Memphis Heart Clinic

Provenge®

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:01:38 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: Sipuleucel-T

Trade Name: Provenge®

How is this drug used? Provenge is used for the treatment of prostate cancer that has few or no symptoms, but has spread to other parts of the body and does not respond to hormone therapy (metastatic, hormone-refractory prostate cancer).

What is the mechanism of action? Provenge mixes your own immune cells with a protein that prompts an immune response against cancer cells.

How is Provenge given (administered)? Provenge is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. You will receive a total of three infusions about two weeks apart. Approximately three days before each infusion, a sample of your immune cells will be collected through a process known as leukapheresis; the cells are used to produce Provenge.

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Provenge. Patients may undergo physical examinations, lab tests, or imaging to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Provenge?

Chills
Fatigue
Fever
Back pain
Nausea
Joint ache
Headache

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed here. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

Some side effects may require medical attention. Other side effects do not require medical attention and may go away during treatment. Patients should check with their physician about any side effects that continue or are bothersome.
What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including heart problems, lung problems, and history of stroke.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter).

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Watch for signs of serious side effects and report these to your doctor immediately: breathing problems, chest pains, racing heart or irregular heartbeats, dizziness, nausea or vomiting, a fever over 100º F, or redness or pain at the infusion or collection sites.

What is a package insert?
A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Important Limitations of Use

The information provided above on the drug you have selected is provided for your information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical doctor. We are providing this information solely as a courtesy and, as such, it is in no way a recommendation as to the safety, efficacy or appropriateness of any particular drug, regimen, dosing schedule for any particular cancer, condition or patient nor is it in any way to be considered medical advice. Patients should discuss the appropriateness of a particular drug or chemotherapy regimen with their physician.

As with any printed reference, the use of particular drugs, regimens and drug dosages may become out-of-date over time, since new information may have been published and become generally accepted after the latest update to this printed information. Please keep in mind that health care professionals are fully responsible for practicing within current standards, avoiding use of outdated regimens, employing good clinical judgment in selecting drugs and/or regimens, in calculating doses for individual patients, and verifying all dosage calculations.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

CANCERCONSULTANTS.COM SPECIFICALLY DISCLAIMS AND EXCLUDES ALL EXPRESSED OR IMPLIED WARRANTIES, INCLUDING ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES AS TO QUALITY, ACCURACY (INCLUDING TYPOGRAPHICAL ERRORS), MERCHANTABILITY, OR FITNESS FOR ANY PARTICULAR PURPOSE OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN. CANCERCONSULTANTS.COM DISCLAIMS ALL LIABILITY OR DAMAGES ARISING FROM ANY USE OF THE INFORMATION.

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Fluorouracil

Wed, 16 May 2012 15:46:48 +0000

Class: Chemotherapy

Generic Name: Fluorouracil (fler-oh-YOO-rah-sil), 5-FU, 5-fluorouracil

For which conditions is this drug approved? Fluorouracil is FDA approved for the treatment of the following conditions: colon cancer, rectal cancer, breast cancer, stomach (gastric) cancer, and pancreatic cancer. Fluorouracil may also come in a topical form that is FDA approved for the treatment of superficial basal cell carcinoma. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Fluorouracil belongs to a class of agents called antimetabolites. Antimetabolites produce their anti-cancer effects by inhibiting the ability of a cell to produce or repair DNA, thereby making the cell unable to replicate or repair itself and ultimately causing cellular death.

How is fluorouracil typically given (administered)? Fluorouracil may be given intravenously (into a vein), and may be applied topically as a skin cream. The information on this sheet mainly covers the intravenous formulation. The dose depends on several factors, including the condition being treated, the size of the patient, the particular regimen being used, and the overall health of the patient.

