Trade name

Adcetris^®

What Brentuximab is and what it is used for?

• Adcetris^® is an antibody-drug conjugate combining a cytotoxic agent with a selective monoclonal antibody, which targets a protein called CD30 on the surface of some lymphoma cells, and delivers a cytotoxic agent to destroy the cancer cells.
• Adcetris^® is used for the treatment of:

1. Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL)
2. Systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL)
3. CD30-expressing peripheral T-cell lymphomas (PTCL)
4. Primary cutaneous anaplastic large cell lymphoma

How Brentuximab is given?

• It is given as an infusion into a vein over 30 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Brentuximab?

• Infusion reactions may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever and chills, facial swelling, flushing, breathing difficulties, chest pain and a drop in blood pressure. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not use Adcetris^® when you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Men and women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 6 months after the treatment ends.
• You will have regular blood tests during treatment. Blood tests help your doctor understand how well Adcetris^® is working and monitor any side effect you might get.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of Adcetris^®. You should let your doctor know if you have other medical 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.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Diarrhea

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

• Weakness and Fatigue

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

• Numbness or tingling in hands or feet

Symptoms may last as long as therapy is continued. In some people, the symptoms will get better after treatment ends, but for some it never goes away completely. Protect areas where sensation is decreased and let your doctor know any unusual feeling you have.

• Cough or trouble breathing

Tell your doctor if you develop difficulty breathing with wheezing and coughing or there is any existing breathing problems get worse.

• Skin rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Muscle or joint pain

Talk to the doctor if the pain is bothering you, they can give you medicine to relieve pain.

Less common side effects

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Headache

Tell your doctor if this happens. Be sure to ask your doctor before taking any pain relievers.

• Difficulty sleeping

Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

• Low blood pressure

Tell your doctor if you have problems with blood pressure. Let your doctor know if you feel dizzy or light-headed during treatment.

Rare but serious side effects

• Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)

TLS is a life-threatening condition that happens when the large amount of cancer cells die too quickly and their wastes release into the blood stream. Symptoms of TLS include general fatigue, muscle cramps, abnormal heartbeat, decreased urination, throwing up, or confusion. Your doctor will monitor you closely and prescribe medicines to prevent its development.

More Information

• Avoid eating grapefruit or drinking beverages containing grapefruit. This is because grapefruits can affect how Adcetris^® works and can worsen the side effects.
• Drink 6 to 8 glasses of water every day can help reduce your risk of getting tumor lysis syndrome.
• Many drugs may interact with Adcetris^®. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you take, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarettes during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.
• Avoid the use of St. John's Wort products during treatment as this may make Adcetris^® less effective.