provider image
Welcome! You’re in GoodRx for healthcare professionals. Now, you’ll enjoy a streamlined experience created specifically for healthcare professionals.
Skip to main content
Monjuvi Coupon - Monjuvi 200mg vial

Monjuvi

tafasitamab
Used for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Used for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Monjuvi (tafasitamab or tafasitamab-cxix) is a monoclonal antibody that’s used as targeted therapy to treat a type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It’s given as an infusion into the vein (intravenous or IV) at an infusion clinic or provider’s office. Monjuvi (tafasitamab) is often given together with another medication called lenalidomide (Revlimid). Side effects of Monjuvi (tafasitamab) include low blood cell counts, tiredness, and infusion reactions.

Reviewed by:
reviewer
Allison Baxley, PharmD, BCOP
reviewer
Cydnee Ng, PharmD
Last reviewed on December 22, 2023
BasicsSide effectsPros & consPharmacist tipsFAQsWarningsDosageAlternativesImagesReferencesPricesMedicare
basics-icon

What is Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?

What is Monjuvi (tafasitamab) used for?

How Monjuvi (tafasitamab) works

Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is a blood cancer that can happen when B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) start growing too quickly. Almost all B lymphocytes have a protein on their outside surface called CD19.

Monjuvi (tafasitamab) is a monoclonal antibody that targets the CD19 protein on B lymphocyte cancer cells. When the medication attaches to CD19 on these cancer cells, it tells the body to attack and kill the cell. As a result, the B lymphocyte cancer cells can’t grow or spread as well.

Drug Facts

Common BrandsMonjuvi
Drug ClassAnti-CD19 monoclonal antibody
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusNo lower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only
basics-icon

What are the side effects of Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?

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

Other Side Effects

  • Nausea
  • Vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Back pain
  • Muscle spasms
  • Neutropenic fever
  • Infection
  • Rash
  • Itching

Serious Side Effects

Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.
  • Infusion-related reactions: fever, rash, chills, trouble breathing, flushing, high blood pressure
  • Infection (from low white blood cell count): fever, chills, body aches, severe tiredness, fast heartbeat
  • Bleeding (from low platelet levels): frequent nosebleeds, unexplained bruising, blood in urine or stool

Source: DailyMed

The following 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
  • Infection—fever, chills, cough, sore throat, wounds that don't heal, pain or trouble when passing urine, general feeling of discomfort or being unwell
  • Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Low red blood cell level—unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing
  • Unusual bruising or bleeding

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

thumbs-up

Pros

Works in a more targeted, specific way than traditional chemotherapy

Doesn’t typically cause hair loss

Treatment option for people who aren’t eligible for an autologous stem cell transplant

thumbs-down

Cons

Requires several treatments per cycle, so less convenient

Given as an infusion through the vein, so requires a needle for injection

Might cause infusion reactions

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

pharmacist

  • You’ll need several Monjuvi (tafasitamab) infusions per treatment cycle. You’ll also need to take an oral medication called lenalidomide (Revlimid) with Monjuvi (tafasitamab) for at least a year. It can be hard to keep track of your appointments and doses, so consider using a calendar or an app on your phone to help you remember.

    • Monjuvi (tafasitamab) can cause infusion reactions, especially when you first start treatment. You’ll receive several pre-treatment medications, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl), before each infusion to help prevent these reactions. If you tolerate your first three doses without any reaction, you might not need these “premedications” anymore.

      • Monjuvi (tafasitamab) can raise your risk of getting sick. Make sure you wash your hands often and avoid crowds when possible during treatment with this medication.

        • Check your temperature regularly, such as once a day. Call your provider right away if you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This means that you have a fever and might be sick, and it’s important for your provider to know if you’re sick.

          • If you have diabetes, ask your provider whether you should check your blood sugar more often at home. Some people taking Monjuvi (tafasitamab) had higher blood sugar. Contact your provider if your blood sugar is higher than what’s normal for you.

            • You shouldn’t breastfeed while you’re taking Monjuvi (tafasitamab) and for at least 3 months after your last dose. We don’t know whether this medication passes into human milk, but it’s possible that it might be able to harm a nursing infant.

              faqs

              Frequently asked questions about Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

