What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Heart disease
- Infection
- Inflammatory disorder
- Kidney disease
- Liver disease
- Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
- Nervous system problems, such as seizures, stroke, or memory loss
- Recent or upcoming vaccine
- An unusual or allergic reaction to axicabtagene ciloleucel, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservative
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
What may interact with this medication?
Do not take this medication with any of the following:
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. After the infusion, your care team will check on you every day for at least 7 days.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medication.
This medication may affect your coordination, reaction time, or judgment. Do not drive or operate machinery for at least 8 weeks after your infusion. Sit up or stand slowly to reduce the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Drinking alcohol with this medication can increase the risk of these side effects.
Carry the Patient Wallet Card with you at all times. Show it to all members of your care team. It describes the signs and symptoms of severe side effects you may have while taking this medication.
This medication may increase your risk of getting an infection. Call your care team for advice if you get a fever, chills, sore throat, or other symptoms of a cold or flu. Do not treat yourself. Try to avoid being around people who are sick.
Do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells any time after receiving this treatment.
Talk to your care team about your risk of cancer. You may be more at risk for certain types of cancer if you take this medication.
Talk to your care team if you may be pregnant. This medication has not been well studied during pregnancy. You will need a negative pregnancy test before starting this medication.
What are the most serious risks of this medication?
This medication may increase the risk of blood or bone marrow cancer. Your care team will monitor your blood work closely.
This medication can cause a serious side effect called cytokine release syndrome. Your care team will monitor you closely. Tell your care team right away if you feel faint or lightheaded or have fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, headache, shortness of breath, or a fast or irregular heartbeat.
This medication may affect the brain and nervous system. Talk to your care team right away if you have confusion, dizziness, tremors, trouble speaking, weakness, or pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet. Some side effects can be severe. Call emergency services if you have seizures or trouble staying awake.