Blincyto (Blinatumomab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Blincyto Used For?
Blincyto contains blinatumomab, an antineoplastic agent that targets cancer cells by enabling your immune system to attack and destroy abnormal white blood cancer cells.
Primary Uses
Blincyto is used to treat children, adolescents, and adults with acute lymphoblastic leukaemia (ALL). ALL is a cancer of the blood in which a particular type of white blood cell is growing out of control.
How It Works
This medicine works by enabling your immune system to attack and destroy abnormal white blood cancer cells.
How to Take Blincyto
Blincyto will always be given to you by a doctor or nurse as a slow, continuous infusion into a vein (intravenous). Before each treatment, you will be given other medicines (pre-medication) to help reduce any adverse reactions.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor will calculate how much Blincyto you will be given based on your weight, height, and condition. Blincyto is given in repeating ‘cycles’ lasting 6 weeks. First 4 weeks: continuous slow infusion into a vein using an infusion pump. Next 2 weeks: treatment break during which you will not be given the infusion. You will be required to stay in a hospital or clinic for up to 9 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Blincyto is given under medical supervision in a hospital or clinic setting, missed doses are managed by your healthcare team.
Important: Do not adjust the settings on the infusion pump. Do not stop or try to restart the infusion pump.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- headache
- tingling skin or numbness
- rash
- cough
- cold like symptoms
- shortness of breath
- pale skin
- bleeding or bruising more easily
- trouble sleeping
- back/bone pain
- pain in hands or feet
- swollen joints, hands, ankles, feet, abdomen or glands
- nose bleeds
- nausea
- diarrhoea
- vomiting
- flushing
- dizziness
- tremor (shaking)
- tiredness
- weight gain
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- fever (temperature of 38°C or above) and signs of infection
- infusion-related reaction
- allergic reaction
- neurologic problems including seizures, difficulty speaking, confusion, disorientation, loss of balance
- inflammatory conditions including Cytokine Release Syndrome
- metabolic disorders
- pancreas inflammation
- decreased white blood cells
Important Warnings
Blincyto may cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death. Call your doctor and get medical attention immediately if you experience fever, tiredness, weakness, dizziness, seizures, difficulty speaking, or confusion.
Who Should Not Take Blincyto
Do not use Blincyto if you have an allergy to blinatumomab, any of the ingredients listed, or any medicine that is made using Chinese Hamster Ovary cells.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have ever had neurological problems such as seizures, memory loss, confusion, disorientation, loss of balance, or difficulty in speaking; have an active infection; have ever had an infusion reaction after previously using Blincyto; or take any medicines for any other condition.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
The effects of Blincyto in pregnant women are not known. If you can become pregnant, use birth control during treatment and for 48 hours after your last treatment. Do not breastfeed during Blincyto treatment and for at least 48 hours after the last treatment.
Serious Side Effects Warning: In some patients, Blincyto may cause serious side effects including Cytokine Release Syndrome, infusion reactions, and neurologic problems including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including any medicines, vitamins or supplements that you buy without a prescription. Some vaccines must not be given 2 weeks before you start treatment with Blincyto, during your treatment, and for some months after you received your last cycle.
- Vaccines (must not be given 2 weeks before, during, or for some months after treatment)
- Other medicines, vitamins or supplements
Alcohol & Driving
Do not drive, engage in hazardous activity, or use any heavy machines or tools while you are being given Blincyto. Blincyto may cause dizziness, fits (seizures), and confusion in some people.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings mentioned in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Do not drive, engage in hazardous activity, or use any heavy machines or tools during Blincyto treatment. Blincyto may cause dizziness, confusion, or seizures (fits).
Temperature Regulation
Check your temperature if you feel warm, have chills or shivering. You may have a fever (temperature of 38°C or higher) and an infection.
Storage
Blincyto solution for infusion will be prepared by your pharmacist and stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C until infusion. Do not use this medicine after the expiry date. Your doctor, nurse or pharmacist will dispose of any unwanted medicine in accordance with local requirements.
Overdose Information
As Blincyto is given to you under the supervision of your doctor, it is unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you think you have been given too much Blincyto or experience severe side effects, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. You should immediately phone the Poisons Information Centre (by calling 13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the Emergency Department at your nearest hospital.
Frequently Asked Questions
Blincyto is given in repeating cycles lasting 6 weeks each. The number of treatment cycles depends on how well you respond to Blincyto. Your doctor will discuss how long your treatment will last.
You will be required to stay in a hospital or clinic for up to 9 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle. The exact duration depends on the stage of your disease.
Call your doctor straight away if there is a problem with the infusion pump, if the pump alarm sounds, if the infusion bag empties before the scheduled change, or if the pump stops unexpectedly. Do not try to restart the pump yourself.
Keep the area around the catheter clean and dry when showering or bathing. This is very important to prevent infection. Your doctor or nurse will show you how to care for your catheter site.
Some vaccines must not be given 2 weeks before you start treatment with Blincyto, during your treatment, and for some months after your last cycle. Tell your doctor if you think you may need any vaccinations.
Call your doctor immediately if you experience fever and chills, seizures, difficulty speaking, confusion, severe stomach pain, dizziness, face swelling, difficulty breathing, or any symptoms of Cytokine Release Syndrome or neurologic problems.
Your doctor will determine when your Blincyto infusion bag or cassette will be changed. This could be once daily or up to once every 4 days, depending on your treatment plan.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.