Uses

This medication is used to treat advanced prostate cancer. Sipuleucel-T is a type of vaccine created from your own immune system cells that works by causing your immune system to attack prostate cancer cells. This requires that you have a procedure to remove some of your white blood cells, which are used to prepare sipuleucel-T. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment.

How to use Sipuleucel-T In LR Suspension

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you start using sipuleucel-T and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is created specifically for you from your own blood and should not be given to another patient. Three days before your dose you will have a procedure in which your own white blood cells are removed and then used to create sipuleucel-T.

Sipuleucel-T is given as a slow infusion into a vein by a health care professional. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually about every 2 weeks for a total of 3 doses.

Your doctor may prescribe premedications (such as acetaminophen, antihistamines) to lessen infusion reactions (see also Side Effects section). These medications are usually given 30 minutes before your dose of sipuleucel-T.

To get the most benefit from this medication, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Side Effects

Headache, sweating, muscle aches, or back pain may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Symptoms of an infusion reaction that may occur during sipuleucel-T treatment include chills, tiredness, fever, nausea, vomiting, shortness of breath, fast/irregular heartbeat, and joint pain. Tell your health care professional right away if you have any of these symptoms during or after receiving your treatment. Your doctor will have you monitored closely and may slow the infusion or temporarily stop your treatment if a severe reaction occurs.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: weakness on one side of the body, confusion, trouble speaking.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before receiving sipuleucel-T, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: heart problems, lung problems, stroke.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

This medication is not usually used by women. It is unlikely to be used during pregnancy or breast-feeding. Consult your doctor if you have any questions about this medication.

Interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

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Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Notes Notes

Do not share this medication with others.

It is very important to be on time to each of your appointments. This product has a short expiration period and must be used before it expires, or additional procedures will be needed to collect your white blood cells to prepare more sipuleucel-T.

Missed Dose Missed Dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Storage Storage

Store in the refrigerator. Do not freeze. Keep all medications away from children and pets.

Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard this product when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.

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CONDITIONS OF USE: The information in this database is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of healthcare professionals. The information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions or adverse effects, nor should it be construed to indicate that use of a particular drug is safe, appropriate or effective for you or anyone else. A healthcare professional should be consulted before taking any drug, changing any diet or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.