Imetelstat Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Aug 10, 2024.

Applies to imetelstat: intravenous powder for injection.

Important warnings This medicine can cause some serious health issues

Imetelstat can make it easier for you to bleed, even from a minor injury.

Call your doctor if you have bleeding that will not stop.

Bleeding may also happen inside your body, such as in your stomach or intestines, or in your brain.

You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections.

Call your doctor if you have flu symptoms, cough, night sweats, neck stiffness, confusion, or vision problems.

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.

Tell your medical caregivers right away if you have:

• bruising, unusual bleeding;

• nosebleeds, any bleeding that will not stop;

• pain or burning when you urinate;

• blood in your vomit;

• bloody or tarry stools;

• diarrhea, stomach pain;

• bone or joint pain;

• redness;

• high blood pressure;

• chest pain not related to your heart; or

• fever, cough, chills, not feeling well, tiredness, weakness.

Your imetelstat treatments may be changed, delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects may include:

• abnormal lab results;

• headache;

• muscle, joint, or bone pain;

• tiredness; or

• bacterial, or viral infection.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

For healthcare professionals

Applies to imetelstat: intravenous powder for injection.

General adverse events

Most common adverse reactions occurring in at least 10% of patients included laboratory abnormalities are decreased platelets, decreased white blood cells, decreased neutrophils, increased AST, increased alkaline phosphatase, increased ALT, fatigue, prolonged partial thromboplastin time, arthralgia/myalgia, coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) infections, and headache.^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Common (1% to 10%): Atrial fibrillation/flutter
• Frequency not reported: Hypertension

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Pruritus

Gastrointestinal

• Frequency not reported: Gastrointestinal hemorrhage

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased platelet count (97%), decreased white blood cell count (94%), decreased neutrophil count (92%), prolonged partial thromboplastin time (26%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Hematoma
• Frequency not reported: Febrile neutropenia

Hepatic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased AST (53%), increased ALT (43%)

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infusion-related reactions

Infusion-related reactions included abdominal pain, arthralgia, asthenia, back pain, bone pain, diarrhea, erythema, headache, hypertensive crisis, malaise, non-cardiac chest pain, pruritus, and urticaria.

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Increased alkaline phosphatase (48%)

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Arthralgia/myalgia (25%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Fractures (femur, hand, hip, humerus, lumbar, thoracic)

Nervous system

• Very common (10% or more): Headache (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Syncope

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue/asthenia/malaise (29%), COVID-19 infections (19%)
• Frequency not reported: Sepsis

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection/renal abscess/cystitis

Further information

Imetelstat side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer