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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 Provenge IV
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, roughly every 2 weeks for a total of 3 doses, as directed by your doctor.
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.
Headache, sweating, muscle aches, or back pain may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, 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 your doctor has prescribed this medication because he or she 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 immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: weakness on one side of the body, confusion, slurred speech.
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.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.
Before using sipuleucel-T, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other 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, history of stroke.
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).
Sipuleucel-T is not recommended for use by women.
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.
If overdose is suspected, contact a poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call the US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.
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:
For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to establish a new dosing schedule.
STORAGE:
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
Information last revised December 2010. Copyright(c) 2010 First Databank, Inc.
