This medication is used to treat certain cancers (such
as mycosis fungoides, Sezary syndrome). Mogamulizumab belongs to a class of
drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by changing the action of
your own immune system, directing it to attack cancer cells. This effect
helps slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
This medication is given by injection into a vein by a
health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually
over at least 60 minutes. The first 4 doses are usually given 7 days apart,
followed by doses every 2 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to treatment.
Infusion reactions may happen during and soon after the
infusion of this drug. Your doctor may prescribe other medications (such as
acetaminophen, diphenhydramine) before each treatment to help prevent these
side effects. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of
infusion reactions such as flushing, chills, fever, fast/pounding
heartbeat, dizziness, or shortness of breath.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also How to Use section.
Cold-like symptoms (such as runny/stuffy nose),
muscle/joint pain, mouth sores, loss of appetite, tiredness, swelling,
dizziness, nausea, diarrhea, or trouble sleeping may occur. If any of these
effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist
promptly.
Temporary hair loss may occur. Normal hair growth should
return after treatment has ended.
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.
This medication may raise your blood pressure. Check
your blood pressure regularly and tell your doctor if the results are high.
Your doctor may control your blood pressure with
medication.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- mental/mood changes (such as depression)
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
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).
This medication may make your blood sugar rise, which
can cause or worsen diabetes. Tell your doctor right away if you have
symptoms of high blood sugar such as increased thirst/urination. If you
already have diabetes, check your blood sugar regularly as directed and
share the results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your
diabetes medication, exercise program, or diet.
This medication sometimes causes side effects due to the
rapid destruction of cancer cells (tumor lysis syndrome). To lower your
risk, your doctor may add a medication and tell you to drink plenty of
fluids. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such
as:
- low back/side pain (flank pain)
- signs of kidney problems (such as painful urination,
pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
- muscle spasms/weakness
Mogamulizumab can commonly cause a rash that is usually
not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash
that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical help right away if
you develop a new or worsening 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 mogamulizumab, 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:
- diabetes
- current/recent infections
- liver problems (including hepatitis B infection)
- overactive immune system disorder (such as rheumatoid
arthritis, lupus)
This drug may make you dizzy. 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. 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
mogamulizumab 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). You may have a higher risk of serious
reactions after certain procedures (such as stem cell transplant). Talk to
your doctor for details.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using mogamulizumab. 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
at least 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.
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 may be done while you are using
this medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
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 or doctor's office 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).