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Overview: Adcetris is used to treat certain cancers of the blood or skin. It stops cancer cells from growing and helps destroy cancer cells. The most common side effects are numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nausea, tiredness, muscle or joint pain, diarrhea, common cold symptoms, and mouth sores. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection, fever or chills, trouble breathing, severe stomach pain, or chest pain. Adcetris is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic.

Uses

What is Adcetris used for?

Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer in certain people.

Adcetris may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Adcetris work (mechanism of action)?

Adcetris works by targeting a protein called CD30, which is found on certain types of cancer cells. Adcetris is made of two parts: an antibody attached to a medicine. Once the antibody part attaches to the CD30 protein on the cancer cell, Adcetris is taken into the cell and releases the medicine part. This disrupts the cell’s structure, causing it to stop growing and die. Adcetris may also attract certain immune system cells to help destroy the cancer cells.

How is Adcetris supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Adcetris

Dosage forms and strengths

Adcetris is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Adcetris?

Adcetris is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Adcetris?

The most common side effects of Adcetris are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Nerve problems (see below)
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Fever
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
  • Mouth or lip sores
  • Stomach pain
  • Rash
  • Blood disorders (see below)

There may be other side effects of Adcetris that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Adcetris?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Adcetris are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Adcetris may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are using Adcetris. Tell your health care provider if you develop the following symptoms in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. 

  • Pain
  • Tingling, prickling, or burning sensation
  • Numbness
  • Weakness 

Infusion Reactions. Adcetris is given as an infusion into a vein. During or after the infusion, serious reactions can happen. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms during or the day after your infusion.

  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea
  • Trouble breathing
  • Itchiness or rash
  • Cough

Blood Disorders. Adcetris may cause blood disorders, such as low blood levels of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Adcetris can also cause low levels of a white blood cell called neutrophils (neutropenia). Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Call your health care provider or get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever or chills
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Serious Infections. Adcetris can increase your risk of infections, including serious and rare infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Fever higher than 100.5 F (38 C)
  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Chills, sweats, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Adcetris can cause a fast breakdown of cancer cells. This can lead to a condition called tumor lysis syndrome, which can be serious. It is important to drink plenty of water while receiving Adcetris and to keep all appointments for blood tests so your health care provider can see how your body is responding to Adcetris. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs of tumor lysis syndrome while using Adcetris.

  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Weakness
  • Swelling or fluid retention
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Adcetris. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). Rarely, people using Adcetris may develop a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.

  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking or speaking
  • Facial drooping
  • Vision problems
  • Thinking, memory, or personality changes
  • Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
  • Seizures

Serious Lung Problems. Adcetris can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. Adcetris may also cause acute respiratory distress syndrome. These lung problems can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have trouble breathing. 

Severe Skin Reactions. Adcetris can cause severe skin reactions, such as Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN), that can lead to death if not treated. If you develop a rash, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms, including fever, chills, and muscle aches

Stomach or Pancreas Problems. Adcetris may cause serious problems in your digestive tract, such as stomach bleeding, tears (perforation) in your gut, or inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Call your health care provider right away if you have the following symptoms.

  • Stomach pain that does not go away
  • Fever or chills
  • Diarrhea
  • Vomit blood
  • Black or tarry poop
  • Nausea, vomiting, and severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back

High Blood Sugar. Adcetris may increase your blood sugar levels, which may lead to or worsen diabetes. Talk to your health care provider about how to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Keep all appointments with your health care provider to check your blood tests. Call your health care provider if you have the following symptoms of high blood sugar.

  • Thirstier than usual
  • Peeing more than usual
  • Increase in hunger
  • Tiredness
  • Feeling sick to your stomach
  • Confusion
  • Fruity-smelling breath

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Adcetris?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Adcetris.

  • Adcetris
  • Brentuximab vedotin
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Adcetris.

Drug Interactions. Adcetris should not be used while you are using certain other medicines. Before using Adcetris, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

What should I know about Adcetris before using it?

Adcetris is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will likely receive other medicines to help lower your risk of side effects from Adcetris. It is important to use all medicines exactly as prescribed by your health care provider.

Adcetris may make it difficult for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you have concerns, talk to your health care provider.

Keep all appointments with your health care provider, including appointments for blood tests. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or possible symptoms of an infection, such as a fever.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk for side effects from Adcetris. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Adcetris?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Adcetris is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Adcetris may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Adcetris, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • Liver or kidney problems
  • Lung problems
  • Low levels of white blood cells (neutropenia)
  • Stomach problems, such as ulcers, bleeding
  • Diabetes

Pregnancy. Adcetris may cause harm to a fetus. If you are able to become pregnant, your health care provider will confirm that you are not pregnant before you start Adcentris treatment. Tell your health care provider if you or your partner is pregnant or planning to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, it is recommended to use birth control during Adcetris treatment and for two months after your last dose. If your partner can become pregnant, use birth control (such as condoms) during Adcetris treatment and for four months after your last dose. 

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while receiving treatment with Adcetris. It is not known if Adcetris passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Adcetris?

For more information about Adcetris, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.adcetris.com or call them at 855-473-2436.

Interactions

Does Adcetris interact with foods or drinks?

Your health care provider may suggest limiting or avoiding grapefruit while using Adcentris. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice may increase the levels of Adcetris in your blood, raising the risk of side effects.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Adcetris, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Adcetris interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Adcetris.

  • Bleomycin, which is used to treat certain cancers
  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Some other medicines may alter the blood levels of Adcetris. Tell your health care provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Adcetris. Always check with your health care provider.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Adcetris?

If you or someone else has used too much Adcetris, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Adcetris?

Adcetris is given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Adcetris dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.