Ciltacabtagene Autoleucel Injection

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully during your infusion and for at least 10 days afterwards. Tell your doctor if you have an inflammatory disorder or if you have or think you may have any type of infection now. You will be given medications 30 to 60 minutes before your infusion to help prevent reactions to ciltacabtagene autoleucel. If you experience any of the following symptoms during and after your infusion, tell your doctor immediately: fever, chills, headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, shaking, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection may cause severe, life-threatening, or fatal central nervous system reactions. These reactions can occur days, weeks or months after treatment with ciltacabtagene autoleucel. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, a stroke, or memory loss. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: dizziness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness, confusion, anxiety, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, loss of consciousness, difficulty with handwriting, agitation, seizures, slow moving, change in personality or loss in interest in usual activities, loss of coordination or balance, weakness, difficulty speaking, or numbness in the face.

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection may cause a severe decrease in the number of certain types of blood cells in your blood. This may cause certain symptoms and may increase the risk that you will develop a serious infection or bleeding. Tell your doctor if you have or recently had an infection. If you experience any of the following symptoms after your treatment, tell your doctor immediately: fever, chills, or other signs of infection; feeling tired; or have bruising or bleeding.

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection is only available through a special restricted distribution program. A Carvykti REMS program (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) has been set up because of the risks of CRS and central nervous system and blood cell problems. You can only receive the medication from a doctor and healthcare facility that participates in the program. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this program.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with ciltacabtagene autoleucel and each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

🔔 Why is this medication prescribed?

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) in adults that has returned or that did not respond to at least 4 other treatments. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel is in a class of medications called autologous cellular immunotherapy, a type of medication prepared using cells from the patient’s own blood. It works by causing the body’s immune system (a group of cells, tissues, and organs that protects the body from attack by bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other substances that cause disease) to fight the cancer cells.

Once you do get to see the doctor, don’t be surprised if you’re rushed out of the exam room before you get all of your questions answered, according to healthcare staffing agency Staff Care. Studies show that 41% of ophthalmologists spend just 9 to 12 minutes with a patient, and 13- to 16-minute appointments are the norm for 40% of cardiologists, 37% of pediatricians, 35% of urologists, 35% of family physicians, 34% of obstetricians and gynecologists and 30% of otolaryngologists.

🔔 How should this medicine be used?

Ciltacabtagene autoleucel comes as a suspension (liquid) to be injected intravenously (into a vein) by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or infusion center. It is usually given over 30 to 60 minutes as a one-time dose. Before you receive your ciltacabtagene autoleucel dose, your doctor or nurse will administer other chemotherapy medications to prepare your body for ciltacabtagene autoleucel.

Before your dose of ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection is to be given, a sample of your white blood cells will be taken at a cell collection center using a procedure called leukapheresis (a process that removes white blood cells from the body). Because this medication is made from your own cells, it must be given only to you. It is important to be on time and to not to miss your scheduled cell collection appointment(s) or to receive your treatment dose. Your healthcare provider will check you daily for at least 10 days after you receive your ciltacabtagene autoleucel dose to monitor you for any side effects. You should also plan to stay near where you received your ciltacabtagene autoleucel treatment for at least 4 weeks after your dose. Your healthcare provider will check to see if your treatment is working and monitor you for any possible side effects. Talk to your doctor about how to prepare for leukapheresis and what to expect during and after the procedure.

🔔 Other uses for this medicine

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

🔔 What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel,

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to ciltacabtagene autoleucel, any other medications, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), or any of the ingredients in ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
• tell your doctor if have or have ever had hepatitis B or C (HBV or HCV; viruses that infect the liver and may cause severe liver damage) or other viruses such as cytomegalovirus (a common virus that usually only causes serious symptoms in people who have weakened immune systems or who are infected at birth) or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV); lung or breathing problems; or kidney, heart, or liver disease.
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. You will need to have a pregnancy test before you start ciltacabtagene autoleucel. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel. If you become pregnant while receiving ciltacabtagene autoleucel, call your doctor immediately. Ciltacabtagene autoleucel may harm the fetus.
• you should know that ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection may make you drowsy and cause confusion, weakness, dizziness, seizures, and coordination problems. Do not drive a car or operate machinery for at least 8 weeks after your ciltacabtagene autoleucel dose.
• do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells for transplantation after you receive your ciltacabtagene autoleucel injection.
• check with your doctor to see if you need to receive any vaccinations. Do not have any vaccinations without talking to your doctor for at least 6 weeks before starting chemotherapy, during your ciltacabtagene autoleucel treatment, and until your doctor tells you that your immune system has recovered.

🔔 What special dietary instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.