This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (multiple myeloma). Talquetamab works by slowing or stopping the
growth of cancer cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using talquetamab and each time you get a treatment. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the Patient
Wallet Card with you at all times. Show the card to all of your health care
providers to let them know that you are being treated with
talquetamab.
This medication is given by injection under the skin as
directed by your doctor. The injection is given by a health care
professional, usually under the skin of the abdomen or thigh. To reduce
your risk of side effects, your doctor will start this medication at a low
dose and gradually increase your dose. These starting doses are part of a
"step-up dosing schedule." You must stay in the hospital for 48 hours after
each of the "step-up" doses so your doctor can monitor you closely and help
you manage any side effects. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on
your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will
prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen, dexamethasone,
diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects. Your doctor may also
prescribe other medications (such as antibiotics) to help prevent
infection. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your
medications.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, nail problems, muscle/joint pain, loss of
appetite, weight loss, dry mouth/eyes/skin, or diarrhea may occur. Pain,
bruising, redness, itching, or swelling at the injection site may also
occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may occur. Brush
your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol,
and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt.
It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
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:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't
stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, pale skin)
- oral problems (changes in sense of taste, trouble
swallowing)
This medication may lower your ability to fight
infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal)
infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away
if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go
away, fever, chills, cough).
Talquetamab can cause skin problems (such as redness,
rash, small bumps) during treatment. However, you may not be able to tell
it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Tell
your doctor right away if you develop any rash.
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 using talquetamab, 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:
- current/recent infections
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy or affect your
thinking and coordination. 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. Limit alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor
if you are using marijuana (cannabis).
This medication can make you more likely to get
infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who
has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19,
measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection
or for more details.
Tell your health care professional that you are using
talquetamab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. 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.
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 talquetamab.
Talquetamab may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy
test before you start this medication. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for 3 months after the last dose.
If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 3 months after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
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.
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 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood count,
liver function, weight) should be done before you start using this
medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab
appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Your condition can cause complications in a medical
emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call
1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).