Pronunciation: EYE-oh-dine/tos-IT-too-moe-mab
Generic Name: Iodine I 131/Tositumomab
Brand Name: Bexxar 131 Iodine
Bexxar 131 Iodine may cause serious allergic reactions, especially in patients who have received murine proteins previously. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble breathing. Bexxar 131 Iodine may cause serious (possibly life-threatening) decreases in the number of white blood cells and platelets your body produces. This effect may last for a long period of time. Additional treatment may be needed to manage this effect. Serious infections or bleeding could occur as a result of low blood cell levels. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience fever, persistent sore throat, any other sign of infection, or unusual bruising or bleeding. Bexxar 131 Iodine must not be used during pregnancy because fetal harm can result. Contact your doctor immediately if you suspect that you could be pregnant.
Bexxar 131 Iodine is used for:
Treating certain forms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma in patients who have not responded to other therapy.
Bexxar 131 Iodine is a radioactive monoclonal antibody protein. It works by recognizing a protein receptor on cancer cells and then delivering radiation that increases the killing effect of the antibody.
Do NOT use Bexxar 131 Iodine if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Bexxar 131 Iodine or to mouse proteins
- you have bone marrow depression or a serious blood disorder such as low hemoglobin, white blood cells, or platelets
- you are pregnant
- you are unable to take a thyroid blocker (eg, methimazole)
Contact your doctor or health care provider right away if any of these apply to you.
Before using Bexxar 131 Iodine:
Some medical conditions may interact with Bexxar 131 Iodine. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions, especially if any of the following apply to you:
- if you are planning to become pregnant or are breast-feeding
- if you are taking any prescription or nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, or dietary supplement
- if you have allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
- if you have an infection, thyroid problems, or kidney problems
- if you are scheduled to receive a vaccine
Some MEDICINES MAY INTERACT with Bexxar 131 Iodine. Tell your health care provider if you are taking any other medicines, especially any of the following:
- Medicines that decrease blood clotting (eg, aspirin, clopidogrel, ibuprofen, warfarin) and medicines that affect the immune system (eg, azathioprine, corticosteroids, cyclosporine) because serious side effects, such as risk of bleeding or infections, may be increased
This may not be a complete list of all interactions that may occur. Ask your health care provider if Bexxar 131 Iodine may interact with other medicines that you take. Check with your health care provider before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.
How to use Bexxar 131 Iodine:
Use Bexxar 131 Iodine as directed by your doctor. Check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions.
- Bexxar 131 Iodine is usually administered as an injection at your doctor's office, hospital, or clinic. Ask your doctor any question that you may have about Bexxar 131 Iodine.
- If you miss a dose of Bexxar 131 Iodine, contact your doctor right away.
Ask your health care provider any questions you may have about how to use Bexxar 131 Iodine.
Important safety information:
- Bexxar 131 Iodine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery, or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how you react to Bexxar 131 Iodine. Using Bexxar 131 Iodine alone, with certain other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
- Bexxar 131 Iodine may reduce the number of certain blood cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This may increase your risk of infection and bleeding. Prevent infection by avoiding contact with people with colds or other infections. Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have thoroughly washed your hands first. Notify your doctor of any signs of infection, including fever, sore throat, rashes, or chills. To prevent bleeding, avoid situations in which bruising or injury may occur. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising; blood in stools; or black, tarry stools to your doctor.
- Avoid vaccinations with live virus vaccines (eg, measles, mumps, oral polio) while you are taking Bexxar 131 Iodine.
- As with other cancer medicines, Bexxar 131 Iodine can cause a secondary cancer. Discuss the benefits and risks of using Bexxar 131 Iodine with your doctor.
- After receiving Bexxar 131 Iodine, the radioactive part of the dose will be in your body for several days. Follow all instructions you are given to minimize the exposure of others around you to this radioactivity.
- Before you have any medical or dental treatments, emergency care, or surgery, tell the doctor or dentist that you are using Bexxar 131 Iodine.
- Bexxar 131 Iodine may reduce the levels of thyroid hormone your thyroid produces. Thyroid tests will be done before your doses and every year thereafter to monitor for any change in function of the thyroid gland.
- Some patients may develop an immune response called HAMA (human anti-murine antibody) after using Bexxar 131 Iodine. This antibody may interfere with certain lab test results. Be sure all of your doctors and laboratory personnel know that you are being treated, or have been treated, with Bexxar 131 Iodine.
- Both men and women capable of having children who receive Bexxar 131 Iodine should use reliable methods of birth control (eg, condoms) during and for at least 1 year after receiving Bexxar 131 Iodine.
- LAB TESTS, including complete blood cell counts, platelet counts, thyroid function tests, and kidney function tests, will be required to monitor your progress and check for side effects. Frequent monitoring will be done for up to 12 weeks after treatment. Be sure to keep all doctor and lab appointments.
- Caution is advised when using Bexxar 131 Iodine in the ELDERLY because they may be more sensitive to the effect Bexxar 131 Iodine has on blood cells.
- PREGNANCY and BREAST-FEEDING: Do not use Bexxar 131 Iodine if you are pregnant. If you think that you may be pregnant, contact your doctor immediately. Bexxar 131 Iodine is excreted in breast milk. Do not breast-feed while receiving Bexxar 131 Iodine.
Possible side effects of Bexxar 131 Iodine:
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON side effects persist or become bothersome:
Constipation; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; headache; muscle aches; nausea; pain, swelling, or redness at the injection site; stomach upset; vomiting.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE side effects occur:
Severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); black stools; easy bruising or bleeding; fast heartbeat; flu-like symptoms such as chills, cough, or sweating; infection; itching; lightheadedness; loss of appetite; lung infection; new growths or lumps; pain, including chest, stomach, muscle, neck, back, or joint pain; pale skin; persistent sore throat or fever; shortness of breath; sudden weight loss; swelling of the hands or feet; unusual tiredness or weakness; vomit that looks like coffee grounds.
This is not a complete list of all side effects that may occur. If you have questions about side effects, contact your health care provider. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. To report side effects to the appropriate agency, please read the Guide to Reporting Problems to FDA.
See also: Bexxar31 Iodine side effects (in more detail)
If OVERDOSE is suspected:
Contact 1-800-222-1222 (the American Association of Poison Control Centers), your local poison control center, or emergency room immediately.
Proper storage of Bexxar 131 Iodine:
Bexxar 131 Iodine is radioactive and must be stored in the lead pot provided. It is usually handled and stored by a health care professional. Keep Bexxar 131 Iodine out of reach of children and away from pets.
General information:
- If you have any questions about Bexxar 131 Iodine, please talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
- Bexxar 131 Iodine is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Do not share it with other people.
- If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, check with your doctor.
- Check with your pharmacist about how to dispose of unused medicine.
This information is a summary only. It does not contain all information about Bexxar 131 Iodine. If you have questions about the medicine you are taking or would like more information, check with your doctor, pharmacist, or other health care provider.
More Bexxar 131 Iodine resources
- Bexxar 131 Iodine Side Effects (in more detail)
- Bexxar 131 Iodine Use in Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
- Bexxar 131 Iodine Drug Interactions
- Bexxar 131 Iodine Support Group
- 0 Reviews for Bexxar31 Iodine - Add your own review/rating
Compare Bexxar 131 Iodine with other medications
- Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
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