Lifileucel is used to treat a certain type of skin
cancer (melanoma) that has not gotten better or that has come back after
other kinds of treatment. Lifileucel is made from your own white blood
cells found in your tumor and is given only to you. The white blood cells
help your body slow or stop the growth of certain cancer
cells.
Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from
your health care professional before you receive lifileucel. If you have
any questions, ask your health care professional.
Your doctor will give you 7 days of chemotherapy before
treatment with lifileucel to prepare your body. After receiving lifileucel,
you will be given another medication to help lifileucel work
better.
This product is given by slow injection into a vein as
directed by your doctor. Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion
of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as
acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before treatment to help prevent these side
effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion
reactions such as shortness of breath, fever, chills, fast heartbeat, rash,
or dizziness.
Your doctor will check you daily after your treatment to
see how well it works and help you manage any side effects. You should plan
to stay for several weeks near the place of your treatment (for example,
within 2 hours' drive).
See also Warning and How to Use sections.
Diarrhea, tiredness, or hair loss 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, 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:
- signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away,
fever, chills, cough)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- pale skin
- unusual tiredness
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine)
- fast/irregular heartbeat
- swelling ankles/feet
- sudden unexplained weight gain
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- signs of stomach/intestinal bleeding (such as
bloody/black/tarry stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds)
- signs of bleeding in the brain (such as sudden vision
changes, dizziness/fainting, confusion)
- symptoms of a heart attack (such as chest/jaw/left arm pain,
shortness of breath, unusual sweating)
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 lifileucel, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any 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 product, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- heart problems
- kidney problems
- liver problems
- lung problems
- past/current/recent infections
This product 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
lifileucel 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.
This drug may make you dizzy or make it harder for you
to think clearly. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy.
Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you
can do it safely (at least 3 weeks after receiving treatment is recommended
by some manufacturers). 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 lifileucel. Lifileucel
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this product. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right
away about the risks and benefits of this product.
It is unknown if this product passes into breast milk.
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 counts,
heart/lung/kidney function) should be done before and after you receive
this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
Not applicable. This product is given in a hospital 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).