WHAT IS BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?
BLINCYTO® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 1 month and older with:

B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission when only a small number of cancer cells remain in the body (minimal residua …read more

BLINCYTO® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 1 month and older with:

B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) in remission when only a small number of cancer …read more

This site is intended for US residents only.
Important Safety Information Prescribing Information Medication Guide Indications Health Care Professionals Contact Us

FAQ

Not actual patients.

General

  • 1. What is BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    BLINCYTO® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 1 month and older who have a type of blood cancer called B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. (BCP-ALLA fast-growing type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many immature white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and blood.). It is not chemotherapy.A treatment that stops the replication of fast-growing cells throughout the body, like cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It is often called “chemo”. It is an immunotherapy A type of medicine that uses your body’s own immune system to help fight conditions such as cancer. that engages your body’s immune system find and kill cancer cells.1,2 Learn more

  • 2. How does BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) work in the body?

    BLINCYTO® works by connecting cancer cells to healthy immune cells. This helps the immune cells find and kill the cancer cells.2 Learn more

  • 3. Is BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) chemotherapy?

    BLINCYTO® is not chemotherapyA treatment that stops the replication of fast-growing cells throughout the body, like cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It is often called “chemo”., it is an immunotherapy A type of medicine that uses your body’s own immune system to help fight conditions such as cancer.. Unlike chemotherapyA treatment that stops the replication of fast-growing cells throughout the body, like cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It is often called “chemo”., BLINCYTO® engages your body’s immune cells to fight leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream..2 Learn more

  • 4. What drug class does BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) belong to?

    BLINCYTO® is a bispecific T-cell engager, a type of immunotherapy. "Bispecific" refers to its 2 targets: one on T cells (a part of the immune system) and the other on B cells (in this case, the cancer cell).1 Learn more

  • 5. What does BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) treat?

    BLINCYTO® is a prescription medicine used to treat adults and children 1 month and older with:3

    • B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. (BCP-ALL) in remission A response to treatment where signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or disappeared. This does not always mean that the cancer has been cured. when only a small number of cancer cells remain in the body, called minimal residual disease (MRD) "MRD-positive" means that a relatively small number of cancer cells remain in the body during or after treatment; "MRD-negative" means that cancer cells cannot be detected in the body by traditional diagnostic techniques.
    • B-cell precursor ALL that has come back or did not respond to previous treatments
    • Philadelphia chromosome An abnormal fusion of 2 genes that can cause immature white blood cells to grow uncontrollably and build up in the bone marrow and blood. If the Philadelphia chromosome is present, then the cancer is known as Ph(+). If it is not present, it is known as Ph(–).-negative B-cell precursor ALL in the consolidationA phase of treatment given after cancer has disappeared following the initial therapy. Consolidation therapy is used to kill any cancer cells that may be left in the body. phase of chemotherapyA treatment that stops the replication of fast-growing cells throughout the body, like cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It is often called “chemo”. treatment with multiple phases

    Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) A type of cancer of the blood and bone marrow that affects white blood cells. is a cancer of the blood in which your bone marrow makes too many white blood cells, and they do not work properly. It is not known if BLINCYTO® is safe and effective in children less than 1 month of age.3 See how BLINCYTO® helped adults
    See how BLINCYTO® helped children

  • 6. What is minimal residual disease (MRD)?

    Even when you are in remission A response to treatment where signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or disappeared. This does not always mean that the cancer has been cured., small amounts of disease may remain in your body. This is known as MRD"MRD-positive" means that a relatively small number of cancer cells remain in the body during or after treatment; "MRD-negative" means that cancer cells cannot be detected in the body by traditional diagnostic techniques..4,5 Find out why your doctor may test you for MRD

  • 7. Can BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) be used in children?

    Yes, BLINCYTO® can be used in children (1 month or older) with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. (BCP-ALLA fast-growing type of leukemia (blood cancer) in which too many immature white blood cells are found in the bone marrow and blood.).1 It is not known if BLINCYTO® is safe and effective in children less than 1 month of age. See how BLINCYTO® helped children

  • 8. My doctor told me that I tested MRD-positive. What does this mean?

    Even after achieving remission A response to treatment where signs and symptoms of cancer have decreased or disappeared. This does not always mean that the cancer has been cured. with chemotherapyA treatment that stops the replication of fast-growing cells throughout the body, like cancer cells, either by killing the cells or by stopping them from dividing. It is often called “chemo”., a relatively small number of leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. cells can remain in your body. This is known as MRD "MRD-positive" means that a relatively small number of cancer cells remain in the body during or after treatment; "MRD-negative" means that cancer cells cannot be detected in the body by traditional diagnostic techniques.-positive.4,5 Find out more about MRD

  • 9. My doctor told me that I tested MRD-negative. What does this mean?

