| What is Mylotarg used for? Mylotarg
is used to treat a form of bone marrow cancer (CD33 positive
acute myeloid leukemia) in patients who are:
- experiencing a return of the disease after
the first treatment
- 60 years of age or older, and
- not considered able to take standard leukemia
chemotherapy.
The safety and effectiveness of Mylotarg in
patients with poor performance status and organ dysfunction
is not known and has not been tested. In addition, the effectiveness
of Mylotarg in improving symptoms, keeping the disease from
getting worse, or helping patients live longer compared with
standard treatments is not known.
Special Warning(s) with Mylotarg:
Only doctors who are experienced in the use
of cancer chemotherapy drugs should give Mylotarg.
Mylotarg causes a severe decrease in the body's
ability to produce bone marrow. Patients will be monitored
by their doctor for the signs and symptoms of this condition.
General Precautions with Mylotarg:
When large numbers of leukemic cancer cells
are being destroyed quickly, you may experience side effects,
which may cause pain in the joints (gout) or even kidney problems.
What should I tell my doctor or health care provider?
Tell your doctor or health care provider if
you have a history of liver problems. Serious problems such
as liver failure have occurred in people treated with Mylotarg.
Mylotarg can cause harm to an unborn baby
when given to a pregnant woman. Tell your health care provider
if you are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant,
or are breast-feeding.
What are some possible side effects of Mylotarg?
(This is NOT a complete list of side effects
reported with Mylotarg. Your health care provider can discuss
with you a more complete list of side effects.)
Common side effects include:
- Decrease in bone marrow production (see
Special Warnings)
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Low blood platelets
- Infection
- Bleeding
- Transfusions
- Swelling of the membrane inside the mouth
- Liver problems
- Rash
If the following side effects occur, they
will be soon after treatment with Mylotarg. Other medicines
can be prescribe to improve these conditions:
- Chills
- Fever
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Headache
- Changes in blood pressure
- Low levels of oxygen in the body
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