Elahere Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them
Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) is a prescription drug used to treat certain types of ovarian, fallopian tube, and peritoneal cancer in adults. Elahere can cause side effects that range from mild to serious, including fatigue and blurred vision.
A doctor may prescribe Elahere if a person’s cancer progressed despite having had up to three other whole-body cancer treatments, including platinum-based chemotherapy.
Elahere is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living cells. It contains the active ingredient mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx. (The “-gynx” appears at the end of the drug’s name to show it’s distinct from similar drugs that may be created in the future.)
Elahere comes as a liquid solution given via intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
Keep reading to learn about common, mild, and serious side effects Elahere can cause. For a general overview of the drug, including details about its uses, see this article.
Elahere has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
What are the more common side effects of Elahere?
Some people may experience mild to serious side effects during Elahere treatment. Examples of the drug’s commonly reported side effects include:
What are the mild side effects of Elahere?
Mild side effects have been reported with Elahere. These include:
In most cases, these side effects should be temporary. And some may be easily managed. But if you have symptoms that are ongoing or bothersome, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. And do not stop Elahere treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Elahere may cause mild side effects other than those listed above. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
What are the serious side effects of Elahere?
Serious side effects have been reported with Elahere. These include:
* To learn more about this side effect, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Before each dose of Elahere you should receive drugs to reduce the risk of infusion reactions, nausea, and vomiting. These medicines include:
If you develop serious side effects during Elahere treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you’d like to notify the FDA about a side effect you’ve had with Elahere, visit MedWatch.
Allergic reaction
For some people, Elahere can cause an allergic reaction, but it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest a treatment to manage your symptoms and can determine whether you should continue with Elahere.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Elahere, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
FAQ about Elahere’s side effects
Get answers to some frequently asked questions about Elahere’s side effects.
How do Elahere’s side effects compare with those of other cancer therapies?
Unlike chemotherapy and immunotherapy, Elahere is considered targeted therapy. Its mechanism of action (how it works) is to identify certain cancer cells and help prevent them from growing and surviving.
Chemotherapy usually has more side effects because it kills all growing cells, even the healthy ones. Elahere has fewer side effects because it targets specific cells, similar to immunotherapy.
Does Elahere cause hair loss?
No. Hair loss wasn’t a side effect reported in studies of Elahere.
Side effects explained
Learn more about some of the side effects Elahere may cause.
Serious eye problems
Elahere has a boxed warning for the risk of serious eye problems. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. It alerts doctors and patients about side effects that may be dangerous.
Mild eye symptoms are commonly reported with Elahere use. Severe eye symptoms also occur, but are rare. Examples of eye symptoms that may occur from Elahere include:
What might help
You should contact an eye doctor before starting Elahere and then about every 6 weeks for the first 6 months of treatment. They’ll check your eyes and vision for any signs and symptoms of eye problems.
It’s recommended that you do not wear contact lenses since this can increase your risk of problems. Be sure to monitor your eyes and vision for any symptoms.
You’ll be prescribed other medications to use immediately prior to and during Elahere treatment. These drugs will help with any eye symptoms you may have. These can include:
Talk with your doctor immediately if you notice any eye or vision changes. They can adjust, reduce, or stop your Elahere treatment as necessary.
Pneumonitis
Pneumonitis (lung inflammation) was a serious side effect reported in studies of Elahere. Pneumonitis may cause symptoms such as:
What might help
Talk with your doctor immediately if you have any of the above symptoms. They can adjust, reduce, or stop your Elahere treatment as necessary.
Keeping track of side effects
During your Elahere treatment, consider taking notes on any side effects you’re having. You can then share this information with your doctor. This is especially helpful when you first start a new drug or combination of treatments.
Your side effect notes can include things such as:
- what dose of the drug you were receiving when you had the side effect
- how soon you had the side effect after starting that dose
- what your symptoms were
- how your symptoms affected your daily activities
- what other medications you were taking
- any other information you feel is important
Sharing notes with your doctor will help them learn more about how Elahere affects you. They can then use this information to adjust your treatment plan if needed.
Warnings for Elahere
Below is important information you should consider before starting Elahere treatment.
