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Trade Name(s): Elzonris®
Tagraxofusp-erzs is the generic name for the trade name drug Elzonris®. In some cases, health care professionals may use the trade name Elzonris® when referring to the generic drug name Tagraxofusp-erzs.
Drug Type: Tagraxofusp-erzs is an "antineoplastic (anticancer) biologic response modulator." Tagraxofusp-erzs is classified as a "cytokine" (for more detail, see "How Tagraxofusp-erzs Works" Below).
What Tagraxofusp-erzs Is Used For
For the treatment of blastic plasmacytoid dendritic cell neoplasm (BPDCN) in adults and in pediatric patients 2 years and older.
Note: If a drug has been approved for one use, physicians may elect to use this same drug for other problems if they believe it may be helpful.
How Tagraxofusp-erzs Is Given
- As an infusion into the vein via infusion syringe pump over 15 minutes
- You may receive medications before the infusion to reduce allergic reactions
- The amount of Tagraxofusp-erzs that you will receive depends on many factors, including you height and weight, your general health or other health problems, and the type of cancer or condition you have. Your doctor will determine your exact dosage and schedule.
Side Effects
Important things to remember about the side effects of Tagraxfusp-erzs:
- Most people will not experience all of the side effects listed.
- Side effects are often predictable in terms of their onset, duration, and severity.
- Some side effects may occur a week or more after discontinuing treatment.
- Side effects may be quite manageable. There are many options to minimize or prevent the side effects of Tagraxfusp-erzs.
- You will be given medication before Tagraxofusp-erzs is given to help reduce your chance of developing some of the side effects of Tagraxofusp-erzs.
The following side effects are common (occurring in greater than 30%) for patients taking Tagraxofusp-erzs:
These are less common side effects (occurring in 10-29%) for patients receiving Tagraxofusp-erzs:
This is a serious side effect of Tagraxofusp-erzs
- A serious side effect of Tagraxofusp-erzs is "capillary leak syndrome" or "vascular leak syndrome." Capillary leak syndrome is a potentially serious disease in which fluids within the vascular system (veins and capillaries) leaks into the tissue outside of the bloodstream. This results in low blood pressure and poor blood flow to internal organs. Capillary leak syndrome is characterized by the presence of 2 or more of the following 3 symptoms; low blood pressure, swelling, and low levels of protein in the blood. Your doctor will monitor these things carefully while you are taking Tagraxofusp-erzs. You should notify your doctor immediately if you notice dizziness (especially when changing position), sudden swelling or rapid weight gain, little to no urine output (for 8-12 hours), shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, irregular heartbeats, or chest pain.
Not all side effects are listed here. Side effects that are very rare -- occurring in less than about 10 percent of patients -- are not listed here. But you should always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
When to Contact Your Doctor or Health Care Provider
Contact your health care provider immediately, day or night, if you should experience any of the following symptoms:
- Fever of 100.4º F (38º C) or higher, chills (possible signs of infection)
- Sudden onset breathing trouble/shortness of breath
- Signs of capillary leak syndrome: new or worsening edema, weight gain, shortness or breath, or low blood pressure
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not an emergency. Contact your health care provider within 24 hours of noticing any of the following:
- Nausea (interferes with ability to eat and unrelieved with prescribed medication)
- Vomiting (vomiting more than 4-5 times in a 24-hour period)
- Diarrhea (4-6 episodes in a 24-hour period)
- Signs of liver problems (light colored stools, yellow skin or eyes, dark urine)
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
- Black or tarry stools, or blood in your stools
- Blood in the urine
- Pain or burning with urination
- Extreme fatigue (unable to carry on self-care activities)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Precautions
- Before starting Tagraxofusp-erzs treatment, make sure you tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking (including prescriptions, over-the-counter, vitamins, herbal remedies, etc.).
- Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor's approval while taking Tagraxofusp-erzs.
- Inform your health care professional if you are pregnant or may be pregnant prior to starting this treatment. May cause fatal harm when given to a pregnant woman, based on how Tagraxofusp-erzs works in the body.
- For both men and women: Use contraceptives, and do not conceive a child (get pregnant) while taking Tagraxofusp-erzs. Barrier methods of contraception, such as condoms, are recommended for up to 1 week after last dose of Tagraxofusp-erzs.
- It is not recommended to breast feed while taking Tagraxofusp-erzs and for 1 week after the last Tagraxofusp-erzs dose.
Self-Care Tips
- You may be at risk of infection so try to avoid crowds or people with colds, and report fever or any other signs of infection immediately to your health care provider.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use an electric razor and a soft toothbrush to minimize bleeding.
- Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
- To reduce nausea, take anti-nausea medications as prescribed by your doctor, and eat small, frequent meals.
- Follow regimen of anti-diarrhea medication as prescribed by your health care professional.
- Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea (see managing side effects - diarrhea).
- In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely. You should discuss this with your doctor.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- Remain active as you are able. Gentle exercise is encouraged such as a daily walk.
- If you experience symptoms or side effects, be sure to discuss them with your health care team. They can prescribe medications and/or offer other suggestions that are effective in managing such problems.
- Tagraxofusp-erzs can cause low blood pressure, move slowly from sitting to standing to decrease risk for fainting and falls.
Monitoring and Testing While Taking Tagraxofusp-erzs
You will be checked regularly by your doctor while you are taking Tagraxofusp-erzs, to monitor side effects and check your response to therapy. Periodic blood work will be obtained to monitor your complete blood count (CBC) as well as the function of other organs (such as your kidneys and liver) will also be ordered by your doctor.
How Tagraxofusp-erzs Works
Tagraxofusp-erzs is classified as a "biologic response modifier (BRM)" or "biologic therapy." BRMs modify the body's response to cancer cells, and hopefully improve the body's natural response to infection and disease. Tagraxofusp-erzs is composed of recombinant human interleukin-3, which is a part of a family of proteins called cytokines, and a truncated diphtheria toxin. Tagraxofusp-erzs binds to cells expressing CD-123 and get internalized to prevent protein formation, which leads to cell death. This helps the body fight cancer.
Note: We strongly encourage you to talk with your health care professional about your specific medical condition and treatments. The information contained in this website is meant to be helpful and educational, but is not a substitute for medical advice.