Teclistamab-cqyv (Subcutaneous)

Generic name: teclistamab-cqyv [ tek-LIS-ta-mab-- cqyv ]
Brand name: Tecvayli
Drug class: Miscellaneous antineoplastics

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 2, 2023.

Uses for teclistamab-cqyv

Teclistamab-cqyv injection is used to treat relapsed (cancer that has come back) or refractory (cancer that did not respond to treatment) multiple myeloma in patients who have received at least 4 previous treatment. These previous treatments include a proteasome inhibitor, an immunomodulatory agent, and an anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody.

This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called Tecvayli™ REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) Program.

Before using teclistamab-cqyv

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of teclistamab-cqyv injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of teclistamab-cqyv injection in the elderly.

Breast Feeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Interactions with Medicines

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Interactions with Food/Tobacco/Alcohol

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

• Serious infections—Use with caution. May make this condition worse.

Related/similar drugs

Revlimid, Darzalex, Velcade, Pomalyst, Kyprolis, Ninlaro

Proper use of teclistamab-cqyv

Medicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a medical facility. This medicine is given as a shot under your skin, usually in the stomach or thigh. Your doctor will ask you to stay for 48 hours after receiving this medicine.

It is very important that you understand the requirements of the Tecvayli™ REMS program, and become familiar with the Tecvayli™ medication guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor if you have any questions. Ask your pharmacist for the medication guide if you do not have one.

You may receive an antiviral medicine to prevent shingles.

You may also receive other medicines (eg, allergy medicine, fever medicine, steroid) 1 to 3 hours before receiving this medicine to help prevent unwanted reactions to the injection.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Precautions while using teclistamab-cqyv

It is very important that your doctor check your progress at regular visits to make sure that this medicine is working properly. Blood tests are needed to check for unwanted effects.

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can get pregnant, your doctor may do tests to make sure you are not pregnant before starting treatment. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose. If you think you have become pregnant while using this medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine may cause cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and nervous system problems, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS). These may be life-threatening and require immediate attention. Tell your doctor right away if you have agitation, back pain, blurred vision, burning, throbbing, or stabbing pain, coma, confusion, double vision, drowsiness, feeling restless, fever, chills, hallucinations, headache, hearing loss, irritability, jerking movements, mood or mental changes, muscle spasms, nausea, lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting, rigid muscles, seizures, skin rash, stiff neck, tremor, trouble breathing, trouble speaking, unusual tiredness or weakness, or vomiting.

Ask your doctor for a patient wallet card. This card will list the symptoms of cytokine release syndrome and nervous system problems. Carry the card with you at all times during treatment. You will need to show the card to any doctor who treats you.

Check with your doctor right away if you have seizures, loss of balance, loss of consciousness, confusion, disorientation, difficulty with speaking, or slurred speech. These could be symptoms of a serious nerve problem.

This medicine may cause serious liver problems. Check with your doctor right away if you have clay colored stools, dark urine, decreased appetite, fever, headache, itching, loss of appetite, nausea and vomiting, skin rash, stomach pain or tenderness, swelling of the feet or lower legs, unusual tiredness or weakness, or yellow eyes or skin.

This medicine may cause serious infections. Check with your doctor right away if you have fever or chills, confusion, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.

This medicine lowers the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed or get infections more easily. To help with these problems, avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Wash your hands often. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

This medicine may cause serious allergic reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Check with your doctor right away if you have fast heartbeat, fever, itching, swelling of the face, throat, or tongue, or trouble breathing after receiving this medicine.

This medicine may cause dizziness, confusion, or tremors. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous during and for 48 hours after receiving this medicine until you know how this medicine affects you.

Side Effects of teclistamab-cqyv

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

• Absence of or decrease in body movement
• agitation
• back pain
• being forgetful
• bladder pain
• bleeding gums
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bloody eye
• bloody nose
• bloody or cloudy urine
• blurred vision
• burning, crawling, itching, numbness, prickling, "pins and needles", or tingling feelings
• body aches or pain
• chest pain, discomfort, or tightness
• chills
• collection of blood under the skin
• coma
• confusion
• confusion as to time, place, or person
• cough
• coughing up blood
• decreased urine output
• deep, dark purple bruise
• depression
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• dizziness, faintness, or lightheadedness when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position
• drowsiness
• dryness or soreness of the throat
• ear congestion
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• hallucinations
• headache
• hoarseness
• holding false beliefs that cannot be changed by fact
• hostility
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• irritability
• itching, pain, redness, or swelling
• loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle aches, stiffness, spasm, tightness, or twitching
• nausea and vomiting
• nerve pain
• nervousness
• nosebleeds
• pain in the lower back, bottom, hips, or upper leg
• pain or tenderness around the eyes and cheekbones
• paralysis
• pounding in the ears
• pounding or rapid pulse
• problems with speech or speaking
• prolonged bleeding from cuts
• rapid or irregular heartbeat
• red or dark brown urine
• red or black, tarry stools
• seizures
• shakiness in the legs, arms, hands, feet
• slow or fast heartbeat
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stiff neck
• stuffy or runny nose
• stupor
• sweating
• swelling of the face, ankles, or hands
• tender, swollen glands in the neck
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trembling and shaking of the hands
• trouble breathing
• trouble in swallowing
• unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness
• unusual excitement, nervousness, or restlessness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• voice changes
• weight gain

Incidence not known

• Burning, throbbing, or stabbing pain
• clay colored stools
• decreased appetite
• double vision
• jerking movements
• loss of appetite
• pale skin
• stomach pain or tenderness
• trouble speaking
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unusual bleeding or bruising

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Bleeding, blistering, burning, coldness, discoloration of skin, feeling of pressure, hives, infection, inflammation, itching, lumps, numbness, pain, rash, redness, scarring, soreness, stinging, swelling, tenderness, tingling, ulceration, or warmth at the injection site
• constipation
• diarrhea
• difficulty in moving
• joint pain
• lack or loss of strength
• muscle or bone pain

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Commonly used brand name(s)

In the U.S.

• Tecvayli

Available Dosage Forms:

• Solution

Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent

Pharmacologic Class: Teclistamab

Frequently asked questions

• What is the mechanism of action for Tecvayli (teclistamab-cqyv)?

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer