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Overview: Jelmyto is used to treat a certain type of cancer that affects the kidneys and the lining of the upper urinary tract. It slows down the growth of cancer cells by making them less able to create substances they need to multiply. Common side effects include kidney and bladder problems, stomach upset, and tiredness. Call your health care provider right away if you have fever, side pain, cough, shortness of breath, easy bleeding or bruising, or unusual weakness or tiredness.

Uses

What is Jelmyto used for?

Jelmyto (mitomycin pyelocalyceal) is commonly used to treat a certain type of cancer called low-grade upper tract urothelial cancer (LG-UTUC), which is a cancer that affects the kidneys and the lining of the upper urinary tract.

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

See also: Mitomycin (Mutamycin, Mitomycin C)

How does Jelmyto work (mechanism of action)?

Jelmyto slows down the growth of cancer cells by making them less able to create DNA, RNA, and proteins.

How is Jelmyto supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Jelmyto

Dosage forms and strengths

Jelmyto is available in a form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Jelmyto?

Jelmyto is usually 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 Jelmyto?

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

  • Swelling and narrowing of the tubes that carry urine (pee) from the kidneys to the bladder (see below)
  • Side pain
  • Kidney or bladder infection
  • Blood in the urine
  • Kidney problems
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • Stomach pain
  • Tiredness
  • Burning, discomfort, or pain when you pee

There may be other side effects of Jelmyto 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 Jelmyto?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Jelmyto 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

Blocked Ureter. Jelmyto can cause the tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder (ureters) to become swollen and more narrow, which can lead to kidney damage. If this happens, you may need to have a procedure to help urine flow normally from the kidneys to the bladder. Contact your health care provider right away if you have fever or side pain while using Jelmyto.

Bone Marrow Suppression. Jelmyto may cause your bone marrow to not make enough cells. This can lead to low blood levels of important cells, such as red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and neutrophils. Bone marrow suppression can lead to infections or bleeding. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of bone marrow suppression.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infections
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Jelmyto?

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

  • Jelmyto
  • Mitomycin pyelocalyceal
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

Hole or Tear in Your Bladder or Upper Urinary Tract. Jelmyto should not be used in people who have a hole or tear in their bladder or upper urinary tract. Tell your health care provider if you have a history of this problem.

What should I know about Jelmyto before using it?

Jelmyto is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is given into the kidney through a tube called a catheter.

Before each Jelmyto treatment, your health care provider will tell you to take a medicine called sodium bicarbonate. Take it exactly how your health care provider tells you to.

Your urine may change to a violet to blue color after receiving Jelmyto.

Avoid touching your urine (pee) for at least six hours after receiving Jelmyto.

After receiving Jelmyto, males and females should sit on a toilet to urinate (pee) and flush the toilet several times afterward. Wash your hands, inner thighs, and genital area well with soap and water after you finish going to the bathroom.

Any clothing that touches your urine after you receive Jelmyto should be washed right away and separately from other clothing.

Keep all appointments for your blood tests.

Females of childbearing age should use effective birth control to avoid becoming pregnant while receiving Jelmyto and for six months after the last dose. Males with female partners of childbearing age should use effective birth control while receiving Jelmyto and for three months after the last dose to avoid getting their partner pregnant. Talk to your health care provider if you have any questions about birth control.

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

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 know if Jelmyto is right for you.

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

Other Medicines and Supplements. Jelmyto may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Jelmyto, 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.

Pregnancy. Jelmyto may cause harm to a fetus. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Jelmyto passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while receiving Jelmyto and for one week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Jelmyto?

For more information about Jelmyto, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.jelmyto.com/patient/ or call them at 855-987-6436.

Interactions

Does Jelmyto interact with foods or drinks?

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

There are no known interactions between Jelmyto and alcohol, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. 

Does Jelmyto 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 a diuretic, also called a water pill, which is a medicine used to reduce edema (fluid retention) and blood pressure.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Jelmyto. 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 Jelmyto?

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

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

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