Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (Injection)

Gemtuzumab Ozogamicin (gem-TOO-zoo-mab oh-zoh-ga-MYE-sin)

Treats leukemia.

Brand Name(s):

Mylotarg
There may be other brand names for this medicine.

When This Medicine Should Not Be Used:

You should not receive this medicine if you have had an allergic reaction to gemtuzumab, or if you are pregnant.

How to Use This Medicine:

Injectable

• Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.
• You will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.
• Your doctor will prescribe your exact dose and tell you how often it should be given. This medicine is given through a needle placed in one of your veins.
• This medicine is given slowly, so the needle will remain in place for about 2 hours.
• You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea, vomiting, or other side effects.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

Ask your doctor or pharmacist before using any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. If you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• If you are breastfeeding, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
• Make sure your doctor knows if you have liver disease or lung disease.
• This medicine will reduce your body's ability to make blood cells. This could cause several problems, including bleeding problems, and increase your chance of getting an infection. Discuss this with your doctor and make sure you understand the possible side effects.
• Because of the possible side effects from this medicine, the doctor or nurse may want to observe you for several hours after you have received gemtuzumab. They may want to check your temperature and blood pressure, as well as your blood cells for unwanted effects. You may be given other medicines to treat or prevent the side effects.

Possible Side Effects While Using This Medicine:

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of these side effects:

• Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in face or hands, swelling or tingling in the mouth or throat, tightness in chest, trouble breathing
• Chills, fever, nausea, vomiting, lightheadedness, fainting
• Dark-colored urine or pale stools
• Decrease in how much or how often you urinate
• Shortness of breath
• Sore throat, hoarseness, cough
• Sudden and severe pain in the upper stomach with nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
• Unusual weakness, bleeding, or bruising
• White patches on lips, mouth, or throat
• Yellow skin or eyes

If you notice these less serious side effects, talk with your doctor:

• Constipation or diarrhea
• Headache

If you notice other side effects that you think are caused by this medicine, tell your doctor.