Medications and Drugs

1. Cancer Symptoms Women Ignore Slideshow
2. Cancer Symptoms Men Ignore Slideshow
3. Take the Superfoods Quiz

Brand Names: In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin

Generic Name: ibritumomab (Pronunciation: ib ri TYOO mo mab)

• What is ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What are the possible side effects of ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What is the most important information I should know about ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• How is ibritumomab used (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What happens if I miss a dose (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What happens if I overdose (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What should I avoid while using ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• What other drugs will affect ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?
• Where can I get more information?

What is ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?

Ibritumomab is a protein that targets white blood cells in the body. When ibritumomab is attached to a radioactive chemical, the radiation is delivered directly to the tumor (lymphoma).

Ibritumomab is used in combination with other medicines to treat non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Ibritumomab may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What are the possible side effects of ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?

Some people receiving an ibritumomab injection have had a reaction to the infusion (when the medicine is injected into the vein). Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, itchy, or have a fast heartbeat, trouble breathing, chest pain or heavy feeling, or pain spreading to the arm or shoulder. These reactions can occur during the injection or within 24 hours afterward.

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious side effects:

• pain, burning, redness, or skin changes where the medicine was injected;
• fever, sore throat, and headache with a severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
• fever with chills, body aches, and other flu symptoms;
• easy bruising or bleeding, unusual weakness; or
• white patches or sores inside your mouth or on your lips.

Less serious side effects may include:

• nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite;
• anxiety;
• dizziness; or
• joint pain.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Tell your doctor about any unusual or bothersome side effect. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What is the most important information I should know about ibritumomab (In-111 Zevalin, Y-90 Zevalin)?

Ibritumomab can lower the blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Contact your doctor immediately if you develop signs of infection.

Do not receive a "live" vaccine while you are being treated with ibritumomab, and avoid coming into contact with anyone who has recently received a live vaccine. There is a chance that the virus could be passed on to you.

Some people receiving ibritumomab have developed "secondary" bone marrow or blood cell cancers such as leukemia. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk while receiving this medication.

Need help identifying pills and medications?
Use the pill finder tool on RxList.