talimogene laherparepvec

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Pronunciation: tal IM oh jeen la HER pa REP vek

Brand: Imlygic

What is the most important information I should know about talimogene laherparepvec?

Follow all directions on your medicine label and package. Tell each of your healthcare providers about all your medical conditions, allergies, and all medicines you use.

What is talimogene laherparepvec?

Talimogene laherparepvec is a cancer medicine that affects the actions of the body's immune system, helping the body produce an "antitumor" response. Talimogene laherparepvec is a genetically modified weak form of type 1 herpes simplex virus (the virus that causes common cold sores).

Talimogene laherparepvec is used to treat a type of cancer called melanoma when it is on the skin or in the lymph glands.

Talimogene laherparepvec may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving talimogene laherparepvec?

Accidental exposure to the virus in talimogene laherparepvec may cause you to develop symptoms of herpes virus infection. However, not treating melanoma can allow the cancer to progress and spread to other parts of the body. Melanoma is difficult to treat after it progresses, and this type of cancer can be fatal. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using talimogene laherparepvec.

You should not be treated with talimogene laherparepvec if you are allergic to it, or if:

  • you have a weak immune system (caused by disease or by using certain medicine); or
  • you are pregnant.

To make sure this medicine is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

  • blood cancer (leukemia);
  • bone marrow cancer (myeloma);
  • HIV or AIDS;
  • an autoimmune disorder such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis;
  • a history of cold sores or genital herpes;
  • if you are pregnant; or
  • if you use a steroid medication (prednisone, dexamethasone, fluticasone, or others).

Tell your doctor if anyone in your household is pregnant or has a weak immune system.

This medicine can harm an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Do not use if you are pregnant, and tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine. Follow your doctor's instructions about how long to prevent pregnancy after your treatment ends.

It is not known whether talimogene laherparepvec passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is talimogene laherparepvec given?

Talimogene laherparepvec is injected directly into a tumor on your skin, or into a lymph node under your skin. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

This medicine is usually given every 2 weeks or until your tumor is gone. The first two injections of talimogene laherparepvec are usually given 3 weeks apart.

Your care providers will use special precautions to avoid getting this medicine on other areas of your body. If this medicine accidentally gets on your skin, wash it thoroughly with soap and warm water.

The virus contained in talimogene laherparepvec is a weak form of the herpes simplex virus that can spread to other parts of your body. Carefully follow your doctor's instructions about taking care of the places on your body where this medicine is injected.

  • For at least 1 week after your injection, keep the treatment area covered with an airtight and waterproof bandage. You may need to keep the treated area covered for longer than 1 week if it is draining or oozing.
  • Change your dressing often, to keep the treated area clean.
  • Wear latex gloves while you are cleaning the treatment area or putting on a new bandage. Place used gloves and bandages in a sealed plastic bag and throw it away in the trash.

The virus in this medicine can also spread to other people you have close contact with. Avoid being near people who are sick or have infections. Avoid kissing anyone who has a mouth sore or cold sore (sometimes called a fever blister). Also avoid being near pregnant women.

Call your doctor if you you have any new skin lesions or signs of lymph gland tumors after you have stopped using talimogene laherparepvec.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Since this medicine is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting, an overdose is unlikely to occur.

What should I avoid while receiving talimogene laherparepvec?

Avoid touching or scratching the areas where this medicine was injected.

The virus contained in talimogene laherparepvec can pass into body fluids (urine, feces, vomit, semen). Avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces that cannot be cleaned. Always use a latex condom while having sex. Caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up a patient's body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Follow your doctor's instructions about how long you should keep using these precautions after your treatment ends.

What are the possible side effects of talimogene laherparepvec?

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

Call your doctor at once if you have any signs that you may be developing herpes simplex virus, such as:

  • tingling, burning, or pain (especially around your mouth or genitals);
  • weakness or cramps in an arm or leg, sometimes with burning pain;
  • confusion, severe drowsiness; or
  • blisters forming on your fingers or ears, or around your mouth or genitals.

Also call your doctor if you have:

  • any skin lesion that will not heal; or
  • redness, swelling, warmth, oozing, or skin changes where the injection was given.

Common side effects may include:

  • fever, chills, flu-like symptoms;
  • feeling tired;
  • nausea; or
  • pain where the medicine was injected.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

What other drugs will affect talimogene laherparepvec?

Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any you start or stop using, especially:

  • medicine to treat herpes (acyclovir, valacyclovir, or others); or
  • drugs that weaken the immune system (such as cancer medicine, steroids, and medicines to prevent organ transplant rejection).

This list is not complete. Other drugs may interact with talimogene laherparepvec, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide.

Where can I get more information?

Your pharmacist can provide more information about talimogene laherparepvec.

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

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