              Is Monjuvi (tafasitamab) chemotherapy?
              No, Monjuvi (tafasitamab) isn’t considered chemotherapy. Chemotherapy works by attacking all cells in the body that grow very quickly (cancer cells and also normal, healthy cells). Monjuvi (tafasitamab) is different because it works in a more specific way. It’s called targeted therapy because it finds and attaches to a specific protein called CD19 on the outside of B lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). This allows Monjuvi (tafasitamab) to target the cells that are causing the cancer more specifically.
              How long is the Monjuvi (tafasitamab) infusion?
              Each Monjuvi (tafasitamab) infusion can take between 1.5 and 2.5 hours. Your first infusion will typically take a little longer than the others since your provider will infuse the medication more slowly for the very first time. In addition, it might take longer if you have a reaction during the infusion. Your provider might slow the infusion down to help prevent further reactions, and this can make the infusion take longer to finish. Plan to be at the infusion clinic or provider’s office for a few hours. Make sure to bring something to do, like a book or an electronic device, to help pass the time.
              What’s the most common side effect of Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?
              The most common side effect of Monjuvi (tafasitamab) is having low levels of white blood cells (WBCs) in your blood. Because your WBCs normally help fight infection, you’re at risk for getting sick when your WBC levels are low. During treatment, your provider will check your WBC levels with a lab test called a complete blood count (CBC). You might need to pause treatment if your WBC levels are low and wait until they get better before you can restart. It’s important that you try to avoid getting sick — wash your hands often and avoid large crowds when possible. Check your temperature regularly because having a fever is a sign that you might have an infection. Call your provider right away if you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.
              Does Monjuvi (tafasitamab) cause hair loss?
              Hair loss isn’t a common side effect of Monjuvi (tafasitamab). Speak with your provider if you notice any hair thinning or hair loss during treatment since people who take this medication don’t typically have hair loss. There might be other causes of hair loss that your provider might want to look into. But if your anticancer medication ends up being the cause of your hair loss, keep in mind that hair usually grows back after you stop treatment.
              Will I have an infusion reaction if I take Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?
              Some people who take Monjuvi (tafasitamab) can have an infusion reaction (a reaction that happens during the infusion). Most times, these reactions occurred with the first two infusions. You’ll take several medications before your infusion to prevent a reaction. These medications can include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and diphenhydramine (Benadryl). Examples of infusion reactions include fever, rash, chills, trouble breathing, flushing, and high blood pressure. Your nurse will watch you closely during your infusions. If you have a reaction, your provider might slow down the infusion or give you additional medications to take before your next dose. Most people can still take Monjuvi (tafasitamab), even if they have an infusion reaction.
              Does Monjuvi (tafasitamab) cause nausea?
              Monjuvi (tafasitamab) might cause nausea and vomiting, but it’s not a common side effect. Tell your provider if you feel nauseous or vomit during treatment. Your provider might prescribe an antiemetic medication, such as ondansetron (Zofran), to help with this side effect. Contact your provider if your nausea or vomiting doesn’t get better even with medication.
              GoodRxEducationalIcon

              How to save using GoodRx

              Compare Prices
              1. Compare PricesSpecify your dosage and quantity to find out exactly how much you can save.
              Select your free coupon
              2. Select your free couponYou can use the displayed coupon, or compare prices at other pharmacies near you.
              Show coupon to your pharmacist
              3. Show coupon to your pharmacistPresent your printed or electronic coupon when you pick up your prescription.
              Get free couponLearn more
              warings-icon

              What are the risks and warnings for Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?

              Monjuvi (tafasitamab) 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.

              risk-warning

              Infusion-related reactions

              Some people taking Monjuvi (tafasitamab) experienced an infusion reaction. Most of the time, these reactions occurred during the first two treatment cycles. You’ll take several medications before your infusion to prevent a reaction. Symptoms of an infusion reaction can include fever, rash, chills, trouble breathing, flushing, and high blood pressure. Your nurse will closely keep an eye on you during your infusions. If you have a reaction, your provider might slow the speed of your infusion.

              risk-warning

              Low blood cell counts

              Monjuvi (tafasitamab) might cause the number of blood cells in your body to drop, including your white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. When your white blood cells are low, you might get sick more easily because your body can’t fight infections as well. When your red blood cells are low, you might feel more tired. And when your platelets are low, your body can’t stop bleeding as well. Your provider will regularly check your blood cell counts with lab tests. Tell your provider if you feel very tired, have a fever, or have unusual bruising or nosebleeds; these can be signs of low blood cell counts.

              risk-warning

              Infection

              When you have certain types of cancer such as lymphoma, your immune system doesn’t work as well. As a result, you’re at higher risk for getting sick. The risk is even higher when you take Monjuvi (tafasitamab) because the medication can lower your number of white blood cells, which normally help fight infection. People treated with Monjuvi (tafasitamab) have developed serious infections, including infections that usually only occur when the immune system is weak (also called opportunistic infections). Infections during treatment can sometimes be life-threatening.

