Abecma Idecabtagene Vicleucel Anticancer drugs

Idecabtagene vicleucel is used to treat a certain type of cancer (multiple myeloma) that has not gotten better or that has come back after other kinds of treatment.

May Treat: Multiple myeloma

Brand Names: Abecma

Drug Class: Antineoplastic - BCMA directed CAR-T cell immunotherapy

Availability: Prescription Required

Pregnancy: Consult your doctor. This medication may be harmful to an unborn child.

Use in Cancer
Idecabtagene vicleucel is approved to treat:

Multiple myeloma that has relapsed (come back) or is refractory (does not respond to treatment). It is used in adults who have received at least four previous treatments that included an immunomodulating agent, a proteasome inhibitor, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

Why is this medication prescribed?
Idecabtagene vicleucel injection is used to treat certain types of multiple myeloma (a type of cancer of the bone marrow) in adults whose cancer has returned or is unresponsive to at least four other treatments. Idecabtagene vicleucel injection is in a class of medications called autologous cellular immunotherapy, a type of medication prepared using cells from the patient's own blood. It works by causing the body's immune system (a group of cells, tissues, and organs that protects the body from attack by bacteria, viruses, cancer cells, and other substances that cause disease) to fight the cancer cells.

IMPORTANT WARNING:
Idecabtagene vicleucel injection may cause a serious or life-threatening reaction called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully during your infusion and for at least 4 weeks afterwards. Tell your doctor if you have an inflammatory disorder or if you have or think you may have any type of infection now. You will be given medications 30 to 60 minutes before your infusion to help prevent reactions to idecabtagene vicleucel. If you experience any of the following symptoms during and after your infusion, tell your doctor immediately: fever, chills, fast or irregular heartbeat, muscle pain, shaking, diarrhea, tiredness, weakness, difficulty breathing, shortness of breath, cough, confusion, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, or lightheadedness.

Idecabtagene vicleucel injection may cause severe or life-threatening central nervous system reactions. These reactions can occur after treatment with idecabtagene vicleucel. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had seizures, a stroke, or memory loss. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: headache, dizziness, difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep, restlessness, confusion, anxiety, uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body, loss of consciousness, agitation, seizures, loss of balance, or difficulty speaking.

Idecabtagene vicleucel injection may cause a severe decrease in the number of certain types of blood cells in your blood. This may cause certain symptoms and may increase the risk that you will develop a serious infection or bleeding. If you experience any of the following symptoms after your treatment, tell your doctor immediately: fever, feeling tired, or have bruising or bleeding.

Idecabtagene vicleucel is only available through a special restricted distribution program. An Abecma REMS program (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) has been set up because of the risks of CRS, central nervous system, and blood cell problems. You can only receive the medication from a doctor and healthcare facility that participates in the program. Ask your doctor if you have any questions about this program.

Important: The drug information on this page is meant to be educational. It is not a substitute for medical advice. The information may not cover all possible uses, actions, interactions, or side effects of this drug, or precautions to be taken while using it. Please see your health care professional for more information about your specific medical condition and the use of this drug.