Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
About
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia, a blood cancer that primarily affects the blood and bone marrow. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is used in the treatment of patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL).
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin contains Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the DNA and RNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin may cause certain side effects, such as skin rash, fatigue, headache, decreased platelet count, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, dizziness, myalgia, and injection site reactions. These side effects do not require medical attention and gradually resolve over time. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is a parenteral preparation. It will be administered by a trained oncologist. Do not self-administer.
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Before taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, caution should be exercised if you have/had liver/kidney disease, gastrointestinal disorders, or cardiac problems, as it may cause serious side effects or worsen such conditions. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant or are breastfeeding before starting the treatment.
Uses of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Medicinal Benefits
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin contains Dasatinib, which is used in the treatment of acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). It works by binding the ADC (antibody-drug conjugate) and CD22 tumor cells containing N-acetyl-gamma-calicheamicin (cytotoxic agent) and forms the ADC-CD22 complex. This complex causes the activation of N-acetyl-gamma-calicheamicin and induces DNA breakage. Thus, it helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other parts of the body.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Decreased platelet count
- Fatigue
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Dizziness
- Skin rash
- Myalgia
- Pain at the site of injection
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin should be avoided if you are allergic to it or any other components present in it. Before taking, inform your doctor if you have liver/kidney disease, diabetes, cardiac problems, or increased blood pressure, as the use of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin in these patients may cause serious side effects. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is given in children above one year of age only if prescribed by the doctor. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin may cause myelosuppression, QT prolongation, hepatotoxicity, Hepatic Veno-occlusive Disease (Sinusoidal Obstruction Syndrome), and Increased Risk of Post-HSCT Non-Relapse Mortality in some patients. Hence, inform your doctor about your complete medical and medication history before receiving this medicine. Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking, which can lead to serious adverse effects.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Inotuzumab Ozogamicin may interact with immunosupressants (adalimumab, infliximab, natalizumab), antiviral medicine (saquinavir, efavirenz), live vaccines, antipsychotics (haloperidol, droperidol, clozapine), antidepressants (citalopram, escitalopram), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have kidney or liver disease, , diabetes, and cardiac disorders before taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Inotuzumab Ozogamicin as it may cause severe side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeInform your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. You should not become pregnant while receiving Inotuzumab Ozogamicin and for at least eight months following your last dosage. Consult your doctor about birth control techniques that will work for you. If you are a man, you and your female partner should use birth control during therapy and for at least five months following your last dosage. Call your doctor if you or your partner become pregnant while on treatment with this medicine. It may be harmful to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIf you are breastfeeding, notify your doctor. Your doctor may advise you not to breastfeed during your Inotuzumab Ozogamicin treatment and for at least two months following the last dose.
Driving
cautionInotuzumab Ozogamicin is administered in the hospital setting. Hence, driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. If you have any symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, abdominal pain, bleeding more easily than normal, or tiredness while taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin inform your doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Inotuzumab Ozogamicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeInotuzumab Ozogamicin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- After beginning your treatment, several dietary adjustments can help you control side effects.
- Anyone suffering from a chronic illness, including cancer, should consume foods high in protein, healthy fats, whole grains, and vitamins and minerals.
- Plant-based proteins are among the greatest meals to take during chemotherapy or other cancer treatments. They have the highest concentrations of vitamins and minerals, such as nuts, seeds, beans, and legumes.
- Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain proper weight.
- Include leafy vegetables, citrus fruits, fatty fish, berries, yoghurt, apples, peaches, cauliflower, cabbage, broccoli, beans, and herbs.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath or listening to soothing music.
- Get optimal sleep; rest well.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Avoid fast and fried food, processed meats, refined carbs and added sugars.
Special Advise
- A blood test, such as LFT and RFT, should be performed to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
- An ECG and ECHO should be done in patients taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin to check for any signs of cardiac problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. There are different types of blood cancers. ALL is a type of blood cancer that primarily affects your blood and bone marrow. It mainly targets the white blood cells, which can interfere with your body’s ability to combat infections. Symptoms may include fever, weight loss, abnormal blood cell count, bruising, and loss of appetite.
FAQs
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin contains Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, which works by inhibiting the DNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity; hence, it is contraindicated for use in pregnancy. A woman must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. Using effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine is better.
