Bexxar
Brand Names
TositumomabWhat is Bexxar
Bexxar is a monoclonal antibody protein, that acts by recognizing and sticking to a protein receptor on cancer cells and then killing the cancer cell. Bexxar is a monoclonal antibody that is linked with radioactive iodine I-131. Monoclonal antibodies are aimed to destroy only certain cells in the body.
Side effects of Bexxar
Bexxar can cause the following side effects:
- nausea
- vomiting
- stomach pain
- diarrhea
- heartburn
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- mouth sores
- sleepiness
- dizziness
- headache
- back or neck pain
- flushing
- hair loss
The warning signals may also be:
- chest pain
- tiredness or sluggishness
- feeling very uncomfortable in cold temperatures
- constipation
- pale, dry skin
- thin, brittle hair and nails
- puffy face
- hoarse voice
- weight gain
- muscle or joint pain or weakness
- depression
- heavy menstrual periods
Indication
Bexxar injection is used to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (cancer that begins in the cells of the immune system) that has not improved or that had improved after treatment with other medications, but later returned. Tositumomab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies with radioisotopes. It works by attaching to cancer cells and releasing radiation to damage the cancer cells.
Precautions
You should not use this medication if:
- you are allergic to any ingredient in Bexxar or to murine proteins
- you have bone marrow depression or a blood disorder such as anemia, neutropenia, or thrombocytopenia
- you are unable to take a thyroid blocker (eg, methimazole)
Dosage forms
Bexxar is an injection that should be injected into a vein by a doctor.
