Margenza
Margenza (margetuximab or margetuximab-cmkb) is a targeted anticancer treatment for metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer that has spread to other areas of the body. It’s typically used when you’ve already tried a few other similar targeted treatments before. Margenza (margetuximab) is an infusion through your veins, and it’s used together with other anticancer medications in your treatment plan.
What is Margenza (margetuximab)?
What is Margenza (margetuximab) used for?
- Metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer
How Margenza (margetuximab) works
Margenza (margetuximab) is a monoclonal antibody that acts as a human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2) inhibitor. It blocks a specific protein in the body that’s important for cell growth called HER2. HER2 is found on both normal and cancer cells. Cancer cells usually have more HER2 proteins than normal cells. This can cause cancer cells to grow more quickly than normal cells. When HER2 is blocked by Margenza (margetuximab), cancer cells can’t grow and spread as well.
Drug facts
Side effects of Margenza (margetuximab)
The following side effects may get better over time as your body gets used to the medication. Let your healthcare provider know immediately if you continue to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.
Common Side Effects
- Tiredness (57%)
- Nausea (33%)
- Diarrhea (25%)
- Vomiting (21%)
- Constipation (19%)
- Fever (19%)
- Headache (19%)
- Hair loss (18%)
- Stomach pain (17%)
- Nerve problems (e.g., numbness or tingling feeling; 16%)
*Side effects when used together with other anticancer medications.
Less Common Side Effects
- Infusion-related reaction
- Cough
- Trouble breathing
- Lower appetite
- Muscle or joint pain
- Pain in arms and legs
- Hand-foot syndrome
Margenza (margetuximab) serious side effects
Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
- Heart problems: shortness of breath; dry cough; swelling of legs, arms, or face; irregular heartbeats; dizziness; sudden weight gain
The following Margenza (margetuximab) side effects have also been reported
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Heart failure—shortness of breath, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands, sudden weight gain, unusual weakness or fatigue
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
Pros and cons of Margenza (margetuximab)
Pros
- Treatment option for people who’ve tried at least two other HER2-targeted regimens before
- More precise in the way it targets cancer cells compared to traditional chemotherapy
- Given every 3 weeks
- After the first infusion, it can be given over a short amount of time (30 minutes).
Cons
- Can cause heart problems like heart failure and requires regular monitoring of heart function
- Requires administration by a healthcare provider in an infusion center
- Not safe during pregnancy since it can harm an unborn baby
Pharmacist tips for Margenza (margetuximab)
- You might experience a reaction during or shortly after your Margenza (margetuximab) infusion. Let your provider know right away if you experience any infusion reactions like fever, chills, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, rash, or trouble breathing.
- Each infusion appointment can take a few hours because it includes the time it takes to check in, get your infusion of Margenza (margetuximab) and possibly other anticancer treatment, and monitor for side effects. Make sure you have what you need to be comfortable during that time. Wear sleeves that are easy to roll up, bring a water bottle to help you stay hydrated, and bring a snack.
- You’ll need regular monitoring of your heart during your Margenza (margetuximab) treatment and possibly when you finish therapy. This is because the medication can cause heart failure. Make sure to let your provider know right away if you experience any new or worsening shortness of breath, cough, swelling of your legs or feet, sudden weight gain, or dizziness. These can be signs of heart failure and you might need to stop taking this medication.
- If you’re a female who can get pregnant, use birth control while receiving Margenza (margetuximab) and for at least 4 months after your last dose. This medication can cause harm to an unborn baby. Contact your provider know right away if you become pregnant during Margenza (margetuximab) treatment.
Common questions about Margenza (margetuximab)
In general, your first Margenza (margetuximab) infusion should take about 2 hours to complete. Then, your next infusions can take as little as 30 minutes. But the length of time can depend on how well you tolerate the infusion. If you’re experiencing an allergic reaction (e.g., rash, trouble breathing, feeling faint), your provider might need to temporarily stop or slow the infusion to manage your symptoms. This will make the infusion take longer to finish.
Possibly. It depends on how severe your reaction was. Your provider should discuss with you about the risks and benefits of using Margenza (margetuximab) again after you’ve had an infusion reaction. There are a few things your provider can do to try to prevent future reactions or to lower their severity. Your provider can give you antihistamines or corticosteroids before future infusions. They can also slow down how fast you receive the infusion. But if your reaction is severe or life-threatening, you might not be able to use Margenza (margetuximab) again. Talk to your provider if you’re concerned about receiving this treatment.
No. Although there are many different types of breast cancer, Margenza (margetuximab) is used to treat metastatic, HER2-positive breast cancer. Your provider will perform a biopsy or surgery to remove a small piece of breast tissue. This procedure helps your provider figure out the receptor type of your cancer. Knowing what type of receptor your cancer has will help your provider decide what treatment plan is best for you. Margenza (margetuximab) is specifically used for people who’ve already tried at least two other HER2-targeted treatment plans, such as those with Herceptin (trastuzumab) or Perjeta (pertuzumab).
No. Chemotherapy is a term used for cancer medications that kill cancer cells in your body. Unlike traditional chemotherapy, Margenza (margetuximab) slows cancer cell growth. However, your breast cancer treatment plan with Margenza (margetuximab) includes certain chemotherapy medications. Possible chemotherapy medications used with Margenza (margetuximab) include capecitabine (Xeloda), Halaven (eribulin), gemcitabine (Infugem), or vinorelbine. Your provider will decide which medications are best for you and your cancer.
It isn’t known if Margenza (margetuximab) can pass into breast milk, but there’s a risk of serious harm to nursing infants if it does. Because of this risk, you shouldn’t breastfeed during Margenza (margetuximab) treatment. There’s also a risk of potential harm to nursing infants for up to 4 months after your last dose. Talk with your provider if you have any questions about breastfeeding or other ways to feed your baby while receiving Margenza (margetuximab) or after treatment.
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Risks and warnings for Margenza (margetuximab)
Margenza (margetuximab) can cause some serious health issues. This risk may be even higher for certain groups. If this worries you, talk to your doctor or pharmacist about other options.
Heart failure
Margenza (margetuximab) can cause new or worsening heart failure and affect how well your heart pumps blood through your body. Make sure your provider has your full medical history, so they can closely monitor your heart through imaging using an echocardiogram or a MUGA scan. You’ll need to get this scan before starting treatment and about every 3 months while receiving Margenza (margetuximab). Let your care team know if you experience any signs and symptoms of heart failure, including shortness of breath; dry cough; swelling of legs, arms, or face; irregular heartbeats; dizziness; or rapid weight gain.
Harm to unborn baby
Margenza (margetuximab) might cause harm to an unborn baby. If you're a female of childbearing age receiving Margenza (margetuximab), your provider might check to see if you’re pregnant before you start treatment. If you’re female who is able to become pregnant, use birth control while you’re receiving Margenza (margetuximab) and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Let your provider know right away if you become pregnant during this time.
Infusion reactions
People receiving Margenza (margetuximab) might experience infusion reactions. Symptoms include fever, chills, dizziness, headache, nausea, sweating, rash, or trouble breathing. Most of the reactions happened during the first infusion and went away within 1 day. If a reaction occurs, your healthcare provider can slow down the infusion and help manage or treat the symptom. To lower your risk of future reactions, your provider might also give you other medications (like antihistamines or corticosteroids) before your next infusions. Alert your provider or get medical help right away if you experience any symptom of an infusion reaction.
Margenza (margetuximab) dosage
Typical dosage for Margenza (margetuximab)
Your healthcare provider will determine your dose of Margenza (margetuximab) based on your body weight.
The typical dose is 15 mg/kg injected into the veins (intravenously or IV) by a provider every 3 weeks.
What are alternatives to Margenza (margetuximab)?
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