              Your provider will monitor you for infections, but you should also take steps to prevent infection and watch out for symptoms. Wash your hands often, wash raw fruits and vegetables before you eat them, and avoid large crowds. Be sure to check your temperature regularly, such as once per day. A fever is sometimes the only sign that you’re sick, so contact your provider immediately if you have a temperature of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit or higher.

              risk-warning

              Harm to unborn baby

              • Risk factors: Pregnancy

                Monjuvi (tafasitamab) hasn’t been studied in human pregnancy. But based on the way the medication works, it might cause harm to an unborn baby when it’s taken during pregnancy. If you’re able to have children, you should use effective birth control while you’re taking Monjuvi (tafasitamab) and for at least 3 months after your last dose.

                If you or your partner can become pregnant, you’ll also need to follow strict requirements regarding birth control and pregnancy tests when you’re taking Monjuvi (tafasitamab) with lenalidomide (Revlimid). This is because lenalidomide (Revlimid) is very harmful to unborn babies based on findings from animal studies.

                dosage

                Monjuvi (tafasitamab) dosage forms

                Typical dosing for Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

                Your provider will calculate your dose of Monjuvi (tafasitamab) based on your body weight. The typical dose is 12 mg/kg given as an intravenous infusion on certain days of a 28-day treatment cycle.

                • Cycle 1: Days 1, 4, 8, 15, and 22

                • Cycles 2 and 3: Days 1, 8, 15, and 22

                • Cycles 4 and beyond: Days 1 and 15

                You’ll take Monjuvi (tafasitamab) with another medication called lenalidomide (Revlimid) for up to 12 cycles. If you continue treatment after 12 cycles, you’ll take Monjuvi (tafasitamab) by itself.

                alternatives

                What are alternatives to Monjuvi (tafasitamab)?

                There are a number of medications that your doctor can prescribe in place of Monjuvi (tafasitamab). Compare a few possible alternatives below.
                Monjuvi (tafasitamab)
                Used for:
                View Prices
                Breyanzi (lisocabtagene maraleucel)
                Used for:
                View Prices
                images

                Monjuvi (tafasitamab) images

                yellow - MONJUVI 200mg Powder for Injection
                This medicine is Yellow Vial.yellow - MONJUVI 200mg Powder for Injection

                Get savings updates for Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

                Receive price alerts, news, and other messages from GoodRx about Monjuvi (tafasitamab) and other healthcare topics and relevant savings offers.

                By signing up, I agree to GoodRx's Terms and Privacy Policy, and to receive marketing messages from GoodRx.

                References

                Best studies we found

                American Cancer Society. (2021). How targeted therapies are used to treat cancer.

                American Cancer Society. (2024). Fevers.

                American Cancer Society. (2024). Neutropenia (low white blood cell counts).

                View All References (19)

                American Society of Clinical Oncology. (2021). Thrombocytopenia (low platelet count).

                Centers for Disease and Control Prevention. (n.d.). Preventing infections in cancer patients.

                Gambella, M., et al. (2022). CD19-targeted immunotherapies for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. Frontiers in Immunology.

                Hui, J. Y., et al. (2022). Embryo-fetal exposure and developmental outcome of lenalidomide following oral administration to pregnant cynomolgus monkeys. Reproductive Toxicology.

                LeBien, T. W., et al. (2008). B lymphocytes: How they develop and function. Blood.

                Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. (n.d.). Diffuse large b-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

                Lymphoma Research Foundation. (n.d.). Autologous stem cell transplantation.

                Lymphoma Research Foundation. (n.d.). Relapsed and refractory lymphoma.

                Mancuso, S., et al. (2022). Effects of B-cell lymphoma on the immune system and immune recovery after treatment: The paradigm of targeted therapy. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

                MorphoSys US Inc. (2023). Monjuvi- tafasitamab-cxix injection, powder, lyophilized, for solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                National Cancer Institute. (2020). Hair loss (alopecia) and cancer treatment.

                National Cancer Institute. (2022). Targeted therapy to treat cancer.

                National Comprehensive Cancer Network. (2021). Anemia and neutropenia: Low red and white blood cell counts.

                Nedved, A., et al. (2023). Clinical treatment guidelines for tafasitamab plus lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The Oncologist.

                Nedved, A., et al. (2023). Clinical treatment guidelines for tafasitamab plus lenalidomide in patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. The Oncologist.

                Padala, S. A., et al. (2023). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma. StatPearls.

                Patel, K., et al. (2017). Febrile neutropenia. Journal of the American Medical Association Oncology.

                Sepkowitz, K. A., et al. (2002). Opportunistic infections in patients with and patients without acquired immunodeficiency syndrome. Clinical Infectious Diseases.

                Sermer, D., et al. (2023). Targeting CD19 for diffuse large B cell lymphoma in the era of CARs: Other modes of transportation. Blood Reviews.

                GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
                Was this page helpful?

                Browse medications

                View All

                Research prescriptions and over-the-counter medications from A to Z, compare drug prices, and start saving.