Drugs & Vitamins

Active Ingredients: Gemtuzumab
Other Names: Gemtuzumab (Human) (Murine) Solution for Injection, Gemtuzumab Ozogamacin (Human) (Murine) Solution for Injection, Gemtuzumab Ozogamacin Solution for Injection, Mylotarg Solution for Injection
Rx Status: Available by prescription only
Generic Available: No
Product Images & Descriptions:

What is/are Gemtuzumab Solution for Injection? (Back to top)
GEMTUZUMAB OZOGAMICIN is a monoclonal antibody. This medicine changes the way the body's immune system works. By interfering with a specific protein, this medicine can stop cancer cell growth. It is used to treat acute myelogenous leukemia (AML). This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care providers before I take this medicine? (Back to top)
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• blood disorders
• infection (especially a virus infection such as chickenpox, cold sores, or herpes)
• low blood counts
• lung or breathing disease, like asthma
• liver disease
• an unusual or allergic reaction to gemtuzumab ozogamicin, mouse proteins, other chemotherapy, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine? (Back to top)
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is administered in a hospital or clinic by a specially trained health care professional.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

Note: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose? (Back to top)
It is important not to miss a dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.

What may interact with this medicine? (Back to top)

• vaccines

• acetaminophen
• aspirin
• ibuprofen
• ketoprofen
• naproxen

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care providers a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What side effects may I notice from this medicine? (Back to top)
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:

• allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• low blood counts - this medicine may decrease the number of white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. You may be at increased risk for infections and bleeding.
• signs of infection - fever or chills, cough, sore throat, pain or difficulty passing urine
• signs of decreased platelets or bleeding - bruising, pinpoint red spots on the skin, black, tarry stools, blood in the urine
• signs of decreased red blood cells - unusually weak or tired, fainting spells, lightheadedness
• breathing problems
• fast, irregular heartbeat
• feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
• low blood pressure
• mouth sores
• right upper belly pain
• stomach pain
• sudden weight gain
• trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
• vomiting

• constipation
• diarrhea
• headache
• loss of appetite
• muscle aches
• nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects.

What should I watch for while using this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug may make you feel generally unwell. This is not uncommon, as chemotherapy can affect healthy cells as well as cancer cells. Report any side effects. Continue your course of treatment even though you feel ill unless your doctor tells you to stop.

Drink fluids as directed while you are taking this medicine to prevent kidney damage.

Call your doctor or health care professional for advice if you get a fever, chills or sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. This drug decreases your body's ability to fight infections. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.

This medicine may increase your risk to bruise or bleed. Call your doctor or health care professional if you notice any unusual bleeding.

Be careful brushing and flossing your teeth or using a toothpick because you may get an infection or bleed more easily. If you have any dental work done, tell your dentist you are receiving this medicine.

Avoid taking products that contain aspirin, acetaminophen, ibuprofen, naproxen, or ketoprofen unless instructed by your doctor. These medicines may hide a fever.

Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine.

Where should I keep this medicine? (Back to top)
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Last Updated:April 04, 2008

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