What is Mylotarg prescribed for?

Mylotarg is prescribed for the treatment of 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 Warnings associated 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 to take when on 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.

There are some things that you should tell your doctor when taking this medication:

Tell your doctor or doctor 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 doctor if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or if you are currently breast feeding.

What side effects can you expect when taking Mylotarg? (This is only a partial list of side effects reported with Mylotarg. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for a complete list of possible side effects and drug interactions..)

The most Common side that have been reported to doctors are::

• 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