Enfortumab vedotin is used on its own or together with other medicines to treat cancer of the bladder and the urinary tract.
This medicine is used in individuals who have received previous therapy with other medicines for cancer and whose tumour has spread to other parts of the body.
Enfortumab vedotin is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of Enfortumab vedotin will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Enfortumab vedotin.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Alert your doctor if you have moderate to severe liver disease as Enfortumab vedotin may not be suitable for you.
Do not use this medicine if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby soon. If you become pregnant while being treated with Enfortumab vedotin, alert your doctor immediately. This medicine may cause harm to your unborn child.
Men should not father a child while being treated with this medicine. Both men and women must use proven birth control methods during Enfortumab vedotin therapy and for at least 12 months (in women) or for up to 9 months (in men) after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss reliable methods of birth control with your doctor.
Do not breastfeed while you are being treated with this medicine and for 6 months after the last dose.
Inform your doctor if you have high levels of blood sugar or diabetes.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests must be done before treatment to know if Enfortumab vedotin is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. complete blood count, liver function, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs or symptoms of lung or eye problems, infusion site reactions, and skin reactions may also be needed.
Enfortumab vedotin may cause any of the following side effects: nausea, vomiting, constipation, diarrhoea, stomach pain, changes in the sense of taste, mouth ulcers, decreased appetite, weight loss, muscle pain, hair loss, and skin rash or itching.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- increased thirst, frequent urination, confusion, drowsiness, fruity smell of your breath
- cough, shortness of breath, chest discomfort
- new or worsening numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet, muscle weakness
- dry eyes, increased tearing, blurred vision
- pain, redness, swelling, itching or blistering at the infusion site
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking medicines any of these medicines:
- medicines to treat fungal infection e.g. ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole
- medicines for epilepsy (fits or seizures) e.g. carbamazepine, phenytoin, phenobarbital
- medicines for HIV infection e.g. ritonavir, nelfinavir, indinavir
- certain antibiotics e.g. clarithromycin, telithromycin
- rifampicin (medicine used to treat TB, a lung infection known as tuberculosis)
- St. John's wort (herbal medicine)
This list does not include all medicines that may interact with Enfortumab vedotin.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking or using any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not freeze Enfortumab vedotin otherwise, it will no longer be effective and should not be used.
Protect from direct sunlight.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As this is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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