Mylota Dosage Guide: Forms, Strengths, Usage Instructions, and Additional Information
Mylotarg, a biologic drug belonging to the monoclonal antibodies class, has been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat certain types of acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in both adults and some children. This medication is particularly effective for CD33-positive AML, whether it's newly diagnosed, has come back after remission, or when other treatments haven't worked.
The drug comes in one strength: 4.5 milligrams (mg) per single-dose vial. For newly diagnosed AML used alone, the dose may require more than one vial. However, when Mylotarg is used with chemotherapy, the maximum dose is one 4.5-mg vial for each infusion.
The healthcare professional mixes the powder form of Mylotarg with a liquid to make a solution for the infusion, which is given as an IV infusion by a healthcare professional. The infusion takes about 2 hours.
The typical dosages for Mylotarg for AML treatment depend on the form of AML and whether it's used alone or with chemotherapy. For children, the dose is based on their body surface area. Before the infusion, medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol), diphenhydramine, and methylprednisolone are given to help prevent side effects.
Mylotarg's side effects include common chemotherapy effects like nausea, fatigue, and low blood counts. However, it also has notable risks of bleeding, infection, and liver toxicity that require careful medical supervision. Bleeding and infection are common serious side effects due to bone marrow suppression, while liver toxicity may lead to severe liver damage, including liver failure. Symptoms to watch for are abdominal pain/swelling and jaundice.
Gastrointestinal side effects such as nausea, vomiting, and constipation are frequently reported. Other common side effects include fever, headache, rash. As Mylotarg is an antibody-drug conjugate (ADC), it may share side effects common to ADCs and chemotherapy, such as heart problems, lung inflammation, and other chemotherapy-like side effects including low blood counts and anemia.
Because Mylotarg can cause serious side effects, patients are monitored closely during treatment. It is important to report new symptoms such as unusual bleeding, signs of infection, jaundice, or breathing difficulties promptly to healthcare providers.
The dosage of Mylotarg for long-term treatment depends on factors such as age, body surface area, type of AML, response to treatment, other treatments used, and side effects. If a Mylotarg infusion is missed, it should be rescheduled as soon as possible.
It's worth noting that Mylotarg isn't available in a biosimilar version.
In summary, Mylotarg offers a potent treatment option for certain types of acute myeloid leukemia, but its use comes with careful considerations due to its potential serious side effects. Patients and their healthcare providers should discuss the benefits and risks thoroughly before starting treatment.