How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with flourouracil. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems, such as the kidneys or liver. Patients may also undergo physical examinations, scans or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy. In addition, patients will have their heart function monitored, as treatment with fluorouracil may produce damage to the heart. Patients should notify their healthcare provider if they notice changes in heart rate or rhythm, or experience chest pain. Patients who are using the topical fluorouracil will also undergo skin assessments.

What are the common (occur in 30% or more of patients) side effects of treatment with fluorouracil?

• Low levels of white blood cells – increases the risk of infection
• Low levels of red blood cells – increases the risk of anemia and blood transfusions
• Low levels of platelets – increases the risk of bleeding
• Mouth sores
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Changes in taste, metallic taste in mouth following IV bolus injection
• Reactions of the eyes resulting in watery eyes or sensitivity to sunlight
• Discoloration of vein in which the drug was administered

What are the less common (occur in 10% to 29% of patients) side effects of treatment with fluorouracil?

• Pain, peeling, redness, rash, or swelling of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet (hand-foot syndrome)
• Discoloration of the skin
• Darkening of the skin where previous radiation was administered?
• Rash or itching
• Skin sensitivity to sunlight
• Hair loss
• Discoloration of nails, loss of nails
• Cracking, peeling or excessively dry skin

What are possible late side effects of treatment with fluorouracil? With the use of this drug, there is risk of developing damage to the heart after treatment is completed, although this is uncommon. Patients experiencing chest or jaw pain, difficulty breathing, sweating or noticeable changes in heart rate or rhythm should contact their healthcare provider immediately.

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

• Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
• Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
• Wear sunscreen and protective clothing and try to minimize sun exposure.
• Drink plenty of fluids. (Patients should ask their physician about the amount of liquid to consume during a day.)
• If possible, avoid large crowds or people who are sick or not feeling well, as this drug may leave some patients susceptible to infection.
• Wash hands often to reduce the risk of infection.
• Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.
• If patients have been prescribed an anti-nausea medication, they should be sure to take the prescribed doses.
• Avoid activities that may cause injury or bruising.
• Use a soft toothbrush and an electric razor to prevent cuts on the mouth or skin.
• For mouth sores, patients should rinse their mouth three times a day with a salt and soda solution (8 ounces of water mixed with ½ to 1 tsp baking soda and/or ½ to 1 tsp salt) and brush their teeth with a soft toothbrush to help prevent the development of mouth sores.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

• Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. This drug may cause birth defects. It is important to use some kind of birth control while undergoing treatment. Also, patients may want to talk to their physician if they are considering having children in the future, since some drugs may cause fertility problems.
• It is important that patients inform their physician of any pre-existing conditions (chicken pox, heart disease, kidney disease, liver disease, lung disease, etc.) as they may worsen with this drug.
• Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter, including vitamins, herbs, etc.) as they may interfere with treatment.
• Patients should check with their physician before starting any new drug or nutritional supplement.
• Patients should inform their physician of any known drug or food allergies or any reactions to medications they have experienced in the past.

When should patients notify their physician?

• Chest pain or palpitations
• Noticeable changes in heart rate or rhythm
• Excessive pain or peeling of the palms of the hands or soles of the feet
• Excessive peeling or cracking of skin
• Flu or cold-like symptoms: fever, chills, sore throat, cough
• Signs of infection – redness, swelling, pus, tenderness, painful urination
• Persistent or severe fatigue
• Unexplained or pronounced bleeding (nosebleeds, bruising, blood in the urine, black tarry stools, etc.)
• Mouth sores
• Persistant nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Persistant or severe diarrhea
• Vision changes
• Confusion, mental changes
• Allergic reaction including swelling of the mouth, lips, and/or throat, wheezing or difficulty breathing, hives or rash

Important Limitations of Use
The information provided above on the drug you have selected is provided for your information only and is not a substitute for consultation with an appropriate medical doctor. We are providing this information solely as a courtesy and, as such, it is in no way a recommendation as to the safety, efficacy or appropriateness of any particular drug, regimen, dosing schedule for any particular cancer, condition or patient nor is it in any way to be considered medical advice. Patients should discuss the appropriateness of a particular drug or chemotherapy regimen with their physician.

