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Blincyto Side Effects

Generic name: blinatumomab

Medically reviewed by Philip Thornton, DipPharm. Last updated on Jan 31, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about blinatumomab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Blincyto.

Applies to blinatumomab: intravenous powder for solution.

Warning

Intravenous route (Powder for Solution)

Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, occurred in patients receiving blinatumomab; interrupt or discontinue blinatumomab and treat with corticosteroids as recommended. Neurological toxicities, which may be severe, life-threatening, or fatal, occurred in patients receiving blinatumomab. Interrupt or discontinue blinatumomab as recommended.

Serious side effects of Blincyto

Along with its needed effects, blinatumomab (the active ingredient contained in Blincyto) 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 while taking blinatumomab:

More common

Incidence not known

Other side effects of Blincyto

Some side effects of blinatumomab 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

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to blinatumomab: intravenous powder for injection.

Cardiovascular

Very common (10% or more): Hypotension (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension, tachycardia[Ref]

Dermatologic

Very common (10% or more): Rash (e.g., erythema, rash, erythematous rash, generalized rash, macular rash, maculopapular rash, papular rash, vesicular rash)[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Nausea (up to 25%), constipation (up to 20%), diarrhea (e.g., colitis, diarrhea, enteritis, and neutropenic colitis) (up to 20%), abdominal pain (up to 15%), vomiting (up to 13%)[Ref]

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Febrile neutropenia (up to 25%), anemia (up to 18%), neutropenia (up to 16%), thrombocytopenia (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Leukopenia, leukocytosis, lymphopenia

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Capillary leak syndrome[Ref]

Hypersensitivity

Common (1% to 10%): Hypersensitivity[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Cytokine release syndrome (up to 11%), various pathogen infections (44%), bacterial infections (19%), fungal infections (15%), viral infections (13%), increased weight (up to 11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonia, sepsis, decreased immunoglobulins, increased blood bilirubin, increased gammaglutamyl-transferase, increased liver enzymes[Ref]

Local

Common (1% to 10%): Cytokine storm[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Hypokalemia (up to 23%), hypomagnesemia (up to 12%), hyperglycemia (up to 11%), decreased appetite (up to 10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hypophosphatemia, tumor lysis syndrome, hypoalbuminemia[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Very common (10% or more): Back pain (14%), pain in extremity (up to 12%), bone pain (11%), arthralgia (10%)[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Headache (up to 36%), tremor (e.g., resting tremor and tremor) (up to 20%), dizziness (up to 14%)

Common (1% to 10%): Encephalopathy, paresthesia, aphasia, convulsion, memory impairment, cognitive disorder

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Speech disorder[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (up to 62%), peripheral edema (up to 25%), fatigue (up to 17%), chills (up to 15%), chest pain (up to 11%)

INVESTIGATIONS:

Very common (10% or more): Increased alanine aminotransferase (up to 12%), increased aspartate aminotransferase (up to 11%)[Ref]

Psychiatric

Very common (10% or more): Insomnia (up to 15%),

Common (1% to 10%): Confusion, disorientation[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Cough (up to 19%), dyspnea (e.g., acute respiratory failure, bronchial hyperactivity, bronchospasm, dyspnea, dyspnea exertional, respiratory distress, respiratory failure, wheezing) (up to 15%)

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Bronchospasm[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

References

1. Cerner Multum, Inc. UK Summary of Product Characteristics.

2. Pharmaceutical Society of Australia. APPGuide online. Australian prescription products guide online. http://www.appco.com.au/appguide/default.asp 2006.

3. Product Information. Blincyto (blinatumomab). Amgen USA. 2014.

Further information

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

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.