Blincyto

Blincyto (blinatumomab) can cause a reaction called cytokine release syndrome (CRS), which happens when your immune system reacts too strongly to the medication. Symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, weakness, low blood pressure, or changes in liver tests or blood clotting. CRS usually starts about 2 days after treatment begins and can last around 5 days.

Blincyto (blinatumomab) can cause serious nervous system problems, including a condition called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). In studies, more than half of people had some kind of nervous system side effect, often within the first two weeks of treatment. People with Down syndrome might be more likely to have seizures and might need seizure medication before starting treatment. Tell your care team right away if you notice symptoms like a headache, tremor, confusion, speech problems, seizures, or balance problems.

Sometimes, people taking Blincyto (blinatumomab) developed serious infections such as sepsis and pneumonia. Your oncologist might give you preventative antibiotics and do regular tests to watch for infection. It’s important to tell your care team right away if you have signs or symptoms of an infection such as fever, body aches, chills, cough, or trouble breathing.

Blincyto (blinatumomab) can cause tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), a complication that might happen when cancer cells are destroyed and release what was inside the cells into the bloodstream. This complication can be dangerous because it can lead to high levels of uric acid and potassium in the blood, which can cause problems with your kidneys and other organs. To help prevent TLS, your care team might give you extra fluids or other treatments before and during Blincyto (blinatumomab). They will also monitor you closely for signs like nausea, vomiting, confusion, or irregular heartbeat. If TLS happens, your doctor may need to pause or stop your treatment.

Blincyto (blinatumomab) can cause low white blood cell counts, with or without a fever. This makes it harder for your body to fight off infections. Your care team will check your blood counts regularly during treatment. If your blood cell levels drop too much, they might pause the medication.

Blincyto (blinatumomab) can raise your liver enzymes, which might be a sign that your liver is irritated. Your care team will check your liver tests before and during treatment. If your liver levels get too high, they might pause the medication until things return to normal. Tell your oncologist if you notice signs of liver problems, like yellowing of your skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain in the upper right stomach.

Sometimes, people taking Blincyto (blinatumomab) with dexamethasone developed inflammation in their pancreas (pancreatitis). Symptoms include fever, nausea, vomiting, and severe stomach pain in the upper stomach area. Contact your care team if you develop any of these symptoms. You might need to pause taking Blincyto (blinatumomab) while your oncologist looks into it.

It’s not known if live vaccines are safe to use during or after Blincyto (blinatumomab) treatment. Because of this, it’s recommended to avoid live vaccines for at least 2 weeks before starting, during treatment, and until your immune system has recovered after your last cycle. Talk to your care team before getting any vaccines.

Serious side effects, including death and a condition called “gasping syndrome,” have been reported in very small or premature babies who were given IV medications with benzyl alcohol as a preservative. Your oncology care team will most often use the preservative-free Blincyto (blinatumomab) for newborns to reduce this risk. If the version with preservative must be used, they will watch your baby closely for signs of a serious blood imbalance.