What is ibritumomab?
Ibritumomab is a protein that targets white blood cells in the body. When ibritumomab is attached to a radioactive chemical, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor (lymphoma).
Ibritumomab is used in combination with other medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Ibritumomab may also be used for purposes than those listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about ibritumomab?
Do not receive this medication if you are pregnant. It could cause harm to the unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Ibritumomab can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. Your blood may need to be tested often. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid activities that may increase your risk of bleeding injury. Tell your doctor at once if you develop signs of infection.
Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with ibritumomab, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.
Some people receiving ibritumomab have developed "secondary" bone marrow or blood cell cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk while receiving this medication.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ibritumomab?
You should not receive this medication if you are allergic to ibritumomab, or to radioactive chemicals or mouse proteins.
To make sure you can safely take ibritumomab, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:
liver disease;
kidney disease;
any type of infection;
lung or breathing problems;
bleeding or blood clotting problems;
low platelet counts;
low blood pressure; or
a history of heart disease, heart attack, angina (chest pain), or irregular heart beats.
FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use ibritumomab if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.
Ibritumomab is made from human plasma (part of the blood) which may contain viruses and other infectious agents. Donated plasma is tested and treated to reduce the risk of it containing infectious agents, but there is still a small possibility it could transmit disease. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medication.
It is not known whether ibritumomab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. Do not receive ibritumomab without telling your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
Some people receiving ibritumomab have developed "secondary" bone marrow or blood cell cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk while receiving this medication.