What is sipuleucel-T?
Sipuleucel-T contains a protein that stimulates the body's immune system to help it respond against certain cancer cells.
Sipuleucel-T is used to treat advanced prostate cancer in men.
Sipuleucel-T is mixed with certain immune cells drawn from your own blood, and the mixture is later injected into your body. This type of treatment is called autologous (ah-TAL-oh-gus) immunotherapy.
Sipuleucel-T is usually given after surgery or other medications have been tried without successful treatment.
Sipuleucel-T may also be used for other purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What is the most important information I should know about sipuleucel-T?
Before you are treated with sipuleucel-T, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions, especially heart disease, asthma, COPD or other breathing problems, or if you have ever had a stroke.
Sipuleucel-T is used in a treatment called autologous (ah-TAL-oh-gus) immunotherapy. Sipuleucel-T is mixed with certain immune cells drawn from your own blood, and this mixture is injected into your body.
Your doctor will determine your schedule for cell collection and sipuleucel-T injection. Follow your doctor's instructions very carefully. The timing of cell collection in relation to sipuleucel-T infusion is extremely important. If you miss an infusion appointment your prepared infusion cannot be used in the future.
Some people receiving a sipuleucel-T injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, tired, or nauseated, or if you have fever, chills, joint pain, severe headache, blurred vision, buzzing in your ears, anxiety, confusion, vomiting, chest pain, fast or uneven heartbeats, wheezing, chest tightness, or trouble breathing. These side effects may occur during the injection or within the first 24 hours after your infusion.
What should I discuss with my health care provider before receiving sipuleucel-T?
Before you are treated with sipuleucel-T, tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions.
If you have any of these conditions, you may need a sipuleucel-T dose adjustment or special tests:
heart disease;
asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or other breathing problems; or
if you have ever had a stroke.