Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
About Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is a prescription injection used to treat adults with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL) that has returned (relapsed) or has not responded to previous treatments (refractory). This specialised medication acts as a targeted therapy, specifically finding and attaching to leukaemia cells to deliver a cancer-fighting agent directly to them.
Because Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is given as an intravenous infusion, it is administered in a hospital or specialised clinic by trained healthcare professionals. The treatment is given in cycles, and staying consistent with your scheduled appointments is essential for the medication to work effectively. There are no direct food restrictions associated with this injection, but maintaining good hydration and eating well-balanced meals can support your overall strength during treatment.
Like many advanced cancer treatments, Inotuzumab Ozogamicin can cause side effects. Common side effects include low blood cell counts, tiredness, and fever. It can also cause serious liver damage, which requires close and regular monitoring by your doctor through blood tests.
Before starting Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, talk to your doctor if you have a history of liver disease, hepatitis, or if you have previously had a stem cell transplant. This medication may not be suitable for individuals with certain pre-existing liver conditions, and it must not be used during pregnancy.
This medicine can interact with other drugs, especially those that place stress on your liver or affect your heart rhythm. You should avoid drinking alcohol during treatment to prevent additional strain on your liver. It is also important to consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, as this medication can harm an unborn baby.
Uses of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Medicinal Benefits
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin helps treat certain types of leukaemia by targeting and eliminating cancer cells in the blood and bone marrow. With regular use as prescribed, it helps control the disease, supports remission, and improves treatment outcomes.
- Targets Leukaemia Cells: By acting directly on cancer cells, this medicine helps reduce the number of leukaemia cells in the blood and bone marrow, supporting effective disease control.
- Supports Remission: Effective treatment can help achieve and maintain remission by reducing the burden of cancer cells and improving overall response to therapy.
- Prepares for Stem Cell Transplant: For eligible patients, this medicine helps reduce active leukaemia cells before a bone marrow or stem cell transplant, improving readiness for this potentially curative treatment.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Inotuzumab Ozogamicin will be administered by a nurse or doctor.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Inotuzumab Ozogamicin
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Low blood cell counts (which can cause fatigue, pale skin, or easy bruising)
- Fever and chills
- Nausea and headache
- Tiredness or lack of energy
Serious Side Effects (Consult a doctor right away):
- Signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, rapid weight gain, or swelling and pain in the upper right side of your stomach)
- Signs of severe infection (such as a high fever, severe chills, cough, or painful urination)
- Unusual, severe, or uncontrolled bleeding or bruising
- Signs of an allergic reaction (including difficulty breathing, chest tightness, hives, or swelling of your face, lips, or throat)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Confirm with your nurse that your blood tests have been reviewed before each infusion, as your doctor must check your liver health and blood counts regularly.
- Tell your healthcare provider immediately if you feel any pain, burning, coldness, or swelling around your IV site during the infusion.
- Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 8 months after your final dose (for women) or 5 months after (for men) to prevent pregnancy.
- Avoid receiving any 'live' vaccines while receiving this treatment, as your immune system may be weakened.
Drug Interactions
- Hepatotoxic medicines: Taking other medications that can cause liver damage (such as certain antifungals or high doses of pain relievers) can increase your risk of severe liver issues.
- QT-prolonging medicines: Certain medications that affect your heart rhythm can interact with Inotuzumab Ozogamicin and increase the risk of irregular heartbeats.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
cautionAvoid consuming alcohol while on treatment with Inotuzumab Ozogamicin as it may cause severe side effects.
Pregnancy
unsafeInform your doctor if you are pregnant or intend to get pregnant. You should not become pregnant while receiving Inotuzumab Ozogamicin and for at least eight months following your last dosage. Consult your doctor about birth control techniques that will work for you. If you are a man, you and your female partner should use birth control during therapy and for at least five months following your last dosage. Call your doctor if you or your partner become pregnant while on treatment with this medicine. It may be harmful to the fetus.
Breast Feeding
unsafeIf you are breastfeeding, notify your doctor. Your doctor may advise you not to breastfeed during your Inotuzumab Ozogamicin treatment and for at least two months following the last dose.
Driving
cautionInotuzumab Ozogamicin is administered in the hospital setting. Hence, driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is known to cause hepatotoxicity, which may be fatal. If you have any symptoms such as yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes (jaundice), dark or brown (tea-coloured) urine, abdominal pain, bleeding more easily than normal, or tiredness while taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin inform your doctor.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Inotuzumab Ozogamicin. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeInotuzumab Ozogamicin is not recommended for children as the safety and effectiveness were not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Follow clean food preparation practices and avoid raw or undercooked foods to protect yourself from infections when your white blood cell count is low.
- Drink plenty of water and clear fluids daily to support your kidneys and liver as your body processes the medication.
- Avoid alcoholic beverages entirely during treatment to protect your liver from extra stress.
- Stay away from crowded areas and individuals who are actively sick to reduce your risk of catching an infection.
- Use a soft-bristled toothbrush and take care when handling sharp objects to minimise the risk of bleeding from low platelet counts.
Special Advise
- A blood test, such as LFT and RFT, should be performed to check for liver/kidney function.
- Weekly blood tests should be done during the treatment to check for CBC (Complete blood count).
- An ECG and ECHO should be done in patients taking Inotuzumab Ozogamicin to check for any signs of cardiac problems.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL): Leukemia, also known as blood cancer, is a cancer of blood cells or blood-forming tissues. It causes excessive production of immature white blood cells by the bone marrow and reduces the body’s ability to fight infections. There are different types of blood cancers. ALL is a type of blood cancer that primarily affects your blood and bone marrow. It mainly targets the white blood cells, which can interfere with your body’s ability to combat infections. Symptoms may include fever, weight loss, abnormal blood cell count, bruising, and loss of appetite.
FAQs
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is used to treat Acute lymphocytic leukemia (ALL).
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin contains Inotuzumab Ozogamicin, which works by inhibiting the DNA transcription that is essential for cancer cell growth. This helps prevent the growth and further spread of cancerous or non-cancerous cells.
Inotuzumab Ozogamicin is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity; hence, it is contraindicated for use in pregnancy. A woman must have a negative pregnancy test before starting treatment with this medicine. Using effective birth control methods to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine is better.
Yes, Inotuzumab Ozogamicin can cause serious liver damage, including a condition that blocks the veins in the liver. Your doctor will monitor your liver closely with regular blood tests. Talk to your doctor immediately if you notice yellowing of your skin or eyes.
It is highly recommended to avoid alcohol during treatment, as both alcohol and Inotuzumab Ozogamicin can place stress on your liver. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist for more personalised advice.
Because this medicine lowers your white blood cell count, a fever can be a sign of a serious infection. Contact your doctor or seek emergency medical care right away if your temperature rises.
Yes, your healthcare team will usually give you medicines like steroids, antihistamines, or fever reducers before your infusion to help prevent allergic or infusion-related reactions. Talk to your doctor about what to expect.
You should avoid 'live' vaccines during your treatment, as your immune system will be weakened and may not react safely to the vaccine. Talk to your doctor before scheduling any immunisations.
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