Provenge - Sipuleucel-T Injection
What is this medication?
SIPULEUCEL-T (SI pu LOO sel - tee) treats prostate cancer. It works by helping your immune system slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.
This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Provenge
What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
- Have had a stroke or mini-stroke
- Have had blood clots
- Heart disease
- Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
- An unusual or allergic reaction to sipuleucel-T, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
- Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
- Breastfeeding
How should I use this medication?
This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.
This therapy uses cells from your immune system. Your cells will be collected several days before you receive therapy.
Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. Special care may be needed.
Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.
What if I miss a dose?
Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.
What may interact with this medication?
- Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
- Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone
This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.
What should I watch for while using this medication?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.
This medication can cause serious infusion reactions. To reduce the risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Follow the directions from your care team.
Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Get emergency help if you develop signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?
Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:
- Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
- Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
- Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
- Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):
- Back pain
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Headache
- Joint pain
- Nausea
This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Where should I keep my medication?
This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.
NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.
Additional Information From Chemocare.com About Provenge
Self-Care Tips:
- Each infusion of Provenge is preceded by a leukapheresis procedure 3 days before the vaccine infusion. It is critical that you follow the given appointment schedule and arrive at each appointment on time, as there are expiration times for each vaccine product made, which cannot be adjusted, changed, or exceeded. If you are unable to receive the prepared Provenge infusion, you will need to undergo the entire leukapheresis procedure again.
- Follow the preparation instructions for the leukapheresis procedures. (See leukapheresis section below).
- Prior to your first leukapheresis procedure, you will be assessed to determine if you have adequate ‘venous access’ (meaning will your veins support intravenous catheters) to support both the leukapheresis procedure and the Provenge infusions. If there is concern that the veins in your arms will not support the leukapheresis procedure and the Provenge infusions, you may need a central venous catheter placed. If a central line is necessary, you will be instructed how to care for the line, will have arrangements made to have it flushed regularly to keep it from developing a clot that would close it off, and will also be instructed on the signs to look for indicating that it may have become infected.
- Get plenty of rest.
- Maintain good nutrition.
- It is important to report signs and symptoms of acute infusion reactions such as fever, chills, fatigue, breathing problems, dizziness, high blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, headache, or muscle aches.
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.
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 100.4° F (38° C) or higher
- Breathing problems
- Severe headache
- Signs of a cerebrovascular event (stroke) such as one-sided weakness, confusion, slurred speech, and/or facial droop.
The following symptoms require medical attention, but are not necessarily 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)
- Severe chills
- Dizziness
- Unusually high blood pressure
- Vomiting (more than 4-5 episodes in 24 hours)
- Significant muscle aches
- Any symptoms of irregular heartbeat (such as chest pain, shortness of breath, palpitations)
Always inform your health care provider if you experience any unusual symptoms.