    If your MRD "MRD-positive" means that a relatively small number of cancer cells remain in the body during or after treatment; "MRD-negative" means that cancer cells cannot be detected in the body by traditional diagnostic techniques. test shows that you are MRD "MRD-positive" means that a relatively small number of cancer cells remain in the body during or after treatment; "MRD-negative" means that cancer cells cannot be detected in the body by traditional diagnostic techniques.-negative, that means no cancer cells can be detected, which is a good thing.4,5 However, there could still be some underlying disease. Find out more about MRD

  • 10. Can BLINCYTO® be used for MRD-positive or MRD-negative BCP-ALL?

    Yes. BLINCYTO® may be used if you are MRD-positive or MRD-negative.1 See the full list of what BLINCYTO® is approved to treat. Find out more at question 5

  • 11. What is the difference between refractory and relapsed leukemia?

    • RefractoryWhen a disease does not respond to treatment. leukemia means the leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. did not respond to treatment4
    • RelapsedThe return of a disease or the signs and symptoms of a disease after a period of improvement. leukemia means the leukemiaA type of cancer that starts in blood-forming tissue, such as the bone marrow, and causes large numbers of abnormal blood cells to be produced and enter the bloodstream. came back after getting better4

    See how BLINCYTO® helped people who had relapsed or refractory ALL

Receiving treatment

  • 12. How is BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) given or administered?

    BLINCYTO® is given by a continuous intravenous (IV)A way of giving a drug through a needle into a vein. infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion".. This means the medicine goes into a vein and then goes into the blood.3 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 13. What is the recommended dose of BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    Your doctor will decide your dose. The dose of BLINCYTO® will depend on your weight and what phase of treatment you are in.1 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 14. Can BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) be given at home?

    After your hospital stay, your doctor will decide if you can receive the rest of your treatment at home, if that is right for you. Or your doctor may refer you to an outpatient clinic or an infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion". center to manage your treatment.3 When receiving BLINCYTO® outside of the hospital, you will continue treatment with a small, portable IVA way of giving a drug through a needle into a vein. infusion pump.1

    BLINCYTO® is available in 1-day (24-hour), 2-day (48-hour), 3-day (72-hour), 4-day (96-hour), and 7-day infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion". bags. Your doctor will decide which is best for you. Your bag will need to be changed based on which infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion". bag your doctor decides is best for you.1 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 15. How long will I take BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    Your health care provider will decide how long you will need to stay on treatment. One cycle of BLINCYTO® is 4 weeks (28 days) of infusion followed by 2 weeks (14 days) without infusion.1 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 16. How long does the bag of BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) in my home infusion pump last?

    If you are able to receive BLINCYTO® outside of the hospital, you will continue treatment with a small, portable IVA way of giving a drug through a needle into a vein. infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion". pump. BLINCYTO® is available in 1-day (24-hour), 2-day (48-hour), 3-day (72-hour), 4-day (96-hour), and 7-day infusion bags. Your doctor will decide which is best for you.1 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 17. What should I do if my home infusion pump stops working or the infusion is interrupted?

    If you are having any problems with your pump, or your pump alarm sounds, contact your health care provider immediately.3 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

  • 18. What activities should I avoid when receiving BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities while you are receiving BLINCYTO®. BLINCYTO® can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness, seizures, and confusion.3 Learn more about what to expect when receiving BLINCYTO®

Side effects and safety

  • 19. What are the serious side effects of BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    BLINCYTO® may cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death. Cytokine release syndrome (CRS) is a condition where the immune system becomes over-active due to the mechanism of BLINCYTO®. BLINCYTO® may also cause neurologic problems. These are issues that could harm your brain or nerves.3

    • Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any symptoms of CRS or infusion reactions, which may include fever, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, chills, face swelling, wheezing or trouble breathing, and skin rash3
    • Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any symptoms of neurologic problems, which may include seizures; difficulty in speaking or slurred speech; loss of consciousness; trouble sleeping; confusion and disorientation; loss of balance; headache; difficulty with facial movements, hearing, vision, or swallowing; and tremors. People with Down Syndrome may have a higher risk of seizures with BLINCYTO® treatment3

    Your health care provider will check for these problems during treatment with BLINCYTO®. Your health care provider may temporarily or completely stop your treatment with BLINCYTO® if you have severe side effects.3 Find out more about side effects

    BLINCYTO® can also cause serious side effects, including: infections, tumor lysis syndrome (TLS), low white blood cell counts (neutropenia), abnormal liver blood tests, and inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).

    These are not all the possible side effects of BLINCYTO®. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.

  • 20. What are the most common side effects of BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab)?

