We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
Medicine

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What is Mylotarg®?

By Jacquelyn Gilchrist
Updated: May 17, 2024
Views: 3,768
Share

Mylotarg® is a brand name for the anti-cancer medication, gemtuzumab ozogamicin. In 2010, the manufacturer withdrew Mylotarg® from the United States (US) market following concerns raised by an investigation from the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The investigation concluded that Mylotarg® failed to provide sufficient benefit for cancer patients, and that there are concerns about the drug's safety. This medication may still be available in other countries. Patients who were still undergoing treatment at the time of the US market withdrawal may be allowed to finish the course of treatment, following a consultation with their doctors.

This drug is intended to treat acute myeloid leukemia (AML). It is used specifically for patients who are unable to use other cancer treatments and who are at least 60 years old or older. Mylotarg® is classified as an antineoplastic agent, and binds to cancer cells and destroys essential components of them, causing cancer cell death.

Mylotarg® is given as an injection into a vein by a health care professional. Patients should expect each injection to take about two hours to complete. Typically, the doctor will prescribe two doses of the medicine to be given 14 days apart. Cancer patients may be given other medications along with this chemotherapy drug, in order to lower the risk of some side effects. They may also take diphenhydramine or acetaminophen.

Certain side effects from Mylotarg® are considered common, such as nausea, constipation, or diarrhea. Patients may experience dizziness, back pain, fatigue, mouth sores, loss of appetite, and stomach pain. Insomnia, joint pain, and pain or inflammation at the injection site have been reported. Others may suffer from general weakness and depression.

More serious side effects require a doctor's immediate care. Patients should get help if they suffer from seizures, loss of muscle control, or irregular heartbeat. Severe joint or muscle pain, as well as cloudy urine may also occur. Fever and chills may be signs of an infection. Shortness of breath, swelling of the limbs, and sudden weight gain have also been reported.

While undergoing treatment with Mylotarg®, patients can expect their physicians to monitor them regularly. Blood tests and liver function tests will likely be ordered, which allow the doctor to evaluate the body's response to the drug.

Mylotarg® can suppress the immune system, so patients should avoid contact with sick people. Patients should be careful to avoid injury because it can also reduce the ability of the blood to clot. Since one potential side effect is dizziness, it is strongly recommended that patients use caution while driving.

Share
WiseGeek is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.

Editors' Picks

Discussion Comments
Share
https://www.wisegeek.net/what-is-mylotarg.htm
Copy this link
WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

WiseGeek, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.