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dostarlimab
dostarlimab
What is the most important information I should know about dostarlimab?
What is the most important information I should know about dostarlimab?
Call your doctor at once if you have new or worsening symptoms such as: cough, chest pain, breathing problems, severe stomach pain, diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools, headaches, confusion, severe weakness, vision problems, decreased urination, bruising or bleeding, blood in your urine, dark urine, or yellowing of the skin or eyes.
What is dostarlimab?
What is dostarlimab?
Dostarlimab is used to treat adults with certain cancers after other treatments did not work or stopped working, and/or the cancer has returned, or it has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with dostarlimab.
Dostarlimab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dostarlimab?
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving dostarlimab?
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
- breathing problems; or
- immune system problems.
May harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use birth control while using dostarlimab and for at least 4 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using this medicine, and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
How is dostarlimab given?
How is dostarlimab given?
Dostarlimab is injected into a vein by a healthcare provider. This medicine is injected slowly over 30 minutes.
Dostarlimab is usually given every 3 weeks at first, and then every 6 weeks.
You may need medical tests to help determine how long you should use dostarlimab.
What happens if I miss a dose?
What happens if I miss a dose?
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your dostarlimab injection.
What happens if I overdose?
What happens if I overdose?
Since this medicine is given in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely.
What should I avoid while receiving dostarlimab?
What should I avoid while receiving dostarlimab?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
What are the possible side effects of dostarlimab?
What are the possible side effects of dostarlimab?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel light-headed, chilled or feverish, itchy, or short of breath.
Dostarlimab strengthens your immune system to help it attack cancer cells, but it may also attack healthy cells and you could develop serious or fatal side effects.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- new or worsening cough, shortness of breath;
- chest pain, irregular heartbeats;
- a light-headed feeling, like you might pass out;
- a seizure;
- confusion, hallucinations, eye pain or redness, vision problems;
- severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, bloody or tarry stools;
- low red blood cells (anemia) --pale skin, tiredness, cold hands and feet;
- low white blood cell counts --fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough;
- kidney problems --swelling in your ankles, blood in your urine, little or no urination;
- liver problems --right-sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, bruising or bleeding, dark urine, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes); or
- signs of a hormonal disorder --frequent or unusual headaches, dizziness, feeling very weak, mood or behavior changes, hoarse or deepened voice, increased hunger or thirst, increased urination, constipation, hair loss, sweating, feeling cold, weight gain or loss.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- abnormal liver function tests;
- nausea, diarrhea, constipation;
- low white blood cell counts, anemia; or
- feeling weak or tired.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
What other drugs will affect dostarlimab?
What other drugs will affect dostarlimab?
Other drugs may affect dostarlimab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all other medicines you use.
Where can I get more information?
Where can I get more information?
Your pharmacist can provide more information about dostarlimab.
This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.
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