Glycolipid Disialoganglioside-directed AntibodyPrescription OnlyPregnancy Cat. Not classifiedFDA Yes
Unituxin
DINUTUXIMAB
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Unituxin (dinutuximab) is indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA), for the treatment of pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who achieve at least a partial response to prior first-line multiagent, multimodality therapy [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Unituxin is a GD2-binding monoclonal antibody indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimul...
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Brand names:Unituxin
Quick Reference
Medicine ClassGlycolipid Disialoganglioside-directed Antibody
FDA ApprovedYes
PregnancyCategory Not classified
Quick Facts
- Active ingredient
- DINUTUXIMAB
- Medicine class
- Glycolipid Disialoganglioside-directed Antibody
- Brand names
- Unituxin
- Availability
- Prescription only (Rx)
- Pregnancy category
- Not classified
- Half-life
- half-life was 10 days (56%)
- FDA approved
- Yes
What Is Unituxin?
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Unituxin (dinutuximab) is indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA), for the treatment of pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who achieve at least a partial response to prior first-line multiagent, multimodality therapy [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Unituxin is a GD2-binding monoclonal antibody indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimul...
Unituxin (DINUTUXIMAB) belongs to the Glycolipid Disialoganglioside-directed Antibody class of medications. It was first approved by the FDA in Yes. This medication requires a prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.
Key Safety Information
- •Always follow the dose recommended by your healthcare professional. Taking more than prescribed increases the risk of side effects including serious complications.
- •Seek emergency care if you experience signs of an allergic reaction — hives, swelling, difficulty breathing, or rash. Stop the medication and call your doctor immediately.
- •Some medications can increase the risk of cardiovascular events. Tell your doctor if you have high blood pressure, a history of heart attack or stroke, or any pre-existing health condition.
- •Avoid or limit alcohol while taking Unituxin. Do not drink alcohol without first discussing it with your healthcare provider as it may increase adverse effects.
- •Take Unituxin with food or a full glass of water if stomach upset occurs. Stop use and talk to your doctor if you experience persistent stomach pain or GI symptoms.
- •Tell your doctor about all medications, supplements, and vitamins you take. Some combinations significantly increase the risk of harm.
This is a summary only. Always read the full prescribing information and consult your healthcare provider for personalized medical advice.
Uses & Indications
Unituxin is prescribed for the following conditions. Some uses are FDA-approved indications; others may be evidence-based off-label uses. Consult your healthcare provider for personalized guidance.
1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE Unituxin (dinutuximab) is indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA), for the treatment of pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who achieve at least a partial response to prior first-line multiagent, multimodality therapy [see Clinical Studies (14) ] .
Unituxin is a GD2-binding monoclonal antibody indicated, in combination with granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), interleukin-2 (IL-2), and 13-cis-retinoic acid (RA), for the treatment of pediatric patients with high-risk neuroblastoma who achieve at least a partial response to prior first-line multiagent, multimodality therapy.
Dosage Guide
The following are general dosing guidelines only. Your actual dose should be determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition, renal/hepatic function, and other medications.
AD
Adult Dosage
2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION Verify that patients have adequate hematologic, respiratory, hepatic, and renal function prior to initiating each course of Unituxin [see Clinical Studies (14) ] . Administer required premedication and hydration prior to initiation of each Unituxin infusion [see Dosage and Administration (2.2) ] . 17.5 mg/m 2 /day as a diluted intravenous infusion over 10 to 20 hours for 4 consecutive days for up to 5 cycles. ( 2.1 , 2.4 ) 2.1 Recommended Dose The recommended dose of Unituxin is 17.5 mg/m 2 /day administered as an intravenous infusion over 10 to 20 hours for 4 consecutive days for a maximum of 5 cycles (Table 1 and Table 2) [see Dosage and Administration (2.4) and Clinical Studies (14) ] . Initiate at an infusion rate of 0.875 mg/m 2 /hour for 30 minutes. The infusion rate can be gradually increased as tolerated to a maximum rate of 1.75 mg/m 2 /hour. Follow dose modification instructions for adverse reactions [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . Table 1
Available Forms
Available Strengths
Side Effects
Common
- 6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following adverse reactions are discussed in greater detail in other sections of the labeling: Serious Infusion Reactions [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] Neurotoxicity, including Pain, Peripheral Neuropathy, Neurological Disorders of the Eye, Prolonged Urinary Retention, Transverse Myelitis, and Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome [see Boxed Warning and Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] Capillary Leak Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Hypotension [see Warnings and Precautions (5.4) ] Infection [see Warnings and Precautions (5.5) ] Bone Marrow Suppression [see Warnings and Precautions (5.6) ] Electrolyte Abnormalities [see Warnings and Precautions (5.7) ] Atypical Hemolytic Uremic Syndrome [see Warnings and Precautions (5.8) ] Embryo-Fetal Toxicity [see Warnings and Precautions (5.9) ] The most common adverse drug reactions (≥25%) are pain, pyrexia, thrombocytopenia, lymphopenia, infusion reactions, hypotension, hyponatremia, increased alanine aminotransferase, anemia, vomiting, diarrhea, hypokalemia, capillary leak syndrome, neutropenia, urticaria, hypoalbuminemia, increased aspartate aminotransferase, and hypocalcemia.
