This medication is used to treat a certain type of
cancer (extensive stage small cell lung cancer - ES-SCLC). Tarlatamab works
by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells.
Read the Medication Guide and, if available, the Patient
Information Leaflet provided by your pharmacist before you start using
tarlatamab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions,
ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by a health care professional.
It is injected slowly into a vein over 1 hour. 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." Your doctor will monitor you for some time after each dose to
help you manage any side effects. When you get your first two "step-up
dose" infusions, for 48 hours after each infusion begins, you and your
caregiver should stay within a 1-hour drive of a health care facility (for
example, a hospital).
Before you receive this medication, your doctor will
prescribe other medications (such as dexamethasone) to help prevent side
effects. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your
medications.
See also Warning section.
Tiredness, changes in sense of taste, muscle/joint pain,
loss of appetite, or constipation 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:
- 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)
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 tarlatamab, 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
tarlatamab 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 tarlatamab. Tarlatamab
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 2 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 2 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) 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).