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Provenge®

Wed, 16 May 2012 11:01:38 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: Sipuleucel-T

Trade Name: Provenge®

What is the mechanism of action? Provenge mixes your own immune cells with a protein that prompts an immune response against cancer cells.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Provenge?

Chills
Fatigue
Fever
Back pain
Nausea
Joint ache
Headache

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including heart problems, lung problems, and history of stroke.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter).

When should patients notify their physician?

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Erivedge™

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:34:50 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: vismodegib

Trade Name: Erivedge™

How is this drug used? Erivedge is approved for the treatment of adults with basal cell carcinoma of the skin that has spread to other parts of the body or that has come back after surgery or cannot be treated with surgery or radiation. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than for which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Erivedge targets a specific biological pathway (the Hedgehog pathway) that is thought to play a role in more than 90% of cases of basal cell carcinoma. Erivedge inhibits the abnormal signaling in this pathway that contributes to cancer growth.

How is Erivedge given (administered)? Erivedge is taken orally (by mouth).

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Erivedge. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients may undergo physical examinations and other tests to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Erivedge?

Muscle spasms
Hair loss
Taste changes or loss of taste
Weight loss
Fatigue
Nausea
Diarrhea
Decreased appetite
Constipation
Joint pain
Vomiting

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Erivedge can cause severe birth defects and fetal death. Women should have a pregnancy test prior to starting Erivedge and should talk with their doctor about choice and duration of birth control.
Men treated with Erivedge should use a condom and spermicide during sex (even if they’ve had a vasectomy) to avoid exposing their partner to Erivedge through semen.
During treatment and for several months afterwards, patients should not donate blood or blood products.
Patients should inform their physician about all other medical conditions.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter).

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away.

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Inlyta®

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:26:45 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: axitinib

Trade Name: Inlyta®

How is this drug used? Inlyta is FDA approved for the treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer) after one prior drug treatment has not worked. It is important for patients to remember that physicians have the ability to prescribe medication for conditions other than those for which the drug has been approved by the FDA. Patients who have received a prescription of this drug for a condition other than for which it is approved may wish to discuss this issue with their physician.

What is the mechanism of action? Inlyta is a type of drug known as a kinase inhibitor. It works by blocking certain proteins that play a role in cancer growth

How is Inlyta typically given (administered)? Inlyta is taken orally (by mouth), typically twice per day.

How are patients typically monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Inlyta. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Physical examinations, scans or other measures may also be utilized to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Inlyta?

Diarrhea
High blood pressure
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Hoarseness
Hand-foot syndrome
Weight loss
Vomiting
Weakness
Constipation

What are some of the less common side effects to be aware of?

Blood clots
Bleeding problems
A tear (perforation) in the stomach or intestine
Thyroid problems
Reversible posterior leukoencephalopathy syndrome (a condition that involves swelling in the brain).
Increased protein in the urine
Changes in liver function

This is not a complete list of side effects. Some patients may experience other side effects that are not listed above. Patients may wish to discuss with their physician the other less common side effects of this drug, some of which may be serious.

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
Do not eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice. Grapefruit may increase the amount of Inlyta in the blood.
Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.
Drink plenty of fluids (patients should ask their physician about the amount of liquid to consume during a day).

