Imetelstat Side Effects

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

Applies to imetelstat: intravenous powder for injection.

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

See also:

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