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Trade name

Besponsa^®

What Besponsa^® is and what it is used for?

• Besponsa^® is an antibody-drug conjugate combining a cytotoxic agent called calicheamicin with a monoclonal antibody, which targets a protein called CD22 on the surface of B cells. Once attached to the CD22, this medicine is taken up by the targeted cancer cells, calicheamicin is released and stops further cell division, and causing cancer cells death.
• Besponsa^® is used to treat patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) whose cancer have come back or did not respond to previous treatment.

How Besponsa^® is given?

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over 1 hour.

What should I know while receiving Besponsa^®?

• Do not receive this drug when you are breastfeeding.
• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant. Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 and 8 months after the last dose.
• Besponsa^® may affect fertility. You can talk to your doctor about methods of preserving fertility before treatment starts.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• There are many drugs may affect how Besponsa^® works. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• You will have regular blood tests and medical examinations to make sure you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive Besponsa^®.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Besponsa^®. You should let your doctor know if you have had a stem cell transplant or have any other medical problems, especially heart diseases and liver problems.

Common side effects

• Low white blood cell count

You may have a higher risk of getting infections. Try to stay away from crowds and wash hands often. Tell your doctor right away if you have repeated fevers, coughing, stuffy nose, a painful urination or wound that becomes red and swollen.

• Low red blood cell count

You may look pale and get tired more easily. Let your doctor know if you experience any difficulty breathing or dizziness when changing positions.

• Low platelet count

You may have a higher risk of bleeding. Let your doctor know if you find red or purple dots on the skin, bleeding from the nose or gums, or any bruising or bleeding that you cannot explain.

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as you need to. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Nausea or vomiting

Medicines may be given to help you feel better. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Flu like symptoms

Symptoms such as fever, headache, muscle pains and shivering may occur a few hours after treatment. These symptoms generally last for 2 to 3 days. Talk to the doctor if you do not get any better.

• Diarrhea and constipation

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve the symptoms.

• Elevated liver enzymes

This is a sign that your liver is not working well. Seek medical help at once if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

Less common but important side effects

• Infusion reaction

It may happen during or shortly after receiving this drug, causing rash, dizziness, fever and chills, headache or trouble breathing. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.

• QT prolongation

Besponsa^® can cause slow or abnormal heartbeats. Seek medical help at once if you have fluttering in the chest or have dizziness or fainting.

Rare but serious side effects

• Veno-occlusive disease (VOD)

The chance of this liver problem is higher in people who had a stem cell transplant or who already have liver problems. This is cause by blockage of some small veins in the liver. Seek medical help at once if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, sudden weight gain, or have sense of fullness or bloating in abdomen.

More Information

• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.