exagamglogene autotemcel 4 x 10exp6 to 13 x 10exp6 cell/mL IV susp

Loading...

The photos shown are samples only

Medication name

Generic name:
Exagamglogene autotemcel - injection

Brand name(s)
Casgevy

Uses

Exagamglogene autotemcel is used to treat sickle cell disease and a certain inherited blood disorder (beta thalassemia). Sickle cell disease causes your body to make red blood cells that are stiff and irregularly shaped (sickle- or crescent moon-shaped), which can lead to anemia and painful crises. In beta thalassemia, your body does not make enough of a certain protein (hemoglobin) that is needed to carry oxygen to many parts of your body.

This type of treatment is known as gene therapy. Your exagamglogene autotemcel is made from your own blood stem cells and is given only to you. The blood stem cells have been changed to have genes that work properly so that you can make increased amounts of hemoglobin. This may help reduce the number of painful crises caused by sickle cell disease and help you not need regular blood transfusions for beta thalassemia.

How to use

Read the Patient Information Leaflet if available from your pharmacist before you receive this product. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Your doctor will give you other medications (such as chemotherapy) before treatment with this product to prepare your body.

This product is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor. To decrease the risk of side effects, your doctor may also give you other medications before injecting exagamglogene autotemcel. The dosage is based on your medical condition and weight.

After you receive this product, you will stay in the hospital for about 4 to 6 weeks so your doctor can check to see if your treatment is working and help you manage any side effects.

Side effects

See also How to Use section.

Dizziness or decreased appetite may occur. If either of these effects lasts or gets worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Pain or sores in the mouth and throat may also occur. Brush your teeth carefully/gently, avoid using mouthwash that contains alcohol, and rinse your mouth often with cool water mixed with baking soda or salt. It may also be best to eat soft, moist foods.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Treatment with this product may lead to a low number of blood cells such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. This effect can cause anemia, decrease your body's ability to fight an infection, or cause easy bruising/bleeding. Tell your doctor right away if you develop any of the following symptoms:

  • unusual tiredness
  • pale skin
  • signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills)
  • easy bruising/bleeding

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:

  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before receiving exagamglogene autotemcel, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this product, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • past/current/recent infection (including hepatitis, HIV)
  • kidney problems
  • liver problems

This product can make you more likely to get infections or may make current infections worse. Stay away from anyone who has an infection that may easily spread (such as chickenpox, COVID-19, measles, flu). Talk to your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details.

Tell your health care professional that you have received this product before having any immunizations/vaccinations. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose).

To lower the chance of getting cut, bruised, or injured, use caution with sharp objects like razors and nail cutters, and avoid activities such as contact sports.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using exagamglogene autotemcel. This medication may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before you start this medication. Men and women using this medication should ask about reliable forms of birth control during treatment and for at least 6 months after the last dose. If you or your partner becomes pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this medication passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Certain medications (such as hydroxyurea) may affect how this product is made. If you are taking hydroxyurea, your doctor may have you stop taking it for at least 8 weeks before the procedure to collect your blood stem cells.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as complete blood counts) should be done before and after you receive this product. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for more details.

After receiving this treatment, do not donate blood, organs, tissues, or cells.

Missed dose

Not applicable.

Storage

Not applicable. This product is given in a hospital and will not be stored at home.

Medical alert

Your condition can cause complications in a medical emergency. For information about enrolling in MedicAlert, call 1-888-633-4298 (US) or 1-800-668-1507 (Canada).

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised July 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.