Overview: Talvey is a medicine used to treat a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma. It uses the body's own immune system to attack the cancer cells by targeting specific proteins on them. Common side effects of Talvey include fever, changes in how things taste, nail problems, muscle and joint pain, tiredness, weight loss, and dry mouth, skin, and eyes. Serious side effects can include infections, mouth problems (such as sores), low blood cell levels, skin rash, and liver problems.
Uses
What is Talvey used for?
Talvey (talquetamab-tgvs) is commonly used to treat a type of blood cancer called multiple myeloma.
Learn more about How Talvey works to treat Multiple Myeloma.
Talvey may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Talvey work (mechanism of action)?
Talvey is a type of medicine called a bispecific antibody, which attaches to two types of cells. Talvey attaches to GPRC5D proteins on myeloma cells, and to CD3 proteins on immune cells called T cells. This activates the T cells, makes them multiply, and helps them release chemicals that destroy the myeloma cells.
How is Talvey supplied (dosage forms)?
Brands and other names
- Talvey
Dosage forms and strengths
Talvey is available as a subcutaneous (under the skin) injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Talvey?
Talvey 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 Talvey?
The most common side effects of Talvey are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Fever
- Cytokine release syndrome (see below)
- Changes in how things taste
- Nail problems
- Muscle and joint pain
- Tiredness
- Weight loss
- Dry mouth, skin, and eyes
- Trouble swallowing
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Diarrhea
- Blood disorders (see below)
There may be other side effects of Talvey 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 Talvey?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Talvey are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Talvey may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get emergency medical 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). Talvey can cause a problem called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS occurs when your immune system responds too much to medicines or infection. CRS may happen right away or several days after you get Talvey. It can be mild and is a common side effect of Talvey, but it can sometimes be dangerous or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of CRS.
- Fever or chills
- Fast or racing heart
- Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
- Trouble breathing
- Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Severe headache
Neurologic Problems. Talvey can cause a condition called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Balance problems
- Trouble talking
Serious Infections. Serious infections that can lead to death can happen if you are using Talvey. Keep all appointments to have your blood work checked. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of an infection.
- Fever or chills
- Feeling weak
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Sore throat
Mouth Problems and Weight Loss. Talvey may cause you to have sores in your mouth or to lose weight when you are not trying. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.
- Mouth sores
- Trouble swallowing
- Changes in how things taste
- Dry mouth
Blood Disorders. Talvey can cause blood disorders, such as low white blood cell levels (neutropenia) and low red blood levels (anemia). Keep all appointments with your healthcare provider to check your blood cell levels during your treatment with Talvey. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.
- Fever
- Shortness of breath
- Pale or yellowish skin
- Easy bruising or bleeding
- Frequent infection
- Unusual weakness or tiredness
- Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
- Headache
- Fast or abnormal heartbeat
Skin Problems. Skin problems are common when using Talvey, but they can sometimes be severe. Call your healthcare provider if you have a skin rash, redness, or raised red bumps.
Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Talvey. 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)
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Talvey?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Talvey.
- Talvey
- Talquetamab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Talvey.
What should I know about Talvey before using it?
Talvey will be given to you by a healthcare provider as an injection under the skin (subcutaneous) in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many treatments you will need. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose.
Keep all appointments to check your blood work so that your healthcare provider can check for side effects.
Talvey can affect your alertness or coordination. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until you know how Talvey affects you.
Talvey is only available through a special program, from certain pharmacies, and to certain people. It is important that you keep all of your appointments, including labs or other testing, while using Talvey. You will also get a wallet card that you should keep on you at all times. Show this card to all of your healthcare providers and get medical help right away if you develop any symptoms on the card. If you have any questions about this program, you can go to www.tec-talrems.com or call 855-810-8064.
What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Talvey?
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 Talvey is right for you.
In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.
Infection. Tell your healthcare provider if you currently have an infection.
Other Medicines and Supplements. Talvey may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Talvey, tell your healthcare 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. Talvey may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You should not be pregnant before starting Talvey. If you become pregnant during treatment with Talvey, contact your healthcare provider right away. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during treatment and for at least three months after your last dose of Talvey.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Talvey passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for three months after your last dose of Talvey. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Talvey?
For more information about Talvey, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.talvey.com or call them at 833-565-9631.
Interactions
Does Talvey interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Talvey and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Talvey. Some people using Talvey may have dizziness, confusion, tremors, or sleepiness. These effects may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Talvey.
Does Talvey interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.
Talvey may alter the blood levels of some other medicines. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.
This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Talvey. Always check with your healthcare provider.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Talvey?
If you or someone else has used too much Talvey, 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 Talvey?
Talvey is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Talvey as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Talvey dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.