This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (multiple myeloma). Teclistamab belongs to a class of drugs known as
monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer
cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using teclistamab. 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 teclistamab.
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. Your doctor should also give you other
medications (such as acetaminophen, dexamethasone, diphenhydramine).
Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your
medications.
The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your
medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, muscle/joint pain, nausea, vomiting, loss of
appetite, constipation, 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.
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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
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).
Teclistamab may rarely cause serious (possibly fatal)
liver disease. Get medical help right away if you have any symptoms of
liver damage, such as:
- nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop
- stomach/abdominal pain
- yellowing eyes/skin
- dark urine
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 teclistamab, 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:
Teclistamab 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
teclistamab 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 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).
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 teclistamab.
Teclistamab 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 5 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 5 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 counts,
liver function) should 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 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).