    The most common side effects of BLINCYTO® include: fever; reactions related to infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion". of the medicine such as face swelling, low blood pressure, and high blood pressure (infusionA method of putting fluids, including drugs, into the bloodstream. It is also called “intravenous infusion".-related reactions); headache; infection; muscle, joint, and bone pain; low white blood cell count (neutropenia); nausea; low red blood cell count (anemia); low platelet count (thrombocytopenia); and diarrhea.3 BLINCYTO® may also cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death, like cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological problems. Find out more

Cost and financial assistance

  • 21. How much does BLINCYTO® cost?

    The cost of BLINCYTO® varies based on treatment length and location. Financial assistance may also be available. Find out more

  • 22. What insurance coverage options exist for BLINCYTO®?

    Many insurance plans cover BLINCYTO®. Your health care provider or hospital social worker can help check your insurance coverage. Find out more

  • 23. What financial assistance programs are available?

    Amgen® SupportPlus can provide information about independent nonprofit foundations that may be able to help cover costs of BLINCYTO® treatment.* Find out more

    To learn more about what financial assistance programs are available to you, you can enroll in the Amgen® Patient Navigator Program. Enroll here

    *Eligibility for resources provided by independent nonprofit patient assistance programs is based on the nonprofit’s criteria. Amgen has no control over these programs and provides information as a courtesy only.

  • 24. Does Amgen offer a copay card for BLINCYTO®?

    If you have private or commercial insurance that you get from your employer or buy directly from a health insurance company, you may be eligible to pay as little as $0* for your prescription.
    Find out more

    *Eligibility criteria and program maximums apply. See www.AmgenSupportPlus.com/copay for full Terms and Conditions.

Jump to

Important Safety
Information

What is the most important information I should know about BLINCYTO®?

  • Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the symptoms listed below:
    • BLINCYTO® may cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death, including:
      • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and infusion reactions. Symptoms of CRS and infusion reactions may include: fever, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, chills, face swelling, wheezing or trouble breathing, and skin rash.
      • Neurologic problems. Symptoms of neurologic problems may include: seizures, difficulty in speaking or slurred speech, loss of consciousness, trouble sleeping, confusion and disorientation, loss of balance, headache, difficulty with facial movements, hearing, vision, or swallowing, and tremors. People with Down Syndrome may have a higher risk of seizures with BLINCYTO® treatment and may be given anti‑seizure medicine before starting BLINCYTO® treatment.
    • Your health care provider will check for these problems during treatment with BLINCYTO®. Your health care provider may temporarily or completely stop your treatment with BLINCYTO® if you have severe side effects.

Who should not receive BLINCYTO®?

  • Do not receive BLINCYTO® if you are allergic to blinatumomab or to any of the ingredients of BLINCYTO®.

Before receiving BLINCYTO®, tell your health care provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you or your child:

  • have a history of neurological problems, such as seizures, confusion, trouble speaking or loss of balance
  • have Down Syndrome
  • have an infection
  • have ever had an infusion reaction after receiving BLINCYTO® or other medications
  • have a history of radiation treatment to the brain, or chemotherapy treatment
  • are scheduled to receive a vaccine. You should not receive a “live vaccine” within 2 weeks before you start treatment with BLINCYTO®, during treatment, and until your immune system recovers after you receive your last cycle of BLINCYTO®. If you are not sure about the type of vaccine, ask your health care provider.
  • are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. BLINCYTO® may harm your unborn baby. Tell your health care provider if you become pregnant during treatment with BLINCYTO®.
    • If you are able to become pregnant, your health care provider should do a pregnancy test before you start treatment with BLINCYTO®.
    • Females who are able to become pregnant should use an effective form of birth control (contraception) during treatment with BLINCYTO®, and for 48 hours after your last dose of BLINCYTO®.
  • are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It is not known if BLINCYTO® passes into your breast milk. You should not breastfeed during treatment with BLINCYTO® and for 48 hours after your last dose.

Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

What should I avoid while receiving BLINCYTO®?

  • Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous activities while you are receiving BLINCYTO® because BLINCYTO® can cause neurological symptoms such as dizziness, seizures, and confusion.

