Description and Brand Names

Drug information provided by: Merative, Micromedex®

US Brand Name

  1. Blenrep

Descriptions


Belantamab mafodotin-blmf injection is used to treat multiple myeloma (a type of bone marrow cancer) in patients whose cancer has come back and who have received at least 4 previous treatments (eg, anti-CD38 monoclonal antibody, a proteasome inhibitor, and an immunomodulatory agent) that did not work well.

This medicine is available only under a restricted distribution program called the Blenrep REMS (Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy) program.

This product is available in the following dosage forms:

  • Powder for Solution

Before Using

In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For this medicine, the following should be considered:

Allergies

Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to this medicine or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.

Pediatric

Appropriate studies have not been performed on the relationship of age to the effects of belantamab mafodotin-blmf injection in the pediatric population. Safety and efficacy have not been established.

Geriatric

Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of belantamab mafodotin-blmf injection in the elderly.

Breastfeeding

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

Drug Interactions

Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.

Other Interactions

Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.

Other Medical Problems

The presence of other medical problems may affect the use of this medicine. Make sure you tell your doctor if you have any other medical problems, especially:

  • Eye or vision problems, history of or
  • Lung or breathing problems (eg, pneumonitis) or
  • Thrombocytopenia (low platelets in the blood)—Use with caution. May make these conditions worse.

Proper Use

A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine in a hospital. It is given through a needle placed into one of your veins. This medicine must be given slowly, so the IV tube will need to stay in place for at least 30 minutes. It is usually given once every 3 weeks.

It is very important that you understand the rules of the Blenrep REMS program. Read the patient Medication Guide. Read and follow these instructions carefully. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You might be asked to sign a form to show that you understand the information.

Use preservative-free lubricant eye drops at least 4 times a day during treatment with this medicine. Do not use contact lenses unless directed by your eye doctor.

Missed Dose

This medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

Precautions

It is very important that your doctor check your progress closely while you are receiving this medicine to make sure that it is working properly. Blood tests may be needed to check for unwanted effects. Your doctor may want you to have your eyes checked by an ophthalmologist (eye doctor) before or during treatment.

Receiving this medicine while you are pregnant can harm your unborn baby. If you are a woman who can bear children, your doctor may give you a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine to make sure you are not pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 4 months after the last dose to keep from getting pregnant. Males who are taking this medicine, with female partners who can become pregnant, must use effective birth control during and for at least 6 months after the last dose of this medicine. If you think you have become pregnant while receiving the medicine, tell your doctor right away.

This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

Check with your doctor immediately if blurred vision or any other change in vision, difficulty in reading, dry eyes, or eye redness, irritation, or pain occurs during or after treatment. These may be symptoms of a serious eye problem (eg, ocular toxicity). Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

This medicine will lower the number of some types of blood cells in your body. Because of this, you may bleed more easily. Stay away from rough sports or other situations where you could be bruised, cut, or injured. Brush and floss your teeth gently. Be careful when using sharp objects, including razors and fingernail clippers.

This medicine may cause infusion-related reactions, which can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Tell your doctor right away if you start to have a fever, chill or shaking, dizziness, headache, trouble breathing, itching or skin rash, lightheadedness, fainting, or fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat after receiving this medicine.

Side Effects

Along with its needed effects, a medicine 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:

More common

  1. Black, tarry stools
  2. bleeding gums
  3. blood in urine or stools
  4. blurred vision or any other change in vision
  5. body aches or pain
  6. change in color vision
  7. chest pain or tightness
  8. chills
  9. confusion
  10. constipation
  11. cough
  12. decreased frequency or amount of urine
  13. depression
  14. difficulty seeing at night
  15. difficulty with swallowing
  16. dizziness
  17. dry eye
  18. dry mouth
  19. ear congestion
  20. eye redness, irritation, or pain
  21. fainting
  22. fast heartbeat
  23. fever
  24. headache
  25. incoherent speech
  26. increased sensitivity of the eyes to sunlight
  27. increased thirst
  28. increased urination
  29. lightheadedness or faintness
  30. loss of appetite
  31. loss of voice
  32. low blood pressure or pulse
  33. lower back or side pain
  34. metallic taste
  35. muscle weakness
  36. nausea
  37. pinpoint red spots on the skin
  38. pounding in the ears
  39. rapid, shallow breathing
  40. runny or stuffy nose
  41. skin rash, itching, or hives
  42. sneezing
  43. sore throat
  44. stomach pain
  45. swelling in the face, hands, or lower legs
  46. trouble breathing
  47. unconsciousness
  48. unusual bleeding or bruising
  49. unusual tiredness or weakness
  50. vomiting
  51. weight gain or loss

Incidence not known

  1. General feeling of discomfort or illness
  2. thickening of bronchial secretions

Some side effects 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:

More common

  1. Constipation
  2. diarrhea

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Portions of this document last updated: Feb. 01, 2024

Original article: https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/belantamab-mafodotin-blmf-intravenous-route/description/drg-20492105