Adcetris (Brentuximab Vedotin) is a medication used to treat certain types of cancer, including Hodgkin lymphoma and a type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma called systemic anaplastic large cell lymphoma.
It is an antibody-drug conjugate that works by targeting cancer cells and delivering a toxin to destroy them.
While Adcetris has been shown to be effective in treating these types of cancer, it also has several potential side effects.
Some of these side effects are mild and manageable, while others can be more serious and require close monitoring.
In this article, we will explore the side effects of Adcetris and how they can be managed.
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Adcetris – Brentuximab Vedotin Side effects:
Side Effect | Common Symptoms | Serious Symptoms |
| Nausea and Vomiting | Feeling sick to the stomach, throwing up | Severe vomiting or inability to keep fluids down |
| Fatigue | Feeling tired, weak, or exhausted | Unable to perform normal activities or difficulty getting out of bed |
| Fever | Elevated body temperature above the normal range | High fever, chills or shaking, and/or signs of infection |
| Constipation | Difficulty passing stools, infrequent bowel movements | Severe constipation or abdominal pain, cramps, and/or vomiting |
| Diarrhea | Loose or watery stools, frequent bowel movements | Severe diarrhea or dehydration, bloody stools, or abdominal pain |
| Headache | Pain in the head, often described as throbbing or aching | Severe headache or migraines, nausea, vomiting, or difficulty speaking |
| Muscle and Joint Pain | Aches or soreness in the muscles or joints | Severe or debilitating pain, swelling, or redness in the affected area |
| Chills | Feeling cold, shivering, or shaking | Severe chills, shaking, or tremors |
| Anaphylaxis | Difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face or throat | Life-threatening allergic reactions, including throat swelling or difficulty breathing |
| Peripheral Neuropathy | Tingling, numbness, or weakness in the hands or feet | Severe or debilitating nerve pain, difficulty walking or using the affected limbs |
| Lung Problems | Shortness of breath, coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing | Severe or life-threatening lung problems, including inflammation or scarring |
| Blood Cell Counts | Decreased red or white blood cell counts, increased risk of infection or bleeding | Severe anemia or low blood cell counts, increased risk of infections, bleeding or bruising, and/or fatigue and weakness |
How to Manage the Brentuximab Vedotin Side effects?
Managing the side effects of Adcetris is an important part of cancer treatment. There are several strategies that can be used to help manage these side effects, including:
Medications:
Medications can be prescribed to help manage nausea, vomiting, and other side effects. Patients should be asked to take a light diet, do not eat full stomach, and drink green tea or ginger tea with honey and lemon.
Over-the-counter medications like domperidone, metoclopramide, and Zofran (Ondansetron) can be used to alleviate the symptoms of nausea and vomiting.
Rest:
Rest is an important part of managing fatigue and other side effects. Patients should plan to take it easy after each infusion and allow themselves time to rest and recover.
Patients may also take a multivitamin tablet daily and exercise regularly.
Diet:
Eating a balanced diet and staying hydrated can help manage side effects like constipation and diarrhea. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider or a registered dietitian to get personalized dietary advice.
Exercise:
Gentle exercise can help manage fatigue and improve overall well-being. Patients should talk to their healthcare provider before starting an exercise program to ensure it is safe for them.
Communication:
Patients should always communicate any concerns or side effects to their healthcare provider. This can help ensure that any issues are addressed promptly and appropriately.
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