Zevalin Side Effects

Generic name: ibritumomab

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Oct 15, 2024.

Note: This document provides detailed information about Zevalin Side Effects associated with ibritumomab. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply specifically to the brand name Zevalin.

Applies to ibritumomab: intravenous solution.

Precautions

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

Using this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. Use an effective form of birth control to keep from getting pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving this medicine and for 12 months after stopping it. Tell your doctor right away if you think you have become pregnant while using the medicine.

This medicine may cause a serious side effect called an infusion reaction. This can be life-threatening and requires immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have fever, chills, trouble with breathing, chest tightness, swelling in your face or hands, lightheadedness, or if you feel like fainting within a few hours after you receive it.

If you have a severe skin reaction with this medicine, you should seek medical attention right away. Symptoms may include blistering or loosening of the skin; red, swollen, irritated, or scaly skin; fever; chills; headache; or diarrhea.

While you are being treated with ibritumomab (the active ingredient contained in Zevalin) and after you stop treatment with it, do not have any immunizations (live vaccines) without your doctor's approval. Ibritumomab may lower your body's resistance and there is a chance you might get the infection the immunization is meant to prevent.

Ibritumomab can temporarily lower the number of white blood cells in your blood, increasing the chance of getting an infection. It can also lower the number of platelets, which are necessary for proper blood clotting. If this occurs, there are certain precautions you can take, especially when your blood count is low, to reduce the risk of infection or bleeding:

• Avoid people with infections. Check with your doctor immediately if you think you are getting an infection or if you get a fever or chills, cough or hoarseness, lower back or side pain, or painful or difficult urination.
• Check with your doctor immediately if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising; black, tarry stools; blood in the urine or stools; or pinpoint red spots on your skin.
• Be careful when using a regular toothbrush, dental floss, or toothpick. Your medical doctor, dentist, or nurse may recommend other ways to clean your teeth and gums. Check with your medical doctor before having any dental work done.
• Do not touch your eyes or the inside of your nose unless you have just washed your hands and have not touched anything else in the meantime.
• Be careful not to cut yourself when you are using sharp objects such as a safety razor or fingernail or toenail cutters.
• Avoid sports or other situations where bruising or injury could occur.

If ibritumomab accidentally seeps out of the vein where it is injected, it may damage the tissue and cause scarring. Tell the doctor or nurse right away if you notice redness, pain, or swelling at the place of injection.

While using this medicine, you may be exposed to radiation. Talk with your doctor if you have concerns about this.

This medicine contains albumin, which is derived from donated human blood. Some human blood products have transmitted certain viruses to people who have received them. The risk of getting a virus from medicines made from human blood has been greatly reduced in recent years. This is the result of required testing of human donors for certain viruses, and testing during the making of these medicines. Although the risk is low, talk with your doctor if you have concerns.

Do not take other medicines unless they have been discussed with your doctor. This includes prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicines and herbal or vitamin supplements.

Serious side effects of Zevalin

Along with its needed effects, ibritumomab 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 ibritumomab:

Other side effects of Zevalin

Some side effects of ibritumomab 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:

For several months after receiving this therapy, it may still produce some side effects that need attention. During this period of time check with your doctor immediately if you notice any of the following:

• bleeding gums
• bone pain
• headache, sudden and severe
• inability to speak
• increased menstrual flow or vaginal bleeding
• red or black, tarry stools
• red or dark brown urine
• temporary blindness

For healthcare professionals

Applies to ibritumomab: intravenous kit.

Cardiovascular adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Hypertension^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Night sweats, petechiae, pruritus, rash
• Postmarketing reports: Erythema multiforme, Stevens-Johnson syndrome, toxic epidermal necrolysis, bullous dermatitis, exfoliative dermatitis^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Nausea, abdominal pain, diarrhea^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Common (1% to 10%): Urinary tract infection^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Thrombocytopenia, neutropenia, anemia, leukopenia, lymphopenia
• Common (1% to 10%): Ecchymosis
• Frequency not reported: Cytopenias^[Ref]

Local

• Postmarketing reports: Infusion site erythema, ulceration following extravasation^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Common (1% to 10%): Anorexia^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Common (1% to 10%): Myalgia^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Dizziness^[Ref]

Oncologic

• Frequency not reported: Secondary malignancy^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue, asthenia, pyrexia, serious and life threatening infections
• Common (1% to 10%): Influenza-like illness
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Antibody formation
• Postmarketing reports: Radiation injury^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Nasopharyngitis (19%), cough (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Pharyngolaryngeal pain, epistaxis, bronchitis, rhinitis, sinusitis^[Ref]

See also:

Frequently asked questions

• What are monoclonal antibodies?

Further information

Zevalin 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