| Pharmacy Drug Brand Name: | Mylotarg® |
| Active Ingredient(s): | gemtuzumab ozogamicin |
| Strength(s) / Dose(s): | 5mg per 20mL vial |
| Delivery / Dosage Form(s): | Intravenous injection |
| Company Manufacturer Name: | Wyeth Ayerst |
| Availability / Prescription: | Prescription only, hospital use only |
| Date Approved by FDA *: | May 17, 2000 |
* Approval by the FDA does not necessarily mean that this drug is available for consumers at this time.
What is Mylotarg used for?
Mylotarg is used to treat a form of bone marrow cancer (CD33 positive acute myeloid leukemia) in patients who are:
- experiencing a return of the disease or damage after the first treatment
- 60 years of age or older, and
- not considered able to take standard leukemia chemotherapy.
The safety and effectiveness of Mylotarg in patients with poor performance status and organ dysfunction is not known and has not been tested. In addition, the effectiveness of Mylotarg in improving symptoms, keeping the disease or damage from getting worse, or helping patients live longer compared with standard treatments is not known.
Special Warning(s) with Mylotarg:
Only doctors who are experienced in the use of cancer chemotherapy drugs should give Mylotarg.
Mylotarg causes a severe decrease in the body’s ability to produce bone marrow. Patients will be monitored by their doctor for the signs and symptoms of this condition.
General Precautions with Mylotarg:
When large numbers of leukemic cancer cells are being destroyed quickly, you may experience side effects, which may cause pain or discomfort in the joints (gout) or even kidney problems.
What should I tell my doctor or health care (healthcare) provider?
Tell your doctor or health care (healthcare) provider if you have a history of liver problems. Serious problems such as liver failure have occurred in people treated with Mylotarg.
Mylotarg can cause harm to an unborn baby when given to a pregnant woman. Tell your health care (healthcare) provider if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant, or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Mylotarg? (This is not a comprehensive list of possible side effects assosciated with Mylotarg. Your doctor or pharmacist can provide expert advice on the possible side effects of this drug.
Common side effects include:
- Decrease in bone marrow production (see Special Warnings)
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Low blood platelets
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Transfusions
- Swelling of the membrane inside the mouth
- Liver problems
- Rash
If the following side effects occur, they will be soon after treatment with Mylotarg. Other medicines can be prescribe to improve these conditions:
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Changes in blood pressure
- Low levels of oxygen in the body