blincyto
Pharmaranks rates Blincyto 3.6/5 for recall safety — an independent score from its FDA recall history and its manufacturer's record. Blincyto (Blinatumomab) is a medication used to treat Lymphoid Leukemia.
Blinatumomab · by Amgen Inc
Based on 1 source · Recall-safety score from FDA recall history — this product's own recalls and its manufacturer's record. Not an efficacy or quality rating. methodology →
Key facts
- Active ingredient
- Blinatumomab
- Form
- Kit
- Strength
- Blinatumomab 35MCG
- Type
- Prescription (Rx)
- Brand or generic
- Brand-name
- May treat
- lymphoid leukemia
- Manufacturer
- Amgen Inc
- FDA application
- BLA125557
- FDA boxed warning
- Yes — see the boxed warning
What is Blincyto?
From the FDA label:Blinatumomab is a bispecific CD19-directed CD3 T-cell engager. Blinatumomab is produced in Chinese hamster ovary cells. It consists of 504 amino acids and has a molecular weight of approximately 54 kilodaltons. Each BLINCYTO package contains one vial BLINCYTO and one vial IV Solution Stabilizer. BLINCYTO (blinatumomab) for injection is supplied in a single-dose vial as a sterile, preservative-free, white to off-white lyophilized powder for intravenous use. Each single-dose vial of BLINCYTO contains 35 mcg blinatumomab, citric acid monohydrate (3.35 mg), lysine hydrochloride (23.23 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.64 mg), trehalose dihydrate (95.5 mg), and sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 7.0. After reconstitution with 3 mL of preservative-free Sterile Water for Injection, USP, the resulting concentration is 12.5 mcg/mL blinatumomab. IV Solution Stabilizer is supplied in a single-dose vial as a sterile, preservative-free, colorless to slightly yellow, clear solution. Each single-dose vial of IV Solution Stabilizer contains citric acid monohydrate (52.5 mg), lysine hydrochloride (2283.8 mg), polysorbate 80 (10 mg), sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 7.0, and water for injection.
How to use
For the treatment of MRD-positive B-cell Precursor ALL - See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dose by patient weight and schedule. ( 2.1 ) - Hospitalization is recommended for the first 3 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle. ( 2.1 ) - Premedicate with prednisone or equivalent dexamethasone. ( 2.1 ) For the treatment of Relapsed or Refractory B-cell Precursor ALL - See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dose by patient weight and schedule. ( 2.2 ) - Hospitalization is recommended for the first 9 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle. ( 2.2 ) - Premedicate with dexamethasone. ( 2.2 ) For the treatment of B-cell Precursor ALL in the Consolidation Phase - See Full Prescribing Information for recommended dose by patient weight and schedule. ( 2.3 ) - Hospitalization is recommended for the first 3 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle. ( 2.3 ) - Premedicate with dexamethasone. ( 2.3 ) Refer to Full Prescribing Information for important preparation and administration information. ( 2.5 ) Administer as a continuous intravenous infusion at a constant flow rate using an infusion pump. - See Instructions for Use for infusion over 24 hours or 48 hours. - See Instructions for Use for infusion over 72 hours, 96 hours, or 7 days using Bacteriostatic 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection…
Side effects
The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cytokine Release Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neurological Toxicities, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Infections [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Tumor Lysis Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Neutropenia and Febrile Neutropenia [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Elevated Liver Enzymes [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Pancreatitis [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Leukoencephalopathy [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse reactions (≥ 20%) are pyrexia, infusion-related reactions, headache, infection, musculoskeletal pain, neutropenia, nausea, anemia, thrombocytopenia, and diarrhea. ( 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Amgen Inc. at 1-800-77-AMGEN (1-800-772-6436) or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch. 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The safety of BLINCYTO in adult and…
FDA Boxed Warning (the FDA’s most serious warning)
Boxed (black-box) warning — from the FDA label
CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITIES including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. Interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO and treat with corticosteroids as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] . Neurological toxicities, including immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) which may be severe, life-threatening, or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. Interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO as recommended [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) , Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . WARNING: CYTOKINE RELEASE SYNDROME and NEUROLOGICAL TOXICITIES including IMMUNE EFFECTOR CELL-ASSOCIATED NEUROTOXICITY SYNDROME See full prescribing information for complete boxed warning. Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. Interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO and treat with corticosteroids as recommended. ( 2.4 , 5.1 ) Neurological toxicities, including immune effector cell - associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS), which may be severe, life-threatening, or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. Interrupt or discontinue BLINCYTO as recommended. ( 2.4 , 5.2 )
Warnings
Important safety information
Infections: Monitor patients for signs or symptoms; treat appropriately. ( 5.3 ) Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery while BLINCYTO is being administered. ( 5.6 ) Pancreatitis: Evaluate patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. Management of pancreatitis may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of BLINCYTO. ( 5.8 ) Preparation and Administration Errors: Strictly follow instructions for preparation (including admixing) and administration. ( 5.10 ) Benzyl Alcohol Toxicity in Neonates: Use BLINCYTO prepared with preservative-free saline for neonates. BLINCYTO solution containing benzyl alcohol is not recommended for patients weighing less than 5.4 kg. ( 5.12 , 8.4 ) Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: May cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of the potential risk to the fetus and to use effective contraception. ( 5.13 , 8.1 , 8.3 ) 5.1 Cytokine Release Syndrome Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, occurred in patients receiving BLINCYTO. The median time to onset of CRS was 2 days after the start of infusion and the median time to resolution of CRS was 5 days among cases that resolved. Manifestations of CRS include fever, headache, nausea, asthenia, hypotension, increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT), increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST), increased total bilirubin, and disseminated intravascular coagulation (DIC). The manifestations of CRS after treatment with BLINCYTO overlap with those of infusion reactions, capillary leak syndrome (CLS), and hemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH)/macrophage activation syndrome (MAS). Evaluation for HLH/MAS should be considered when CRS is atypical or prolonged, or when features of macrophage activation are present. Using all of these terms to define CRS in clinical trials of BLINCYTO, CRS was reported in 15% of patients with relapsed or refractory ALL, in 7% of patients with MRD-positive ALL, and in 16% of patients receiving BLINCYTO cycles in the consolidation phase of therapy [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor patients for signs or symptoms of these events. Advise outpatients on BLINCYTO to contact their healthcare professional for signs and symptoms associated with CRS. If severe CRS occurs, interrupt BLINCYTO until CRS resolves. Discontinue BLINCYTO permanently if life-threatening CRS occurs. Administer corticosteroids for severe or life-threatening CRS [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.2 Neurological Toxicities, including Immune Effector Cell-Associated Neurotoxicity Syndrome BLINCYTO can cause serious or life-threatening neurologic toxicity, including ICANS [see Adverse Reactions 6.1 ] . The incidence of neurologic toxicities in clinical trials was approximately 65% [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Among patients that experienced a neurologic toxicity, the median time to the first event was within the first 2 weeks of BLINCYTO treatment. The most common (≥ 10%) manifestations of neurological toxicity were headache, and tremor; the neurological toxicity profile varied by age group [see Use in Specific Populations (8.4 , 8.5) ] . Grade 3 or higher neurological toxicities following initiation of BLINCYTO administration occurred in approximately 13% of patients and included encephalopathy, convulsions, speech disorders, disturbances in consciousness, confusion and disorientation, and coordination and balance disorders. Manifestations of neurological toxicity included cranial nerve disorders. The majority of neurologic toxicities resolved following interruption of BLINCYTO, but some resulted in treatment discontinuation. The incidence of signs and symptoms consistent with ICANS in clinical trials was 7.5%. The onset of ICANS can be concurrent with CRS, following resolution of CRS, or in the absence of CRS. There is limited experience with BLINCYTO in patients with active ALL in the central nervous system (CNS) or a history of neurologic events. Patients with a history or presence of clinically relevant CNS pathology were excluded from clinical studies. Patients with Down Syndrome may have a higher risk of seizures with BLINCYTO therapy; consider seizure prophylaxis prior to initiation of BLINCYTO for these patients. Monitor