Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Adcetris Used For?
Adcetris is a specialized anti-cancer medicine that works differently from traditional chemotherapy. It’s designed to target specific cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy cells.
Primary Uses
Adcetris treats several types of lymphoma: Hodgkin Lymphoma (both newly diagnosed and recurrent cases), cutaneous T-Cell Lymphoma in patients who have received at least one previous treatment, Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma in newly diagnosed patients, and Systemic Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma that has returned or not responded to previous treatment. It may also be used to prevent Hodgkin Lymphoma from returning after a stem cell transplant.
How It Works
Unlike traditional chemotherapy that affects both cancer and healthy cells, Adcetris uses a monoclonal antibody (a protein that recognizes cancer cells) linked to a cancer-killing substance. The antibody delivers the cancer-fighting substance directly to the cancer cells, making the treatment more targeted.
Targeted Treatment: Adcetris is designed to specifically target cancer cells rather than affecting all rapidly dividing cells like traditional chemotherapy
How to Take Adcetris
Adcetris is given as an intravenous infusion by your healthcare provider. You cannot take this medication at home – it must be administered in a medical setting.
Dosage Instructions
Your doctor determines the exact dose based on your body weight and condition. When given alone, the usual dose is 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks. When combined with other chemotherapy medicines for newly diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma, the dose may be 1.2 mg/kg every 2 weeks for 6 months, or 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks for up to 6 months. For Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma, the dose is typically 1.8 mg/kg every 3 weeks for 4-6 months. Your doctor may adjust the starting dose if you have kidney or liver problems.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you forget or miss an appointment for your infusion, schedule another appointment as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if you’re unsure about what to do.
Important: Never stop taking Adcetris without talking to your doctor first, even if you feel better
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:
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Pneumonia
- Back pain
- Constipation, nausea, vomiting
- Feeling tired
- Frequent urination and increased thirst
- Changes in appetite with weight loss
- Irritability
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Headaches and dizziness
- Looking pale
- Itching
- Hair loss or thinning
- Muscle and joint pain
- Skin blisters, redness, or reactions at infusion site
- Increased liver enzymes
- Mouth infections (thrush)
- Cold sores
- Trouble sleeping
- Pain during urination
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) – confusion, memory loss, vision problems, weakness, walking difficulties
- Lung problems – new or worsening shortness of breath or cough
- Liver injury – loss of appetite, upper right stomach pain, yellowing of skin or eyes
- Inflammation of pancreas – severe upper stomach pain
- Infections with fever, chills, sore throat
- Severe skin reactions – painful rash that spreads and blisters
- Heart rhythm disturbances
- Peripheral neuropathy – numbness, tingling, pain in hands or feet
- Motor neuropathy – weakness and difficulty walking
- Decreased urination
- Swelling of face, lips, mouth, or throat causing breathing difficulties
Important Warnings
There are several important safety considerations before starting Adcetris treatment.
Who Should Not Take Adcetris
Do not use Adcetris if you are allergic to brentuximab vedotin or any ingredients in the medicine, if you are currently taking bleomycin (another anti-cancer medicine), or if the medication has expired or the packaging is damaged.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies, current or suspected infections, kidney or liver problems, or if you are taking or have taken medicines that affect your immune system. Also inform your doctor about any other medical conditions or medications you’re taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Both you and your partner must use two effective methods of contraception during treatment. Women must continue contraception for 6 months after the last dose. Men should consider freezing sperm before treatment and avoid fathering children during treatment and for 6 months after. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
Adults Only: Adcetris is only approved for adults – there is not enough information to recommend its use in children under 18 years
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with how Adcetris works or be affected by it.
Tell Your Healthcare Team: Always inform your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking, including those bought without a prescription
- Ketoconazole (antifungal medicine)
- Itraconazole (antifungal medicine)
- Bleomycin (anti-cancer agent – must not be used together)
Alcohol & Driving
Adcetris may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Alcohol
The source material does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Adcetris. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful before driving or using machines until you know how Adcetris affects you. This medicine may cause dizziness in some people. If you feel dizzy, do not drive or use tools or machines.
Storage
Keep unopened vials in the refrigerator between 2-8°C (do not freeze). Store in the original carton to protect from light. Do not use after the expiry date. Keep away from moisture, heat, and sunlight, and out of reach of children.
Overdose Information
Since Adcetris is given under medical supervision, overdose is very unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving the infusion, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. If you suspect an overdose, immediately call the Poisons Information Centre (13 11 26), contact your doctor, or go to the nearest hospital emergency department, even if you feel fine.
Frequently Asked Questions
Adcetris is typically given every 2-3 weeks depending on your treatment plan. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular appointments and blood tests to check how well the treatment is working.
Adcetris is often given in combination with other chemotherapy medicines for certain conditions like newly diagnosed Hodgkin Lymphoma or Peripheral T-Cell Lymphoma. Your doctor will determine the right combination for your specific situation.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience serious side effects like confusion, vision problems, breathing difficulties, severe stomach pain, or signs of infection (fever, chills). For less serious side effects, speak to your doctor if they worry you.
Your doctor will schedule regular appointments to monitor your progress and may perform blood tests to check how well the treatment is working and ensure it’s safe for you to continue.
No, you and your partner must use two effective methods of contraception during treatment. Women must continue contraception for 6 months after the last dose, and men should avoid fathering children during treatment and for 6 months after.
If you miss an appointment, schedule another one as soon as possible. Contact your doctor if you’re unsure about what to do. Don’t skip doses without talking to your healthcare team first.
You must not take bleomycin (another anti-cancer medicine) while receiving Adcetris. Certain antifungal medicines like ketoconazole or itraconazole may also interact. Always tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you’re taking.
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.