Epkinly (Epcoritamab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Epkinly Used For?
Epkinly is a specialized cancer treatment that helps your immune system fight lymphoma cells.
Primary Uses
Epkinly is used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in adults whose cancer has returned or not responded to at least two previous treatments. It is not used for primary central nervous system lymphoma.
How It Works
Epcoritamab is a bispecific antibody that was specifically designed to enable your immune system to attack lymphoma cells by stimulating T cells (a type of white blood cell).
Provisional Registration: This medicine has provisional registration in Australia based on promising preliminary study results. More evidence is being collected to confirm its benefits.
How to Take Epkinly
Epkinly is given as an injection under your skin by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare facility. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Epkinly is given in 28-day cycles on a specific schedule: Cycles 1-3 weekly, Cycles 4-9 every other week, and Cycles 10 and beyond every four weeks. The first full dose (48 mg) is given on Cycle 1 Day 15. You must stay near a healthcare facility for at least 24 hours after this first full dose. You may receive other medicines before each injection to help prevent side effects.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss your medical appointment for treatment, contact your healthcare professional immediately to reschedule. It is very important not to miss doses for the treatment to be fully effective.
First Full Dose: You must stay within close proximity to a healthcare facility for at least 24 hours after receiving your first full dose (48 mg).
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:
- diarrhea
- fever due to infection with low white blood cells
- headache
- injection site reactions
- itching
- nausea
- pneumonia (lung infection)
- rash
- tender swollen lymph nodes, chest pain, cough or difficulty breathing
- upper respiratory tract infections
- vomiting
- low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia)
- low red blood cell count causing tiredness (anemia)
- low platelet count causing bruising or bleeding (thrombocytopenia)
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS): fever, dizziness, chills, fast heartbeat, difficulty breathing, headache
- Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome (ICANS): difficulty speaking or writing, drowsiness, confusion, muscle weakness, seizures, memory loss
- Serious infection: fever 38°C or above, chills, cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, painful rash, sore throat, pain with urination, feeling weak, confusion
- Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH): fever, low blood cell counts, easy bruising, liver problems
- Tumour lysis syndrome (TLS): fever, chills, vomiting, confusion, shortness of breath, seizures, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, unusual tiredness, muscle or joint pain
Important Warnings
Epkinly can cause serious, life-threatening side effects that require immediate medical attention.
Who Should Not Take Epkinly
Do not use Epkinly if you are allergic to epcoritamab or any of the ingredients listed in the medication information.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have current or past problems with your nervous system (such as seizures), have an infection, are due to have a vaccine, or take any medicines for other conditions.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Pregnancy must be ruled out before treatment. Women of child-bearing potential must use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose. You must not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose. The effect on fertility is unknown.
Life-Threatening Side Effects: Epkinly can cause serious side effects including cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), serious infections, and tumour lysis syndrome that can be life-threatening.
Drug Interactions
Some medicines may interfere with Epkinly and affect how it works.
- Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, or supplements you are taking, including those bought without a prescription
Alcohol & Driving
Take special care when driving or using machinery while receiving Epkinly treatment.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol warnings were provided in the source material.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before you drive or use any machines or tools until you know how Epkinly affects you. Due to the potential risk of ICANS (nervous system effects), you should be especially careful while driving or using heavy or potentially dangerous machines. If you are experiencing symptoms that may affect your ability to drive, avoid these activities and contact your healthcare professional.
Storage
Epkinly will be stored by your healthcare professional in the pharmacy or hospital ward in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C to 8°C. Your healthcare professional will dispose of any unused medicine following local requirements.
Overdose Information
Since Epkinly is given to you by your healthcare professional, it is unlikely that you will receive too much. However, if you experience any side effects after being given Epkinly, tell your doctor or nurse immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
You will receive Epkinly for as long as your doctor thinks you are benefiting from the treatment. Your doctor may delay or stop treatment if you have certain side effects.
Call your doctor straight away if you experience symptoms of cytokine release syndrome (CRS), immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), serious infection, or tumour lysis syndrome. For less serious side effects, speak to your doctor if they worry you.
Yes, your doctor will give you a Patient Card. Read it carefully, keep it with you at all times, and always show it to any doctor, nurse, or if you go to hospital.
No, do not stop your Epkinly treatment without checking with your doctor first. It’s important to complete your treatment as prescribed.
The first full dose (48 mg) is given on Cycle 1 Day 15. You must stay within close proximity to a healthcare facility for at least 24 hours after this first full dose for safety monitoring.
Yes, keep all your appointments for treatment, including any blood tests. Your doctor will do blood tests to check for tumour lysis syndrome and monitor your condition.
Tell your doctor if you are due to have a vaccine or know you may need one in the near future. Your doctor will advise you about vaccinations during treatment.
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.