ADCETRIS (Brentuximab Vedotin) Cost, Side Effects, Package Insert

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Learn all about ADCETRIS (Brentuximab Vedotin) its side effects and cost price. Brentuximab (pronounced bren-tuk-see-mab) is also known by its full name Brentuximab Vedotin and its brand name, ADCETRIS. It is a treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma and a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL).

Brentuximab Vedotin has the component of an antibody type of targeted therapy. Antibodies are an integral part of the body’s immune system; normally the body creates antibodies in response to an antigen (such as a protein or a germ) that has entered the body. The antibodies attach to the antigen in order to mark it for destruction by the immune system. To make anti-cancer antibodies in the laboratory, scientists analyze specific antigens on the surface of cancer cells (the targets). Then using animal and human proteins, they create a specific antibody that will attach to the target antigen on the cancer cells. When given to a patient, these antibodies will attach to matching antigens like a key fits a lock.

ADCETRIS is contraindicated with concomitant bleomycin due to pulmonary toxicity (e.g., interstitial infiltration and/or inflammation). Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) is a rare but serious infection of the brain that can lead to death and can occur in ADCETRIS-treated patients. Cases occurred at different times from the start of ADCETRIS therapy, some within 3 months. Stevens-Johnson syndrome (very rare and serious condition in which skin and mucous membranes react to a medication or infection) is also one of the side effects of this medication.

Brentuximab Vedotin was studied as monotherapy in 160 patients in two phase II trials. Across both trials, the most common adverse reactions (≥20%), regardless of causality, were chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (a progressive, enduring and often irreversible tingling numbness, intense pain, and hypersensitivity to cold, beginning in the hands and feet and sometimes involving the arms and legs), neutropenia (an immune system impairment), fatigue, nausea, anemia, upper respiratory tract infection, diarrhea, fever, rash, thrombocytopenia, cough and vomiting.

Brentuximab Vedotin causes apoptosis of tumor cells by preventing cell cycle progression of the G2 to M phase through disruption of the cytosolic microtubules network. Brentuximab Vedotin is administered only as an intravenous infusion resulting in 100% absorption. Do not receive a “live” vaccine while using Brentuximab Vedotin. Live vaccines include measles, mumps, rubella (MMR), polio, rotavirus, typhoid, yellow fever, shingles, varicella (chickenpox), and nasal flu vaccine.

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ADCETRIS (Brentuximab Vedotin)

Brentuximab Vedotin (trade name ADCETRIS) is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) directed to the protein CD30, which is expressed in classical Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma (sALCL). Brentuximab is a type of monoclonal antibody. Monoclonal antibodies (MABs) are copies of a single antibody. Brentuximab targets a protein called CD 30 that is found on Hodgkin lymphoma and anaplastic large cell lymphoma cells. Brentuximab sticks to the CD30 protein and delivers a drug to the cell. The drug then kills the cell.

Cost of ADCETRIS (Brentuximab Vedotin)

ADCETRIS (Brentuximab Vedotin) may cost over $100,000 for a course of treatment, or $4,500 per vial. According to marketers and manufacturers, Seattle Genetics, patients typically need three vials in one dose, and from seven to nine doses per course of treatment a cost range of from $94,500 to $121,500.
Brentuximab Vedotin Side Effects

Brentuximab Vedotin sometimes causes side effects due to the rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). Some of the side effects are listed below:

  • Black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • blood in the urine or stools
  • body aches or pain
  • burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
  • chills
  • ear congestion
  • fever
  • headache
  • lower back or side pain
  • pain
  • painful or difficult urination
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • Anemia
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stuffy or runny nose
  • swollen, painful, or tender lymph glands in the neck, armpit, or groin
  • tightness in the chest
  • troubled breathing with exertion
  • ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
  • unsteadiness or awkwardness
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet
  • Anxiety
  • blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • blurred vision
  • cloudy urine
  • confusion
  • convulsions
  • diarrhea
  • dizziness or lightheadedness
  • drowsiness
  • fast heartbeat
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • irregular heartbeat
  • itching
  • joint pain, stiffness, or swelling
  • muscle pain
  • rapid weight gain
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • red, irritated eyes
  • severe pain in the chest
  • stomach pain
  • thickening of bronchial secretions
  • unusual weight gain or loss

Brentuximab Package Insert

ADCETRIS is approved in more than 45 countries, including Brazil, Japan, the United States and countries in the European Union. Seattle Genetics has U.S. and Canadian commercialization rights to ADCETRIS. Package label of Brentuximab Vedotin is NDC 51144-050-01. ADCETRIS 50 mg powder concentrated solution for infusion of Brentuximab Vedotin. This medicine is subject to additional monitoring. This will allow quick identification of new safety information.

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