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Overview: Emrelis is used to treat lung cancer in certain people. It works by targeting a specific protein on cells and helps slow or stop the growth of cancer. The most common side effects are tingling or pain in your hands and feet, tiredness, low appetite, and fluid retention. Tell your health care provider right away if you have new or worsening numbness or weakness, vision changes, or breathing problems. Emrelis is an infusion given into your vein (IV) by a health care provider.

Uses

What is Emrelis used for?

Emrelis (telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv) is commonly used to treat non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in certain people.

What to know about Emrelis for high c-Met NSCLC.

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

How does Emrelis work (mechanism of action)?

Emrelis is a type of targeted cancer treatment called an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC). It attaches to a protein, called c-Met, found on some cancer cells. Once inside the cell, it releases a medicine that disrupts the cell’s ability to divide. This helps stop the cancer cells from growing and can cause the cancer cells to die.

How is Emrelis supplied (dosage forms)?

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

How should I store Emrelis?

Emrelis 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 Emrelis?

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

There may be other side effects of Emrelis 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 Emrelis?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Emrelis 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 or skin 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

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 Emrelis. Call your health care provider if you have new or worsening pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Lung Inflammation. Emrelis can cause inflammation in your lungs, also called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis. This can be serious or even life-threatening. Get emergency help if you have any new or worsening trouble breathing, wheezing, or shortness of breath. You may also have a fever, chest pain, or a cough that is worse than usual.

Severe Eye Problems. Emrelis may cause eye problems, such as dry eye or inflammation of the cornea (keratitis). Contact your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Eye redness, itchiness, swelling, or pain
  • Eye dryness, watering, or discharge
  • Vision changes, such as blurry vision or sensitivity to light

Infusion Reactions. Emrelis is given as an infusion into a vein. Some people may have reactions during an infusion that can be serious. If you have these reactions, your infusion may need to be paused, slowed, or stopped. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms during your infusion.

  • Trouble breathing or wheezing
  • Redness of your face and neck (flushing)
  • Fever or chills
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Chest pain or back pain
  • Dizziness or feeling faint, which may be a sign of low blood pressure
  • Itchiness or rash
  • Headache

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Emrelis?

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

  • Emrelis
  • Telisotuzumab vedotin-tllv
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Emrelis before using it?

Emrelis 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 Emrelis 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 Emrelis.

You may be given certain medicines before each Emrelis infusion to help prevent reactions. Take these medicines exactly as your health care provider tells you to.

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

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

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 Emrelis is right for you.

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

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

  • Liver problems
  • Nerve problems
  • Lung or breathing problems (besides lung cancer)
  • Eye problems

Other Medicines and Supplements. Emrelis may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Emrelis, 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. Emrelis may cause harm to an unborn baby. You should not get pregnant while using Emrelis. Your health care provider may do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. If you can get pregnant, you should use birth control during Emrelis treatment and for 2 months after your last dose. If you can get a partner pregnant, you should use birth control (such as condoms) during Emrelis treatment and for 4 months after your last dose. Talk to your health care provider about effective birth control options. 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 Emrelis passes into breast milk. You should not breastfeed while using Emrelis and for one month after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Emrelis?

For more information about Emrelis, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.emrelis.com or call them at 844-859-5760.

Interactions

Does Emrelis interact with foods or drinks?

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

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

Does Emrelis 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 Emrelis.

  • 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 and supplements may alter the blood levels of Emrelis. Tell your health care provider about all medicines and supplements that you take or have recently taken.

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

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

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