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning a family in the near future. This drug may cause birth defects. It is important to use a form of birth control while undergoing treatment.
It is important that patients inform their physician of any pre-existing conditions, including high blood pressure, thyroid problems, liver problems, history of blood clots or bleeding problems, history of heart attack or stroke, or an unhealed wound.
Patients should inform their physician about any planned surgery.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter, including vitamins, herbs, etc.) as they may interfere with treatment.
Patients should check with their physician before starting any new drug or nutritional supplement.
Patients should inform their physician of any known drug or food allergies or any reactions to medications they have experienced in the past.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Also call if you notice signs of thyroid problems (e.g. persistent tiredness, feeling hot or cold, weight gain or loss, voice deepening, hair loss, or muscle cramps), signs of a blood clot (e.g. chest pain or pressure; pain in arms, back, neck, or jaw; shortness of breath; numbness or weakness on one side of the body; trouble talking; headache; vision problems), signs of unusual bleeding (e.g. bleeding that is heavy or persistent, pink or brown urine, red or black stools, unusual bruising, coughing up or vomiting blood, unexpected pain or swelling; headache or dizziness), signs of a gastrointestinal tear (e.g. severe stomach pain, bloody vomit, red or black stools), or signs of brain problems (e.g headache, seizure, weakness, confusion, high blood pressure, blindness or change in vision, problems thinking).

What is a package insert?

A package insert is required by the FDA and contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug by healthcare providers and consumers. A package insert typically includes information regarding specific indications, administration schedules, dosing, side effects, contraindications, results from some clinical trials, chemical structure, pharmacokinetics, and metabolism of the specific drug. By carefully reviewing the package insert, you will get the most complete and current information about how to safely use this drug. If you do not have the package insert for the drug you are using, your pharmacist or physician may be able to provide you with a copy.

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Vemurafenib

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 11:13:11 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: vemurafenib

Trade Name: Zelboraf™

How is this drug used? Zelboraf is used for the treatment of melanoma that has metastasized or cannot surgically removed and that tests positive for a specific mutation (V600E) in the BRAF gene.

What is the mechanism of action? Approximately half of all late-stage melanomas have a mutation known as V600E in the BRAF gene. Zelboraf inhibits the protein produced by this mutated gene and helps to control cell growth.

How is Zelboraf given (administered)? Zelboraf is taken orally (by mouth).

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Zelboraf. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients will undergo skin examinations in addition to other tests to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Zelboraf?

Joint pain
Rash
Hair loss
Fatigue
Sunburn or sun sensitivity
Nausea
Itching
Warts

What are some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of Zelboraf?

Zelboraf may cause a type of skin cancer known as cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma. This type of skin cancer does not usually spread to other parts of the body, but patients should notify their physician if they notice a new wart, a skin sore or reddish bump that bleeds or does not heal, or a change in the size or appearance of a mole.

Other potentially serious side effects include the following:

Allergic reaction
Severe skin reaction
A change in the electrical activity of the heart called QT prolongation
Abnormal liver function tests
Eye problems
New melanomas

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.
Avoid sunlight during treatment with Zelboraf. When you go outside, wear sun-protective clothing and use broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including problems with the heart, kidneys, or liver; low blood levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium; and planned surgical, dental, or other medical procedures.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), including blood thinners, anti-fungal medicines, antibiotics, HIV medicines, seizure medicines, antidepressants, and medicines to treat irregular heart beat.
Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Zelboraf may harm an unborn baby.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Watch for signs of serious side effects and report these to your doctor immediately: possible signs of a new skin cancer include a new wart, a skin sore or reddish bump that bleeds or does not heal, and a change in the size or color of a mole; symptoms of an allergic reaction include rash or redness all over the body, feeling faint, trouble breathing or swallowing, throat tightness or hoarseness, fast heartbeat, and swelling of the face, lips, or tongue; symptoms of a severe skin reaction include blisters on the skin or in the mouth, peeling of the skin, fever, and redness or swelling of the face, hands, or soles of the feet; symptoms of QT prolongation (a heart problem) include feeling faint or lightheaded, dizziness, and a heartbeat that is irregular or fast; symptoms of liver problems include yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, fatigue, dark urine, nausea or vomiting, lack of appetite, and pain on the right side of the stomach; symptoms of eye problems include blurred vision, other vision changes, and eye pain, swelling, or redness.

