What is Mylotarg used for?
Mylotarg is used to treat a form of bone marrow cancer
(CD33 positive acute myeloid leukemia) in patients who are:
- experiencing a return of the disease after the first
treatment
- 60 years of age or older, and
- not considered able to take standard leukemia
chemotherapy.
The safety and effectiveness of Mylotarg in patients
with poor performance status and organ dysfunction is not known and has
not been tested. In addition, the effectiveness of Mylotarg in improving
symptoms, keeping the disease from getting worse, or helping patients live
longer compared with standard treatments is not known.
Special Warning(s) with Mylotarg:Only doctors who are experienced in the use of cancer
chemotherapy drugs should give Mylotarg.
Mylotarg causes a severe decrease in the body’s
ability to produce bone marrow. Patients will be monitored by their doctor
for the signs and symptoms of this condition.
General Precautions with Mylotarg:
When large numbers of leukemic cancer cells are being
destroyed quickly, you may experience side effects, which may cause pain in
the joints (gout) or even kidney problems.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider? Tell your doctor or health care provider if you have a
history of liver problems. Serious problems such as liver failure have
occurred in people treated with Mylotarg.
Mylotarg can cause harm to an unborn baby when given to
a pregnant woman. Tell your health care provider if you are trying to
become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Mylotarg? (This is NOT
a complete list of side effects reported with Mylotarg. Your health care provider can discuss
with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Common side effects include:
- Decrease in bone marrow production (see Special
Warnings)
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Low blood platelets
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Transfusions
- Swelling of the membrane inside the mouth
- Liver problems
- Rash
If the following side effects occur, they will be soon
after treatment with Mylotarg. Other medicines can be prescribe to improve
these conditions:
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Changes in blood pressure
- Low levels of oxygen in the body
|
