Monjuvi: Uses, Instructions, Side Effects, Warnings

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# Monjuvi

Generic name: tafasitamab [ TA-fa-SIT-a-mab ]
Drug class: CD19 monoclonal antibodies

Medically reviewed by Judith Stewart, BPharm. Last updated on Nov 14, 2022.

## What is Monjuvi?

Monjuvi is an antibody that targets the CD19 antigen.

Monjuvi is used in combination with lenalidomide to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adults who cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

Monjuvi is given after other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Monjuvi was approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) on an "accelerated" basis. In clinical studies, some people responded to this medicine, but further studies are needed.

## Warnings

Monjuvi affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Call your doctor if you have signs of infection (fever, cough with mucus, chest tightness, shortness of breath, or pain or burning when you urinate).

Monjuvi may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using Monjuvi and for at least 3 months after your last dose.

Carefully follow all instructions about the use of birth control while you are using Monjuvi in combination with lenalidomide.

## Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have any signs of infection, or if you have recently had an infection.

Tafasitamab may harm an unborn baby. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while using this medicine and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Monjuvi is sometimes used in combination with lenalidomide. Both men and women using lenalidomide must use effective birth control. Even one dose can cause severe, life-threatening birth defects or death of a baby if the mother or the father is taking lenalidomide at the time of conception or during pregnancy.

Carefully follow all instructions about the use of birth control while you are using Monjuvi in combination with other medicines.

Do not breastfeed while receiving Monjuvi, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.

Monjuvi pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (more detail)

## How is Monjuvi given?

Monjuvi is given as an infusion into a vein. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.

Monjuvi is given in a 28-day treatment cycle. You may need to use the medicine only on certain days of each cycle. Your doctor will determine how long to treat you with this medicine.

This medicine must be given slowly, and the infusion can take up to 2.5 hours to complete.

You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or an allergic reaction. Keep using these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.

Monjuvi affects your immune system. You may get infections more easily, even serious or fatal infections. Your doctor will need to examine you on a regular basis.

## Dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Monjuvi for Lymphoma:

12 mg/kg IV (based on actual body weight; Administer in combination with lenalidomide 25 mg orally for a maximum of 12 cycles, then continue this drug as monotherapy until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity:
CYCLE 1: 12 mg/kg IV on Days 1, 4, 8, 15, and 22
CYCLE 2: 12 mg/kg IV on Days 1, 8, 15, and 22
CYCLE 3: 12 mg/kg IV on Days 1 and 15
-NOTE: Each therapy cycle is 28 days.
-For the first infusion, use an infusion rate of 70 mL/h for the first 30 minutes, then increase the rate so that the infusion is administered within 1.5 to 2.5 hours; administer all subsequent infusions within 1.5 to 2 hours.
Comments:
-Refer to the lenalidomide prescribing information for lenalidomide dosage recommendations.
-Administer premedications 30 minutes to 2 hours prior to starting infusion to minimize infusion-related reactions.
-Premedications may include acetaminophen, histamine H1 receptor antagonists, histamine H2 receptor antagonists, and/or glucocorticosteroids.
-For patients not experiencing infusion-related reactions during the first 3 infusions, premedication is optional for subsequent infusions.
-If a patient experiences an infusion-related reaction, administer premedications before each subsequent infusion.
Use: This drug in combination with lenalidomide, is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) not otherwise specified, including DLBCL arising from low grade lymphoma, and who are not eligible for autologous stem cell transplant (ASCT)

Detailed Monjuvi dosage information

## What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Monjuvi 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 Monjuvi?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

## Monjuvi side effects

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

Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your caregiver if you feel chilled, warm, sweaty, anxious, or have a headache, trouble breathing, or pounding in your neck or ears.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

- cough with mucus, chest tightness, shortness of breath;

- fever above 100.4 degrees F (38 degrees C);

- pain or burning when you urinate;

- easy bruising, unusual bleeding, purple or red spots under your skin;

- low red blood cells (anemia) - pale skin, unusual tiredness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, cold hands and feet; or

- low white blood cell counts - fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, trouble breathing.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common Monjuvi side effects may include:

- low blood cell counts;

- fever;

- feeling weak or tired;

- cough;

- cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

- loss of appetite, diarrhea; or

- swelling in your hands or lower legs.

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.

Monjuvi side effects (more detail)

## What other drugs will affect Monjuvi?

Other drugs may interact with tafasitamab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Tell your doctor about all your current medicines and any medicine you start or stop using.

Monjuvi drug interactions (more detail)

## Where can I get more information?

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

## Popular FAQ

How does Monjuvi work?

Monjuvi is a targeted immunotherapy drug and works by helping the immune system find and kill cancer cells in people living with advanced diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). When Monjuvi binds to the surface of the cancerous B cell, this allows the immune cells to attack and kill the cancer cells. Continue reading

How is Monjuvi given / administered?

Monjuvi is given by a healthcare provider as an intravenous (IV) infusion using a needle inserted into a vein. You will receive your medicine at a clinic or infusion center. Your first IV infusion will take about 1.5 to 2.5 hours; thereafter, your infusions will usually take 1.5 to 2 hours. Continue reading

## More about Monjuvi (tafasitamab)

- Check interactions
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- Reviews (1)
- Side effects
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- During pregnancy
- FDA approval history
- Drug class: CD19 monoclonal antibodies
- Breastfeeding
- En español

### Professional resources

- Prescribing Information

### Related treatment guides

- Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma

## Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

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