jevtana

Jevtana (cabazitaxel) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Jevtana is used together with prednisone to treat prostate cancer that has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).

Jevtana is usually given after other cancer medicines have been tried without success.

Important information

Do not use Jevtana if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby.

You should not use Jevtana if you have liver disease, low white blood cell counts, or an allergy to any medicine that contains polysorbate 80.

Jevtana can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood may need to be tested often.

Jevtana can cause a serious allergic reaction. Call your doctor or tell your caregivers right away if you have a rash or skin redness, chest tightness or trouble breathing, or if you feel like you might pass out.

Before receiving this medicine?

You should not use Jevtana if you are allergic to cabazitaxel, or if you have:

• liver disease;

• low white blood cell counts; or

• an allergy to any medicine that contains polysorbate 80.

To make sure Jevtana is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:

• kidney disease;

• a history of severe allergic reaction to any medication;

• a history of radiation treatment to your pelvic area;

• a history of stomach or intestinal bleeding;

• if you are over age 65;

• if you also take an NSAID (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and others; or

• if you take a blood thinner (warfarin, Coumadin, Jantoven), or other medicine used to prevent blood clots (clopidogrel, Plavix, Ticlid, and others).

FDA pregnancy category D. Do not use Jevtana if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby. Use effective birth control, and tell your doctor if you become pregnant during treatment.

See also: Pregnancy and breastfeeding warnings (in more detail)

It is not known whether cabazitaxel passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while using this medicine.

How is Jevtana given?

Jevtana is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. The IV infusion must be given slowly and can take about 1 hour to complete.

Jevtana is usually given once every 3 weeks. You will most likely take prednisone by mouth every day throughout your treatment. Follow your doctor"s dosing instructions very carefully.

Do not stop taking prednisone without your doctor"s advice, or you could have unpleasant side effects caused by Jevtana. Tell your doctor if you have missed any doses or have stopped taking prednisone for any reason.

About 30 minutes before you receive Jevtana, you may be given other medications to help prevent certain side effects.

Use all medications as directed by your doctor. Read the medication guide or patient instructions provided with each medication. Do not change your doses or medication schedule without your doctor"s advice.

Your doctor may tell you to check your temperature at home throughout your treatment with Jevtana.

Cabazitaxel can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections. This can make it easier for you to get sick from being around others who are ill.

You may need frequent medical tests to be sure this medicine is not causing harmful effects. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests.

Call your doctor if you have ongoing vomiting or diarrhea, or if you are sweating more than usual. You can easily become dehydrated while receiving Jevtana, which can lead to a serious electrolyte imbalance.

Jevtana dosing information

Usual Adult Dose of Jevtana for Prostate Cancer:

25 mg/m2 IV over 1 hour every three weeks

Comments:
-Use in combination with prednisone or prednisolone.
-Give premedication regimen at least 30 minutes prior to each administration.
-Give antiemetics prophylactically or as needed.
-Ensure adequate hydration throughout treatment.

Use: Use in combination with prednisone or prednisolone for the treatment of patients with hormone refractory metastatic prostate cancer previously treated with a docetaxel containing regimen.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your Jevtana injection.

What happens if I overdose?

Seek emergency medical attention or call the Poison Help line at 1-800-222-1222.

What should I avoid while receiving Jevtana?

Avoid taking an herbal supplement containing St. John"s wort while you are being treated with Jevtana.

Ccabazitaxel can pass into body fluids (including urine, feces, vomit). For at least 48 hours after you receive a dose, avoid allowing your body fluids to come into contact with your hands or other surfaces. Patients and caregivers should wear rubber gloves while cleaning up body fluids, handling contaminated trash or laundry or changing diapers. Wash hands before and after removing gloves. Wash soiled clothing and linens separately from other laundry.

Jevtana side effects

Jevtana can cause a serious allergic reaction. Get emergency medical help if you have any signs of an allergic reactionto Jevtana: hives, rash or skin redness; chest tightness or trouble breathing; feeling light-headed; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• stomach pain or tenderness, severe vomiting or diarrhea, ongoing constipation;

• blood in your urine, pain or burning when you urinate;

• low blood cell counts - fever, chills, flu-like symptoms, swollen gums, mouth sores, skin sores, rapid heart rate, pale skin, easy bruising, unusual bleeding, feeling light-headed;

• signs of stomach bleeding - bloody or tarry stools, coughing up blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds; or

• signs of a kidney problem - little or no urinating; painful or difficult urination; swelling in your feet or ankles; feeling tired or short of breath.

Serious side effects may be more likely in older adults.

Common Jevtana side effects may include:

• low blood cell counts, fever, cough, trouble breathing;

• nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, loss of appetite;

• constipation, diarrhea;

• weakness, tired feeling;

• blood in your urine;

• joint pain, back pain;

• numbness, burning pain, or tingly feeling in your hands or feet;

• changes in your sense of taste; or

• hair loss.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

See also: Side effects (in more detail)

What other drugs will affect Jevtana?

Many drugs can interact with cabazitaxel. This includes prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible interactions are listed in this medication guide. Tell your doctor about all medicines you use, and those you start or stop using during your treatment with Jevtana. Give a list of all your medicines to any healthcare provider who treats you.