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 residual disease)
  • B-cell precursor ALL that has come back or did not respond to previous treatments
  • Philadelphia chromosome-negative B-cell precursor ALL in the consolidation phase of chemotherapy treatment with multiple phases

ALL is a cancer of the blood in which a particular kind of white blood cell is growing out of control.
It is not known if BLINCYTO® is safe and effective in children less than 1 month of age.
This site is intended for US residents only.

Resources

Ryan’s journey with BLINCYTO®

Ryan and his mother, Cindy, share their experiences—from B-cell precursor ALL () diagnosis through treatment with BLINCYTO®—in this video discussion with his doctor, Jonathan A. Abbas, MD.

I’m a real BLINCYTO® patient. And this is my story.

—Ryan

[We’re] thankful to BLINCYTO®. I count our blessings every day that Ryan is still in remission.

—Cindy, Ryan’s mother

How BLINCYTO® works: for pediatric patients

Designed for children and caregivers, this video explains how BLINCYTO® BiTE® therapy works for the treatment of B-ALL.

Resources for you and your caregiver

Resources are also available in Spanish

BLINCYTO® brochure

A resource for patients and their caregivers, this brochure contains information on BLINCYTO®, how it can help, and what to expect on the treatment journey.

Download English version
Download Spanish version

Pediatric patient brochure

A resource for pediatric patients and their caregivers on what BLINCYTO® does, how it works, and what to expect during treatment.

Download English version
Download Spanish version

Learn more about cytokine release syndrome (CRS)

A resource for patients and their caregivers on cytokine release syndrome (CRS), a side effect of BLINCYTO®.

Download English version

Learn more about neurologic problems

A resource for patients and their caregivers on neurologic problems, a side effect of BLINCYTO®.

Download English version

Medical information card

Fill out this medical information card. You can keep your important health care contact information in one place here.

Download English version
Download Spanish version

Amgen® Patient Navigator enrollment form

Connect with an Amgen Patient Navigator by enrolling in Amgen® SupportPlus.

Download English version
Enroll online here

Support organizations

Blood Cancer United

Blood Cancer United is on a mission to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families.

bloodcancerunited.org

American Cancer Society

American Cancer Society promotes healthy lifestyles to help prevent cancer and provides 24/7 support to people who have been touched by cancer.

cancer.org

Stupid Cancer

Stupid Cancer helps everyone affected by cancer in adolescents and young adults by ending isolation and building community.

stupidcancer.org

Questions to consider for your care team

What is BLINCYTO®? What is BLINCYTO®?

  • Why am I getting BLINCYTO®?

  • How does BLINCYTO® work?

  • What is the difference between BLINCYTO® and other treatments?

  • How has BLINCYTO® helped some other people with ALL?

 Taking BLINCYTO®

  • How will I receive BLINCYTO®?

  • What are the possible side effects with BLINCYTO®?

  • When will my treatment start?

  • How long will my treatment last?

 For patients receiving BLINCYTO® outside of the hospital*

  • How will BLINCYTO® affect my daily activities, like going to school or work or spending time with friends?

 The infusion bag and pump

  • Who will change my bag?

  • How do I bathe/shower with my bag?

  • Are there any tips for keeping the dressing around the port dry?

  • Who do I call if there's a problem with my bag?

 For caregivers

  • Are there any support groups?

  • Is BLINCYTO® covered by our insurance?

  • How is it decided whether we get a home health care nurse?

  • Are there any assistance programs?

*As determined by your health care team, patients may be able to receive BLINCYTO® outside of the hospital.

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.