This medication is used to treat certain types of cancer
(diffuse large B-cell lymphoma-DLBCL, high-grade B-cell lymphoma,
follicular lymphoma). Epcoritamab works by slowing or stopping the growth
of cancer cells.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using epcoritamab and each time you get a treatment. If
you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection under the skin of
the abdomen or thigh by a health care professional. 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." If you are using this medication for DLBCL or high-grade
B-cell lymphoma, you must stay in the hospital for 24 hours after the first
full dose so your doctor can monitor you closely and help you manage any
side effects. The treatment schedule is based on your medical condition and
response to treatment.
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will
prescribe other medications (such as acetaminophen,
dexamethasone/prednisolone, diphenhydramine) to help prevent side effects.
Your doctor may also prescribe other medications (such as antibiotics,
antivirals) to help prevent infection. Carefully follow your doctor's
directions for all your medications.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, stomach pain, diarrhea, nausea, or
muscle/joint pain 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.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- easy bruising/bleeding
- signs of anemia (such as unusual tiredness, pale skin)
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).
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 epcoritamab, 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
epcoritamab before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact
with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine
inhaled through the nose).
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 epcoritamab.
Epcoritamab 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 4 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 4 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)
should be done while you are using this medication. 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).