patients receiving BLINCYTO for signs and symptoms of neurological toxicities, including ICANS. Advise outpatients on BLINCYTO to contact their healthcare professional if they develop signs or symptoms of neurological toxicities. Management of neurologic toxicity may require interruption or discontinuation of BLINCYTO as recommended and/or treatment with corticosteroids [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.3 Infections In patients with ALL receiving BLINCYTO in clinical studies, serious infections such as sepsis, pneumonia, bacteremia, opportunistic infections, and catheter-site infections were observed in approximately 25% of patients, some of which were life-threatening or fatal [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . As appropriate, administer prophylactic antibiotics and employ surveillance testing during treatment with BLINCYTO. Monitor patients for signs and symptoms of infection and treat appropriately. 5.4 Tumor Lysis Syndrome Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), which may be life-threatening or fatal, has been observed in patients receiving BLINCYTO [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Appropriate prophylactic measures, including pretreatment nontoxic cytoreduction and on-treatment hydration, should be used for the prevention of TLS during BLINCYTO treatment. Monitor for signs or symptoms of TLS. Management of these events may require either temporary interruption or discontinuation of BLINCYTO [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) ] . 5.5 Neutropenia and Febrile Neutropenia Neutropenia and febrile neutropenia, including life-threatening cases, have been observed in patients receiving BLINCYTO [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . Monitor laboratory parameters (including, but not limited to, white blood cell count and absolute neutrophil count) during BLINCYTO infusion. Interrupt BLINCYTO if prolonged neutropenia occurs. 5.6 Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines Due to the potential for neurologic events, including seizures and ICANS, patients receiving BLINCYTO are at risk for loss of consciousness [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] . Advise patients to refrain from driving and engaging in hazardous occupations or activities such as operating heavy or potentially dangerous machinery while BLINCYTO is being administered. 5.7 Elevated Liver Enzymes Treatment with BLINCYTO was associated with transient elevations in liver enzymes [see Adverse Reactions (6.1) ] . In patients with ALL receiving BLINCYTO in clinical studies, the median time to onset of elevated liver enzymes was 3 days. The majority of these transient elevations in liver enzymes were observed in the setting of CRS. For the events that were observed outside the setting of CRS, the median time to onset was 19 days. Grade 3 or greater elevations in liver enzymes occurred in approximately 7% of patients outside the setting of CRS and resulted in treatment discontinuation in less than 1% of patients. Monitor alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and total blood bilirubin prior to the start of and during BLINCYTO treatment. Interrupt BLINCYTO if the transaminases rise to greater than 5 times the upper limit of normal or if total bilirubin rises to more than 3 times the upper limit of normal . 5.8 Pancreatitis Fatal pancreatitis has been reported in patients receiving BLINCYTO in combination with dexamethasone in clinical studies and the postmarketing setting [see Adverse Reactions (6.2) ] . Evaluate patients who develop signs and symptoms of pancreatitis. Management of pancreatitis may require either temporary…
Who should not take Blincyto
BLINCYTO is contraindicated in patients with known hypersensitivity to blinatumomab or to any component of the product formulation. Known hypersensitivity to blinatumomab or to any component of the product formulation. ( 4 )
Overdose — what happens if you take too much
Overdoses have been observed, including one adult patient who received 133-fold the recommended therapeutic dose of BLINCYTO delivered over a short duration. In the dose evaluation phase of a study in pediatric and adolescent patients with relapsed or refractory B-cell precursor ALL, one patient experienced a fatal cardiac failure event in the setting of life-threatening cytokine release syndrome (CRS) at a 30 mcg/m 2 /day (higher than the maximum tolerated/recommended) dose [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) and Adverse Reactions (6) ] . Overdoses resulted in adverse reactions, which were consistent with the reactions observed at the recommended dosage and included fever, tremors, and headache. In the event of overdose, interrupt the infusion, monitor the patient for signs of adverse reactions, and provide supportive care [see Warnings and Precautions (5.10) ] . Consider re-initiation of BLINCYTO at the recommended dosage when all adverse reactions have resolved and no earlier than 12 hours after interruption of the infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.1 , 2.2 and 2.3) ] .
