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Uses

What is Blincyto used for?

Blincyto (blinatumomab) is commonly used to treat certain acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) cancers.

Blincyto may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Blincyto work (mechanism of action)?

Blincyto is a medicine that makes your immune system work better to fight cancer cells. Blincyto targets specific immune cells, called T cells, to make them find and attack cancer cells. T cells kill the cancer cells, which makes your cancer slow or stop growing. 

How is Blincyto supplied (dosage forms)?

Blincyto is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Blincyto?

Blincyto is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Blincyto?

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

  • Fever
  • Infusion reactions, such as a rash or high blood pressure
  • Headache
  • Infections (see below)
  • Muscle and joint pain
  • Low neutrophil levels (see below)
  • Nausea
  • Low red blood cell levels (anemia)
  • Low platelet levels
  • Diarrhea

There may be other side effects of Blincyto that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare 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. 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 Blincyto?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Blincyto 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

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS). Blincyto can cause a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening problem called cytokine release syndrome. CRS occurs when your immune system responds too much to medicines or infection. CRS may happen right away or several days after you get Blincyto. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of CRS.

  • Fever
  • Fast or racing heart
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Trouble breathing
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Severe headache

Brain Problems. Blincyto can cause a condition called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Get emergency help if you get any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion
  • Seizures
  • Balance problems
  • Trouble talking 

Infections. Blincyto can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Blincyto 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 Blincyto and to keep all appointments for blood work so your healthcare provider can see how your body is responding to Blincyto. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of tumor lysis syndrome while using Blincyto.

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

Low Neutrophil Levels (Neutropenia). Blincyto may cause low levels of a type of white blood cell (called neutrophils), which is known as neutropenia. Neutrophils help prevent infection. Having a low level of neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of low neutrophil levels.

  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Tiredness
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores
  • Swollen lymph nodes

Liver Function Tests. Changes in your liver function tests can happen when using Blincyto. Usually, these changes do not cause any problems, but if left untreated, they can lead to liver damage. Call your healthcare 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)

Inflammation of the Pancreas (Pancreatitis). Blincyto may cause inflammation of the pancreas, which is called pancreatitis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have symptoms of pancreatitis, including vomiting or severe pain in the upper part of your belly that travels to your back.

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People using Blincyto 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 healthcare 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Blincyto?

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

  • Blincyto
  • Blinatumomab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Blincyto before using it?

Blincyto is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your healthcare provider will do regular blood work while you are using Blincyto. It is important to attend all appointments so your healthcare provider can make sure it is safe for you to use Blincyto. If you miss any appointments, reschedule with your healthcare provider right away.

You will likely receive Blincyto in a hospital or clinic, but you may also have an infusion pump. If you have a pump, do not change the settings. Call your healthcare provider right away if there is an alarm that sounds from your pump. 

You will have an IV catheter placed in order to get your Blincyto infusions. It is important to keep the area around the catheter clean to prevent infections. Ask your healthcare provider how to keep the area clean. 

Blincyto can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Blincyto affects you.

You may be given certain medicines before or while receiving Blincyto to prevent infusion reactions. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider instructs you to do so.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Blincyto?

Tell your healthcare 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 Blincyto is right for you.

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

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

  • Neurological problems, such as confusion, loss of balance, trouble speaking, or seizures
  • Down Syndrome
  • Infection
  • History of an infusion reaction with any medicine
  • History of radiation treatment to the brain
  • History of chemotherapy 

Vaccines. Talk with your healthcare provider about any vaccines that you may need. You should not receive certain vaccines right before, during, or after using Blincyto. Tell your healthcare provider about any vaccines you have recently received or have scheduled.

Pregnancy. Blincyto may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Blincyto. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while using Blincyto and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Blincyto passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while using Blincyto and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

How can I get more information about Blincyto?

For more information about Blincyto, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.blincyto.com or call them at 866-264-2778.

Interactions

Does Blincyto interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Blincyto and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Blincyto.

Does Blincyto interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Blincyto and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

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 Blincyto?

If you or someone else has used too much Blincyto, 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 Blincyto?

Blincyto is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Blincyto as scheduled. 

If you miss an appointment to get your Blincyto dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.