BLINCYTO® may cause serious side effects, including:

  • Infections. BLINCYTO® may cause life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Tell your health care provider right away in case you develop any
    signs or symptoms of an infection.
  • Tumor Lysis Syndrome (TLS). TLS is caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. TLS can be life-threatening and may lead to death. Tell your
    healthcare provider right away if you have any symptoms of TLS during treatment with BLINCYTO®, including: nausea and vomiting, confusion,
    shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat, dark or cloudy urine, reduced amount of urine, unusual tiredness, muscle cramps.
  • Low white blood cell counts (neutropenia). Neutropenia is common with BLINCYTO® treatment and may sometimes be life-threatening. Low white blood cell counts can increase your risk of infection. Your health care provider will do blood tests to check your white blood cell counts during
    treatment with BLINCYTO®. Tell your health care provider right away if you get a fever.
  • Abnormal liver blood test. Your health care provider will do blood tests to check your liver before you start BLINCYTO® and during treatment with BLINCYTO®.
  • Inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis). Pancreatitis may happen in patients treated with BLINCYTO® and corticosteroids. It may be severe and
    lead to death. Tell your health care provider right away if you have severe stomach-area pain that does not go away. The pain may happen with or without nausea and vomiting.
  • Your health care provider will do blood tests during treatment to check for side effects.

The most common side effects

  • The most common side effects of BLINCYTO® include:
    • Fever
    • Reactions related to infusion of the medicine such as face swelling, low blood pressure, and high blood pressure (infusion-related reactions)
    • Headache
    • Infection
    • Muscle, joint, and bone pain
    • Low white blood cell count (neutropenia)
    • Nausea
    • Low red blood cell count (anemia)
    • Low platelet count (thrombocytopenia)
    • Diarrhea

These are not all the possible side effects of BLINCYTO®.

Call your health care provider for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Please read the accompanying Medication Guide before you or your child receives BLINCYTO® and before each BLINCYTO® infusion and discuss it with your doctor.

Please see BLINCYTO® full Prescribing Information, including BOXED WARNINGS and Medication Guide.

Important Safety Information

What is the most important information I should know about BLINCYTO®?

  • Call your health care provider or get emergency medical help right away if you get any of the symptoms listed below:
    • BLINCYTO® may cause serious side effects that can be severe, life-threatening, or lead to death, including:
      • Cytokine Release Syndrome (CRS) and infusion reactions. Symptoms of CRS and infusion reactions may include: fever, tiredness or weakness, dizziness, headache, low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, chills, face swelling, wheezing or trouble breathing, and skin rash.
Reference: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 2. Litzow MR, Sun Z, Mattison RJ, et al. Blinatumomab for MRD-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. N Engl J Med. 2024;391:320-333. 3. Gupta S, Rau RE, Kairalla JA, et al. Blinatumomab in standard-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. N Engl J Med. 2025;392:875-891.
References: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) medication guide, Amgen. 2. National Cancer Institute. Common terminology criteria for adverse events (CTCAE) version 4.0. https://ctep.cancer.gov/protocolDevelopment/electronic_applications/docs/CTCAE_v4_Quick_Reference_8.5x11.pdf. Accessed April 4, 2026. 3. Shimabukuro-Vornhagen A, Gödel P, Subklewe M, et al. Cytokine release syndrome. J Immunother Cancer. 2018;6:56. 4. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 5. Lee DW, Santomasso BD, Locke FL, et al. ASTCT consensus grading for cytokine release syndrome and neurologic toxicity associated with immune effector cells. Bio Blood Marrow Transport. 2019;25:625-638.
References: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 2. National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms. Accessed April 17, 2026. 3. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) medication guide, Amgen.
References: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 2. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) medication guide, Amgen.
References: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 2. Nagorsen D, Baeuerle PA. Immunomodulatory therapy of cancer with T cell-engaging BiTE antibody blinatumomab. Exp Cell Res. 2011;317:1255-1260. 3. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) medication guide, Amgen. 4. National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/dictionaries/cancer-terms. Accessed April 17, 2026. 5. Brüggemann M, Gökbuget N, Kneba M. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: monitoring minimal residual disease as a therapeutic principle. Semin Oncol. 2012;39:47-57.
References: 1. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) prescribing information, Amgen. 2. National Cancer Institute. NCI dictionary of cancer terms. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/
dictionaries/cancer-terms. Accessed April 17, 2026. 3. Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL). https://www.chop.edu/conditionsdiseases/acute-
lymphoblastic-leukemia-all. Accessed April 17, 2026. 4. Brüggemann M, Gökbuget N, Kneba M. Acute lymphoblastic leukemia: monitoring minimal residual disease as a therapeutic principle. Semin Oncol. 2012;39:47-57. 5. Litzow MR, Sun Z, Mattison RJ, et al. Blinatumomab for MRD-negative acute lymphoblastic leukemia in adults. N Engl J Med.
2024;391:320-333. 6. Gupta S, Rau RE, Kairalla JA, et al. Blinatumomab in standard-risk B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children. N Engl J Med. 2025;392:875-891. 7. Nagorsen D, Baeuerle PA. Immunomodulatory therapy of cancer with T cell-engaging BiTE antibody blinatumomab. Exp Cell Res. 2011;317:1255-1260. 8. BLINCYTO® (blinatumomab) medication guide, Amgen.
BACK TO TOP