Abecma

Idecabtagene vicleucel is used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma) that has not gotten better or that has come back after other kinds of treatment. This type of treatment is known as gene therapy. Idecabtagene vicleucel is made from your own white blood cells and is given only to you. The white blood cells have been changed to have a specific protein (chimeric antigen receptor-CAR) that helps your body slow or stop the growth of certain cancer cells.

Read the Medication Guide provided by your health care professional before you start using this product. If you have any questions, ask your health care professionals.

Your doctor will give you 3 days of chemotherapy before treatment with this product to prepare your body.

This product is given by slow injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. You will receive one or more injections, one right after another. Each injection is given over about 30 minutes. To decrease the risk of side effects, your doctor may also give you other medications (such as acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before injecting idecabtagene vicleucel.

Your doctor will check you daily for at least 7 days after your treatment to see how well it works and help you manage any side effects. You should plan to stay for at least 4 weeks near the place of your treatment (for example, within 2 hours' drive).

See also Warning section.

Nausea, constipation, headache, tiredness, trouble sleeping, or loss of appetite may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: fast/irregular heartbeat, muscle/joint pain, swelling.

Although idecabtagene vicleucel is used to treat cancer, it may rarely increase your risk of developing other cancers. Tell your doctor right away if you develop swollen glands or unusual growths/lumps.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before receiving idecabtagene vicleucel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, kidney/liver problems, lung or breathing problems, nerve problems (such as memory loss, seizures), past/current/recent infection.

This product can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

This drug may make you drowsy or dizzy, affect your coordination, or make it harder for you to think clearly. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can worsen these effects. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely (at least 8 weeks after receiving treatment is recommended by the manufacturer). Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using this product. Idecabtagene vicleucel may harm an unborn baby. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This product is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

This medication may interfere with certain lab tests (such as some HIV tests), possibly causing false test results. Make sure lab personnel and all your doctors know you use this drug.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Not applicable.

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts) should be done before and after you receive this product. Women of childbearing age should have a pregnancy test before receiving this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

After receiving this treatment, do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells.