How should I use idecabtagene vicleucel?
Idecabtagene vicleucel is available only at an authorized hospital or clinic, and must be given by specially trained healthcare professionals.
Idecabtagene vicleucel is given after a procedure called leukapheresis (LOO-kuh-fuh-REE-sis).
During leukapheresis, some of your blood is collected through a small tube (catheter) placed into a vein. The catheter is connected to a machine that separates your white blood cells from other parts of the blood. The cells are then sent to a laboratory where they are made into idecabtagene vicleucel, a process that will take 4 weeks.
About 3 days before idecabtagene vicleucel is given, you will be pre-treated with chemotherapy to help prepare your body for idecabtagene vicleucel.
Just before you receive idecabtagene vicleucel, you will be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction.
Once your body is ready to receive idecabtagene vicleucel, your care providers will inject the medicine into a vein through an IV.
You will be watched closely for at least 7 days after you receive idecabtagene vicleucel, to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction or serious side effects.
You will need frequent blood tests to be sure this medicine has not caused harmful effects.
Using idecabtagene vicleucel may increase your risk of developing other cancers. Ask your doctor about this risk. You may need cancer screening tests for the rest of your life.
Idecabtagene vicleucel may cause false results on a laboratory test for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). Tell any doctor who treats you that you are using idecabtagene vicleucel.
For at least 4 weeks, plan to stay near the hospital or clinic where you received idecabtagene vicleucel. Avoid being so far away that it takes you longer than 2 hours to travel back to the hospital.