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Xalkori™

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:57:04 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: crizotinib

Trade Name: Xalkori™

How is this drug used? Xalkori is used for the treatment of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer that tests positive for an abnormality in the anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) gene.

What is the mechanism of action? Between one percent and seven percent of non-small cell lung cancers have an abnormal version of the ALK gene that contributes to the growth and development of cancer cells. Xalkori blocks certain proteins, including the protein produced by the abnormal ALK gene.

How is Xalkori given (administered)? Xalkori is taken orally (by mouth).

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Xalkori. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients may undergo physical examinations and other tests to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Xalkori?

Vision problems
Nausea
Diarrhea
Vomiting
Swelling of the hands or feet
Constipation

What are some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of Xalkori?

Swelling of the lungs (pneumonitis)
Liver problems
Heart problems (QT interval prolongation)

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.
Do not drink grapefruit juice or eat grapefruit during treatment with Xalkori (it can increase the amount of Xalkori in your body to a harmful level).

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including problems with the heart, liver, or kidneys.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), including St. John’s Wort, antidepressants, anti-fungal medications, antibiotics, and medicines for tuberculosis, HIV-AIDS, heart conditions, and seizures.
Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Xalkori may harm an unborn baby.
If patients experience vision changes, dizziness, or fatigue while taking Xalkori, they should use caution when driving a car or using machinery.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Tell your doctor right away if you have any changes to your vision, such as flashes of light, blurred vision, sensitivity to light, or new or increased floaters. Also watch for signs of serious side effects and report these to your doctor immediately: symptoms of lung swelling include new or worsening problems with breathing or shortness of breath, cough, or fever; symptoms of liver problems include a yellowing of the skin or the whites of the eyes, feeling tired, dark or brown urine, nausea or vomiting, decreased appetite, pain on the right side of the stomach, and easy bruising or bleeding; and symptoms of QT interval prolongation (a heart problem) include abnormal heartbeats and feeling dizzy or faint.

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Adcetris™

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:50:12 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy and Chemotherapy

Generic Name: brentuximab vedotin

Trade Name: Adcetris™

How is this drug used? Adcetris is used for the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma that has progressed (worsened) after autologous stem cell transplant or has progressed after at least two prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimens in patients who are not candidates for a stem cell transplant. Adcetris is also used for the treatment of systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma) that has progressed after at least one prior multi-agent chemotherapy regimen.

What is the mechanism of action? Adcetris targets a protein known as CD30, which is present on Hodgkin lymphoma cells as well as cells from other cancers, including anaplastic large cell lymphoma. Once Adcetris enters CD30-positive cells, it releases the chemotherapy drug monomethyl auristatin E.

How is Adcetris given (administered)? Adcetris is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Adcetris. Typically, blood will be drawn to check levels of blood cells and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients may undergo physical examinations and other tests to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects (≥20%) of treatment with Adcetris?

Low blood cell counts (low levels of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets)
Peripheral sensory neuropathy (a nerve problem that causes pain, numbness, tingling, or swelling of the hands or feet)
Fatigue
Nausea
Upper respiratory tract infection
Diarrhea
Fever
Rash
Cough
Vomiting

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions and inform the physician of any side effects.
Maintain adequate rest and nutrition.
If possible, avoid large crowds or people who are sick or not feeling well, as this drug may leave some patients susceptible to infection.
Wash hands often to reduce the risk of infection.
Eat small meals frequently to help alleviate nausea.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter).
Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Adcetris may harm an unborn baby.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Also watch for and report symptoms of neuropathy (numbness or tingling in the hands or feet or muscle weakness), infection (fever, chills, cough, or pain on urination), and infusion reaction (fever, chills, rash or breathing problems within 24 hours of infusion).

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Zelboraf™

Tue, 06 Sep 2011 14:12:07 +0000

Class: Biological Therapy

Generic Name: vemurafenib

Trade Name: Zelboraf™

How is this drug used? Zelboraf is used for the treatment of melanoma that has metastasized or cannot surgically removed and that tests positive for a specific mutation (V600E) in the BRAF gene.

