works by causing the body’s immune system (a group of cells, tissues, and organs that protects the body from attack by bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other substances that cause disease) to fight the cancer cells.
Side Effects of Axicabtagene
Axicabtagene may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- stomach pain
- back pain
- joint or muscle pain
- dry mouth
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms or those listed in the IMPORTANT WARNING section, call your doctor immediately:
- blood in urine
- bleeding more easily than normal
- fever, sore throat, chills, or other signs of infection
- decreased urination frequency or amount
- pale skin
- fatigue
- swelling of the eyes, face, lips, tongue, throat, arms, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
- difficulty swallowing
- rash
- hives
- itching
Axicabtagene injection may increase your risk of developing certain cancers. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving this medication.
Axicabtagene may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
Warnings & Precautions
Before receiving axicabtagene injection:
- tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to axicabtagene, gentamicin, any other medications, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or any other ingredients in axicabtagene injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
- tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Be sure to mention any of the following: steroids such as dexamethasone, methylprednisolone (Medrol), prednisolone, and prednisone (Rayos). 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 breathing problems or lung, kidney, heart, or liver disease.
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start axicabtagene treatment. If you become pregnant while receiving axicabtagene injection, call your doctor immediately.
- you should know that axicabtagene injection may make you drowsy and cause confusion, weakness, dizziness, seizures, and coordination problems. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for at least 8 weeks after your axicabtagene dose.
- do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells for transplantation after you receive your axicabtagene injection.
- check with your doctor to see if you need to receive any vaccinations. Do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor for at least 6 weeks before starting chemotherapy, during your axicabtagene treatment, and until your doctor tells you that your immune system has recovered.
Dosage Of Axicabtagene
Axicabtagene injection comes as a suspension (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a doctor’s office or infusion center. It is usually given over a period of up to 30 minutes as a one-time dose. Before you receive your axicabtagene dose, your doctor or nurse will administer other chemotherapy medications to prepare your body for axicabtagene.
Before your dose of axicabtagene injection is to be given, a sample of your white blood cells will be taken at a cell collection center using a procedure called leukapheresis (a process that removes white blood cells from the body). Because this medication is made from your own cells, it must be given only to you. It is important to be on time and to not to miss your scheduled cell collection appointment(s) or to receive your treatment dose. You should plan to stay near where you received your axicabtagene treatment for at least 4 weeks after your dose. Your healthcare provider will check to see if your treatment is working and monitor you for any possible side effects. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare for leukapheresis and what to expect during and after the procedure.
Other
Keep all appointments with your doctor, the cell collection center, and the laboratory. Your doctor may order certain lab tests before, during, and after your treatment to check your body’s response to axicabtagene injection.
Before having any laboratory test, tell your doctor and the laboratory personnel that you are receiving axicabtagene injection. This medication may affect the results of certain laboratory tests.
Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about axicabtagene 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.
Source
All information has been provided courtesy of MedLinePlus from the National Library of Medicine and from the FDA.