Boxed warning: Risk of serious eye problems
Elahere has a boxed warning, which is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Side effects explained” section.
Other warnings
Elahere can sometimes cause harmful effects in people with certain conditions. This is known as a drug-condition interaction. Other factors may also affect whether this treatment is a good option for you. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Elahere. Be sure to tell them if any of the following factors apply to you:
FAQ Section: Elahere Side Effects: What They Are and How to Manage Them
What are the common side effects of Elahere?
Elahere, like many medications, can cause side effects. Common side effects include fatigue, nausea, dry eye, peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage causing tingling or pain), and vision changes. These side effects can vary in intensity from mild to severe, and it’s important to monitor symptoms and discuss them with your healthcare provider.
How can I manage fatigue caused by Elahere?
To manage fatigue, it’s crucial to maintain a balanced lifestyle. Ensure you are getting adequate rest, incorporating moderate exercise, and maintaining a healthy diet. Staying hydrated and practicing stress relief techniques such as meditation or yoga can also help. If fatigue becomes overwhelming, consult with your doctor who may adjust your medication or suggest other interventions.
What steps can I take to alleviate nausea from Elahere?
To alleviate nausea, eat smaller, more frequent meals and avoid spicy or fatty foods. Ginger or peppermint tea may also help soothe the stomach. Your healthcare provider might recommend anti-nausea medication if dietary changes aren’t effective. It’s important to keep them informed about persistent nausea.
Are there ways to cope with dry eye as a side effect?
Managing dry eye can often be accomplished with over-the-counter artificial tears or eye drops. Additionally, using a humidifier in your home, wearing sunglasses when outdoors, and taking breaks from screen time can reduce symptoms. If dry eye persists, a visit to an eye specialist may be required for more targeted treatment.
How should I handle peripheral neuropathy related to Elahere treatment?
If you experience peripheral neuropathy, practice gentle exercises to maintain mobility and improve circulation. Ensure you’re wearing comfortable, well-fitting shoes and check your feet regularly for any signs of injury. Pain-relief medications or supplements such as B vitamins may be recommended by your doctor to alleviate symptoms.
What can be done for vision changes induced by Elahere therapy?
Regular eye check-ups are essential to monitor vision changes. Inform your healthcare provider about any new or worsening symptoms immediately. Depending on the nature and severity of the vision changes, additional interventions such as corrective lenses or adjustments to your prescription may be necessary.
When should I contact my doctor about Elahere side effects?
Contact your healthcare provider if you notice severe or sudden side effects, or if common side effects worsen or do not improve with home management. Sudden, severe symptoms such as changes in vision, extreme fatigue, or pain from neuropathy should be addressed immediately.
Are there any long-term side effects of Elahere?
While long-term side effects are not as commonly discussed as immediate ones, any persistent side effects should be monitored and reported to your healthcare provider. It’s essential to have ongoing dialogue with your doctor to ensure any potential long-term issues are identified and addressed promptly.
Can I take other medications to help manage Elahere side effects?
Yes, in some cases, additional medications might be necessary to manage side effects effectively. Over-the-counter medicines, antihistamines, or prescription medications may be recommended by your healthcare provider depending on your specific symptoms and health needs.
Is diet change recommended to manage side effects of Elahere?
Diet changes can be beneficial in managing some side effects. Consulting a nutritionist might help tailor a diet plan that reduces symptoms like nausea and fatigue. Generally, a well-balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains can bolster your overall well-being during treatment.
How important is it to inform my healthcare provider about all side effects?
It is extremely important to keep your healthcare provider informed of all side effects you are experiencing, regardless of their severity. They can evaluate whether the side effects are manageable or if they require adjustments to your treatment plan. Open communication ensures you receive the best possible care.
Disclaimer: adoctor has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
Thank you for sharing this informative post on Elahere side effects. It’s crucial for patients and caregivers to be aware of potential side effects and how to manage them effectively. The detailed explanations and management tips you provide can help individuals feel more prepared and empowered to handle any challenges that might arise during treatment. Great job on breaking down complex information into something more accessible!