How is Zelboraf given (administered)? Zelboraf is taken orally (by mouth).

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Zelboraf?

Joint pain
Rash
Hair loss
Fatigue
Sunburn or sun sensitivity
Nausea
Itching
Warts

What are some of the less common but potentially serious side effects of Zelboraf?

Other potentially serious side effects include the following:

Allergic reaction
Severe skin reaction
A change in the electrical activity of the heart called QT prolongation
Abnormal liver function tests
Eye problems
New melanomas

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.
Avoid sunlight during treatment with Zelboraf. When you go outside, wear sun-protective clothing and use broad-spectrum, high-SPF sunscreen and lip balm.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including problems with the heart, kidneys, or liver; low blood levels of potassium, calcium, or magnesium; and planned surgical, dental, or other medical procedures.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter), including blood thinners, anti-fungal medicines, antibiotics, HIV medicines, seizure medicines, antidepressants, and medicines to treat irregular heart beat.
Patients should inform their physician if they are pregnant, breastfeeding or planning a family in the near future. Zelboraf may harm an unborn baby.

When should patients notify their physician?

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.

Zytiga™

Tue, 31 May 2011 10:55:23 +0000

Class: Hormonal therapy

Generic Name: Abiraterone

Trade Name: Zytiga™

How is this drug used? Zytiga is used in combination with prednisone for metastatic, castration-resistant prostate cancer that has previously been treated with the chemotherapy drug Taxotere® (docetaxel).

What is the mechanism of action? Zytiga blocks the production of androgens (male hormones such as testosterone) not only by the testes but also by the adrenal glands and the tumor itself.

How is Zytiga given (administered)? Zytiga is a tablet that is taken orally (by mouth). Zytiga is taken on an empty stomach.

How are patients monitored? Patients will usually have scheduled meetings with their healthcare provider while they are being treated with Zytiga. Typically, blood will be drawn to check for side effects and to monitor functions of some organ systems. Patients may also undergo physical examinations or other measures to assess side effects and response to therapy.

What are the most common side effects of treatment with Zytiga?

Joint swelling or discomfort
Muscle aches
Hot flushes
Diarrhea
Urinary tract infection
Cough
Irregular heartbeats
Frequent urination or need to get up at night to urinate
Heartburn
Cold-like symptoms

What are some of the potentially serious side effects of Zytiga?

High blood pressure
Low blood potassium levels
Fluid retention
Adrenal problems
Liver problems

What can patients do to help alleviate or prevent discomfort and side effects?

Pay careful attention to the physician’s instructions, and discuss side effects with your physician.
Do not take Zytiga with food.

Are there any special precautions patients should be aware of before starting treatment?

Patients should inform their physician about all medical conditions, including heart problems, liver problems, and a history of adrenal or pituitary problems.
Patients should inform their physician of any other medication or supplement they are taking (whether prescription or over-the-counter).
During treatment with Zytiga and for a week after Zytiga treatment ends, men who are sexually active with a pregnant woman must use a condom. If a man’s sexual partner is not pregnant but could become pregnant, a condom and another effective form of birth control should be used.
Although Zytiga is not for use in women, a woman who takes Zytiga should tell her doctor if she is pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. Zytiga may harm an unborn baby. Women who are pregnant or could become pregnant should not touch Zytiga without protection such as gloves.

When should patients notify their physician?

Tell your doctor if you experience any side effects that bother you or don’t go away. Some symptoms of potentially serious side effects include dizziness, fast heartbeats, feeling faint or lightheaded, headache, confusion, muscle weakness, pain in your legs, and swelling in your legs or feet.

Important Limitations of Use

DISCLAIMER OF WARRANTIES

The prescribing physician is solely responsible for making all decisions relating to appropriate patient care including, but not limited to, drugs, regimens, dose, schedule, and any supportive care.