U.S. Poison Control: call or text 1-800-222-1222 (free, 24/7). In an emergency call 911. From the FDA label; not medical advice.
Interactions
No formal drug interaction studies have been conducted with BLINCYTO. Initiation of BLINCYTO treatment causes transient release of cytokines that may suppress CYP450 enzymes. The highest drug-drug interaction risk is during the first 9 days of the first cycle and the first 2 days of the second cycle in patients who are receiving concomitant CYP450 substrates, particularly those with a narrow therapeutic index. In these patients, monitor for toxicity (e.g., warfarin) or drug concentrations (e.g., cyclosporine). Adjust the dose of the concomitant drug as needed [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.2 , 12.3) ] .
Storing Blincyto, and how long it keeps
Quoted from this product’s own FDA label. Storage belongs to the product and its device, not to the drug in general — a pen and a tablet of the same medicine are kept completely differently.
- “Store BLINCYTO and IV Solution Stabilizer vials in the original package refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) and protect from light until time of use.”
- “of Reconstituted BLINCYTO The information in Table 5 indicates the storage time for the reconstituted BLINCYTO vial and prepared infusion bag.”
May treat (source: NIH RxClass)
Dosage forms
Kit
The forms currently marketed in the U.S., per the FDA National Drug Code Directory.
Ways to save
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Frequently asked questions
- What does Blincyto treat?
- Blincyto (Blinatumomab) may be used to treat lymphoid leukemia, based on NIH RxClass drug-classification data (conditions a drug may treat — not a verbatim copy of the FDA-approved label). This is general reference, not medical advice.
- How is Blincyto rated?
- pharmaranks gives Blincyto a composite score of 3.6 out of 5, currently based on 1 weighted source (FDA regulatory recall-safety data weighted highest). See our methodology at /how-we-rate.
- Is there a coupon or discount for Blincyto?
- pharmaranks is an independent ratings site, not a pharmacy — we don't issue coupons or sell Blincyto. To pay less, ask your prescriber or pharmacist whether a generic equivalent exists, check the manufacturer's copay/savings card and patient-assistance program, and compare a pharmacy discount card against your insurance copay. Prices vary by pharmacy, insurance, and location, so always confirm at the counter. This is general reference, not medical or financial advice.
- Who makes Blincyto?
- Blincyto is marketed by Amgen Inc. You can see Amgen Inc's full profile, rating, and other products on pharmaranks.
- Is Blincyto a brand-name or generic drug?
- Blincyto is a brand-name product with the active ingredient Blinatumomab.
- Is Blincyto available over the counter?
- No. Blincyto is a prescription (Rx) medication in the US — you need a prescription from a licensed clinician (in person or via telehealth); it isn't sold over the counter. For some conditions there are OTC alternatives — ask your pharmacist.
- What forms does Blincyto come in?
- Blincyto is currently marketed as kit, per the FDA's National Drug Code Directory.
- Is Blincyto FDA-registered?
- Blincyto is on record with the U.S. FDA under application number BLA125557. You can verify this on its official FDA label.
- Has Blincyto been recalled by the FDA?
- Blincyto has no FDA recalls recorded under its own application in the openFDA enforcement database. Its recall-safety score reflects its manufacturer's overall recall record. This is general reference, not medical advice — check the FDA recall database for the latest alerts.
- Is Blincyto safe?
- There's no single safe-or-not verdict. pharmaranks gives Blincyto a recall-safety score of 72/100, based on its FDA recall history (no recalls under its own FDA application) — not an efficacy or side-effect rating. Review its FDA-label side effects and warnings before use, and always consult a licensed professional.
- What are the side effects of Blincyto?
- Blincyto's side effects are taken directly from its FDA label. From the label: The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling: Cytokine Release Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neurological Toxicities,… Both common and serious reactions are documented in full on this page. This is general reference from the FDA, not medical advice — always consult a professional.
Clinical content sourced from the FDA label via openFDA (U.S. FDA). View the FDA label on DailyMed → Provided for general reference only — not medical advice. Always consult a licensed professional and the current prescribing information.
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blincyto
72/100