Gemtuzumab

Generic Name

• Gemtuzumab.

Brand Names

• Mylotarg.

General Information

Gemtuzumab is a cancer medication. Gemtuzumab interferes with the growth of cancer cells and slows their growth and spread in the body. It belongs to the class called chemoimmunotherapy agents, meaning that it is both a chemotherapy and an immunotherapy agent. It is used to treat a certain type of leukemia which has recurred in patients who are 60 years of age or older. Gemtuzumab ozogamicin is an alternative to chemotherapy for these patients. Gemtuzumab may cause harm to the fetus when administered during pregnancy. There are no adequate, well-controlled studies in pregnant women. You should avoid becoming pregnant while receiving gemtuzumab. The dose of gemtuzumab ozogamicin will be different for different patients. The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including your size. Gemtuzumab can lower the activity of your immune system making you susceptible to infections. Avoid contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other contagious illnesses and do not receive vaccines that contain live strains of a virus (e.g., live oral polio vaccine) during treatment with gemtuzumab.

Gemtuzumab Dosage

• The dose of gemtuzumab will be different for different patients.
• The dose that is used may depend on a number of things, including your size.

Side Effects of Gemtuzumab

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

• Difficulty in swallowing.
• Irregular heartbeat. 
• Loss of appetite.
• Nausea or vomiting. 
• Sore throat.
• Pounding in the ears.  
• Shortness of breath. 
• Unusual tiredness or weakness.

Warnings and precautions before taking Gemtuzumab

• Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to gemtuzumab.
• Patients with kidney or liver disease should use this drug cautiously.
• Do not use gemtuzumab without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
• Do not breast feed while taking this medication.
• Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking gemtuzumab ozogamicin.
• Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.

Overdosage

• If for any reason an overdose of gemtuzumab is suspected, seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
• Symptoms of a gemtuzumab overdose tend to be similar to side effects caused by the medication, although often more severe.

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