brentuximab

brentuximab

Adcetris

Indications

Action

Pharmacokinetics

Time/action profile (blood levels)

Contraindications/Precautions

Adverse Reactions/Side Effects

Central nervous system

• anxiety (most frequent)
• dizziness (most frequent)
• fatigue (most frequent)
• headache (most frequent)
• insomia (most frequent)

Respiratory

• cough (most frequent)
• dyspnea (most frequent)
• oropharyngeal pain (most frequent)

Cardiovascular

• peripheral edema

Gastrointestinal

• abdominal pain (most frequent)
• constipation (most frequent)
• ↓ appetite (most frequent)
• diarrhea (most frequent)
• nausea (most frequent)
• vomiting (most frequent)

Dermatologic

• alopecia (most frequent)
• night sweats (most frequent)
• pruritus (most frequent)
• rash (most frequent)
• dry skin

Hematologic

• neutropenia
• thrombocytopenia
• anemia (most frequent)

Musculoskeletal

• arthralgia (most frequent)
• back pain (most frequent)
• extremity pain (most frequent)
• myalgia (most frequent)
• muscle spasm

Metabolic

• weight loss (most frequent)

Neurologic

• progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (pml) (life-threatening)
• peripheral neuropathy (most frequent)

Miscellaneous

• infusion reactions including anaphylaxis
• Stevens-Johnson syndrome (life-threatening)
• tumor lysis syndrome (life-threatening)
• fever (most frequent)
• lymphadenopathy (most frequent)
• chills

Interactions

Drug-Drug interaction

Route/Dosage

Availability

Nursing implications

Nursing assessment

• Monitor for signs and symptoms of peripheral neuropathy (hypoesthesia, hyperesthesia, paresthesia, discomfort, burning, neuropathic pain, weakness). For new or worsening neuropathy Grade 2 or 3, delay next dose until neuropathy improves to Grade 1 or baseline, then restart at 1.2 mg/kg.
• Assess for signs and symptoms of infusion-related reaction, including anaphylaxis (rash, pruritus, dyspnea, swelling of face and neck). If anaphylaxis occurs, discontinue infusion immediately; do not restart. Treat other infusion-related reactions by stopping and treating symptoms. Premedicate patient prior to subsequent infusions with acetaminophen, an antihistamine, and a corticosteroid.
• Monitor patient for tumor lysis syndrome due to rapid reduction in tumor volume (acute renal failure, hyperkalemia, hypocalcemia, hyperuricemia, or hypophosphatemia). Risks are higher in patients with greater tumor burden and rapidly proliferating tumors; may be fatal. Correct electrolyte abnormalities, monitor renal function and fluid balance, and administer supportive care, including dialysis, as indicated.
• Assess patient for skin rash frequently during therapy. Discontinue at first sign of rash; may be life-threatening. Stevens-Johnson syndrome may develop. Treat symptomatically; may recur once treatment is stopped.
• Assess for any new signs or symptoms that may be suggestive of PML, an opportunistic infection of the brain caused by the JC virus, that leads to death or severe disability; withhold dose and notify health care professional promptly. PML symptoms may begin gradually but usually worsen rapidly. Symptoms vary depending on which part of brain is infected (mental function declines rapidly and progressively, causing dementia; speaking becomes increasingly difficult; partial blindness; difficulty walking; rarely, headaches and seizures occur). Diagnosis is usually made via gadolinium-enhanced MRI and CSF analysis. Risk of PML increases with the number of infusions. Withhold brentuximab at first sign of PML.
• Lab Test Considerations: Monitor CBC prior to each dose and more frequently in patients with Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Prolonged (≥1 wk) severe neutropenia may occur. Hold dose of brentuximab for Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia until resolution to baseline or Grade 2 or lower. Consider growth factor support for subsequent cycles for patients who developed Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia. Discontinue brentuximab or reduce dose to 1.2 mg/kg in patients with recurrent Grade 4 neutropenia despite use of growth factors.

Potential Nursing Diagnoses

Implementation

• Intermittent Infusion: Calculate dose and number of brentuximab vials needed. Calculate for 100 kg for patients weighing >100 kg. Reconstitute each 50 mg vial with 10.5 mL of Sterile Water for Injection for a concentration of 5 mg/mL. Direct stream to side of vial. Swirl gently; do not shake. Solution should be clear to slightly opalescent, and colorless. Do not administer solutions that are discolored or contain a precipitate. Withdraw volume of brentuximab dose from infusion bag of at least 100 mL. Diluent: 0.9% NaCl, D5W, or LR.Invert bag gently to mix. Dilute immediately into infusion bag or store solution in refrigerator; use within 24 hrs of reconstitution. Do not freeze.
• Rate: Infuse over 30 min. Do not administer as IV push or bolus.
• Y-Site Incompatibility: Do not administer with other products.

Patient/Family Teaching

• Instruct patient to notify health care professional of any numbness or tingling of hands or feet or any muscle weakness.
• Advise patient to notify health care professional immediately signs and symptoms of infection (fever of ≥100.5 F°, chills, cough, pain on urination) or infusion reactions (fever, chills, rash, breathing problems within 24 hr of infusion) occur.
• Caution female of childbearing age to use effective contraception during therapy. Avoid pregnancy and breast feeding. If pregnancy is suspected, notify health care professional promptly.

Evaluation/Desired Outcomes

• Decreases spread of lymphoma.