As with other drugs, Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) can cause side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy and hair loss. If side effects of Adcetris become difficult to tolerate, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Adcetris is a brand-name drug that comes in the form of a powder in a single-dose vial. The powder is mixed into a liquid solution and administered by your healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Adcetris is prescribed for certain types of cancer, including classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) and certain types of T-cell lymphoma. It is both a chemotherapy drug and a monoclonal antibody.

If you have problems with side effects from Adcetris, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss ways to manage side effects or other available treatment options. Do not stop Adcetris treatment without consulting your doctor first.

Adcetris has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Adcetris” section.

Adcetris can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects persist, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Adcetris in clinical trials:

Mild side effects can occur with Adcetris use. This list may not include all possible mild side effects of the drug. To find out more, you can refer to Adcetris’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Adcetris include:

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects continue, worsen, or become too difficult to tolerate, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Adcetris and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Managing side effects” section.

Adcetris may cause serious side effects. The following list may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Adcetris’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Adcetris, 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.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

  • peripheral neuropathy
  • neutropenia (low white blood cell levels)
  • infusion reaction
  • liver damage
  • lung problems
  • pancreatitis (inflammation of your pancreas)
  • digestive problems, such as severe abdominal pain, bleeding, or stomach or intestinal blockages
  • high blood sugar levels
  • tumor lysis syndrome (a rare but serious condition that may happen when cancer cells break down quickly and release their contents into the bloodstream)
Allergic reaction

For some people, Adcetris can cause an allergic reaction.

But it’s not clear whether this side effect occurred in the drug’s studies.

In general, symptoms of allergic reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Adcetris, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Adcetris has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.

Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML)

Adcetris use can raise your risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), a rare but serious brain infection caused by a virus. PML can be life threatening and lead to severe disability.

Symptoms of PML can include:

  • weakness on one side of your body that worsens
  • clumsiness or difficulty walking
  • vision changes
  • changes in mood or behavior
  • thinking, memory, or speech problems
  • confusion

What you can do

Call your doctor right away if you experience any of these symptoms. Your doctor may need to stop treatment with Adcetris.

During Adcetris treatment, you may be able to take steps to make side effects easier to manage.

If you have problems with side effects that do not go away or they become worse, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can discuss options for managing side effects or other available treatment options.

Fatigue

Fatigue was a common side effect reported in studies of Adcetris. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • aiming for 7 to 9 hours of sleep a night
  • going to bed and getting up around the same time each day to establish a routine
  • completing important activities during the time of day when you have the most energy
  • engaging in physical activity as your body allows
  • eating nutritious foods to support energy levels

Nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting were common side effects reported in studies of Adcetris. Steps you can take to manage symptoms associated with this side effect include:

  • eating smaller meals throughout the day
  • taking over-the-counter anti-nausea medications
  • avoiding greasy or spicy foods that can irritate the stomach
  • maintaining adequate hydration

Adcetris may cause several side effects. Here are some frequently asked questions about the drug’s side effects and their answers.

Does Adcetris cause hair loss?

Yes, Adcetris can cause hair loss. Hair loss was a common side effect reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

If you’re receiving Adcetris and have questions or concerns about hair loss, talk with your doctor. They may be able to recommend ways to help manage this condition.

Can Adcetris cause long-term side effects?

Yes, Adcetris can cause long-term side effects.

Certain side effects, such as peripheral neuropathy, PML (Adcetris has a boxed warning for this side effect), or liver damage, may require long-term treatment or lead to serious disability.

If you have questions about Adcetris treatment and long-term side effects, talk with your doctor.

Take note of the following important information to consider before starting Adcetris.

Adcetris has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the “Boxed warnings for Adcetris” section.

Other precautions

Before starting Adcetris, discuss your health history with your doctor. Adcetris may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • currently being treated with certain other chemotherapy drugs, such as bleomycin
  • liver or kidney problems
  • diabetes
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.