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Overview: Monjuvi is used to treat types of blood cancers. It works by targeting a protein found on certain immune cells and signaling your immune system to attack them, which can help slow or stop the growth of the cancer. Common side effects include tiredness, diarrhea, coughing, a fever, or a decreased appetite. Monjuvi may increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or symptoms of an infection, such as a fever, cough, or flu-like symptoms.

Uses

What is Monjuvi used for?

Monjuvi (tafasitamab-cxix) is commonly used to treat certain people with either diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)or follicular lymphoma.

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

How does Monjuvi work (mechanism of action)?

Monjuvi targets a protein called CD19, which is found on certain immune system cells, including B cells. When Monjuvi attaches to these cells, it helps destroy the B cells and signals your body’s immune system to attack them. This can help slow or stop the growth of your cancer.

How is Monjuvi supplied (dosage forms)?

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

How should I store Monjuvi?

Monjuvi 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 Monjuvi?

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

  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Cough
  • Fever
  • Swelling in your hands, legs, or feet
  • Muscle or joint pain
  • Infection in your nose, throat, or lungs, or common cold symptoms
  • Decreased appetite

There may be other side effects of Monjuvi 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 Monjuvi?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Monjuvi 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 orskin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

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

  • Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
  • Burning or stinging when you pee
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Blood Disorders. Monjuvi may cause your bone marrow to not make enough blood cells. This can lead to blood disorders, such as low red blood cell levels (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia). Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Infusion Reactions. Monjuvi is given as a slow infusion through a tube in your vein (called an IV) over a few hours. In some cases, bad reactions can happen during the infusion. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms during your infusion. They may need to slow or stop the infusion.

  • Shortness of breath
  • Fever or chills
  • Rash
  • Flushing
  • Headache

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Monjuvi?

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

  • Monjuvi
  • Tafasitamab-cxix
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Monjuvi before using it?

Monjuvi is given as an infusion into a vein (IV) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. 

Your health care provider will do bloodwork before you start Monjuvi and during treatment. It is important to attend all appointments so your health care provider can make sure it is safe for you to use Monjuvi. If you miss any appointments, reschedule with your health care provider right away. 

You may be given certain medicines before or while receiving Monjuvi to help prevent infusion reactions. Take these medicines exactly as your health care provider tells you to.

People who are 65 and older can be at greater risk of side effects from Monjuvi. 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 Monjuvi?

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 Monjuvi is right for you.

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

Infection. Tell your health care provider right away if you have an infection or have any symptoms of an infection, such as a fever of 100.4 F (38 C) or higher, a cough, or flu-like symptoms. Also tell your health care provider if you have had any infections recently.

Pregnancy. Monjuvi may harm an unborn baby. You should not get pregnant while using Monjuvi. Your health care provider may test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting Monjuvi. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Monjuvi and for at least three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you might be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Monjuvi passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while using Monjuvi and for at least three months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Monjuvi?

For more information about Monjuvi, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.monjuvi.com or call them at 855-463-3463.

Interactions

Does Monjuvi interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Monjuvi.

Does Monjuvi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Monjuvi and other medicines. 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 or any vaccines you have recently had or have scheduled.

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 Monjuvi?

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

Monjuvi is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving it as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Monjuvi dose, call to reschedule as soon as possible.