Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (Injection)

Ibritumomab Tiuxetan (ib-ri-TYOO-mo-mab tye-UX-e-tan)

Treats non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This medicine is a type of radiation treatment.

Brand Name(s):

Zevalin In-111, Zevalin Y-90
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 ibritumomab or certain other radiation treatments, or to murine proteins (murine proteins are used in some medicines for hemophilia, organ or bone marrow transplants, serious blood infections, or to find or treat certain cancers). You should not receive this medicine 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.
• The medicine is usually given in two visits about 7 to 9 days apart. During each visit, you will receive two separate injections. You may also receive medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting or allergic reactions.
• If any of this medicine gets on your skin or in your eyes, nose, or mouth, tell your caregiver right away.

If a dose is missed:

• This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor or treatment clinic for instructions.

Drugs and Foods to Avoid:

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

• Make sure your doctor knows if you are also using a blood thinner (such as warfarin, Coumadin®), clopidogrel (Plavix®), or pain or arthritis medicine (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil®, Aleve®, Motrin®, Orudis®). Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you have had, including radiation.
• Talk to your doctor before getting flu shots or other vaccines after receiving Zevalin™. Vaccines may not work as well shortly after you receive this medicine.

Warnings While Using This Medicine:

• This medicine can cause birth defects if it is used by the mother while she is pregnant or by the father when his sexual partner becomes pregnant. If a pregnancy occurs while you are using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.
• Use two forms of birth control to avoid pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 12 months after your treatment ends. This is very important whether you are a man or a woman.
• Do not breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine.
• This medicine may make you bleed or get infections more easily. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Talk with your doctor about possible signs of infection that you should watch for.
• Your doctor will need to check your blood at regular visits while you are using this medicine. Be sure to keep all appointments.
• Cancer medicines can cause nausea and/or vomiting in most people, sometimes even after receiving medicines to prevent it. Ask your doctor or nurse about other ways to control these side effects.
• Some of the side effects of this medicine may appear up to 3 months after you have stopped using this medicine.

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
• Bloody or black, tarry stools
• Fever, chills, sore throat, cough, mouth sores
• Lightheadedness, fainting, shallow breathing, chest pain
• Pain, redness, or swelling where the IV needle is placed
• Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

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

• Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite

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