- ( 5 , 6.1 ) The most common serious adverse reactions (≥5%) are infections, infusion reactions, hypokalemia, hypotension, pain, fever, and capillary leak syndrome.
- ( 5 , 6.1 ) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact United Therapeutics Corp.
- at 1-866-458-6479 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch.
- 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect rates observed in clinical practice.
- The data described below reflect exposure to Unituxin at the recommended dose and schedule in 1021 patients with high-risk neuroblastoma enrolled in an open-label, randomized (Study 1), or single-arm clinical trials (Study 2 and Study 3).
- Prior to enrollment, patients received therapy consisting of induction combination chemotherapy, maximum feasible surgical resection, myeloablative consolidation chemotherapy followed by autologous stem cell transplant, and radiation therapy to residual soft tissue disease.
Serious
- 5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurological Disorders of the Eye: Interrupt Unituxin for dilated pupil with sluggish light reflex or other visual disturbances and permanently discontinue Unituxin for recurrent eye disorders or loss of vision.
- ( 5.2 ) Prolonged Urinary Retention and Transverse Myelitis: Permanently discontinue Unituxin and institute supportive care.
- ( 5.2 ) Reversible Posterior Leukoencephalopathy Syndrome (RPLS): Permanently discontinue Unituxin and institute supportive care for signs and symptoms of RPLS.
- ( 5.2 ) Capillary Leak Syndrome and Hypotension: Administer required prehydration and monitor patients closely during treatment.
- Depending upon severity, manage by interruption, infusion rate reduction, or permanent discontinuation.
Rare
Medicine Interactions
Always inform your healthcare provider and pharmacist about ALL medications you take, including prescriptions, OTC medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
MajorModerateMinor
Warnings & Contraindications
5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Neurological Disorders of the Eye: Interrupt Unituxin for dilated pupil with sluggish light reflex or other visual disturbances and permanently discontinue Unituxin for recurrent eye disorders or loss of vision. ( 5.2 ) Prolonged Urinary Retention and Transverse Myelitis: Permanently discontinue Unituxin and institute supportive care. ( 5.2 ) Reversible Posterior Leukoen
How Unituxin Works
12.1 Mechanism of Action Dinutuximab binds to the glycolipid GD2. This glycolipid is expressed on neuroblastoma cells and on normal cells of neuroectodermal origin, including the central nervous system and peripheral nerves. Dinutuximab binds to cell surface GD2 and induces cell lysis of GD2-expressing cells through antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) and complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC).
Pharmacokinetics
Half-Life
half-life was 10 days (56%)
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding Safety
Not classified
Breastfeeding
Many medications pass into breast milk in varying amounts. Before using Unituxinwhile breastfeeding, discuss the benefits and risks with your healthcare provider or pharmacist — they can weigh your dose, your infant's age, and available lactation safety data to find the safest option for you and your baby.
Storage & Handling
Store Unituxin vials under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F) in the outer carton to protect from light until time of use. Do not freeze or shake the vial.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Adult, pediatric, renal, and hepatic dosing for Unituxin
- Detail
Unituxin side effects
Complete adverse effect profile including common, serious, and rare reactions
Sources & References
- • FDA Prescribing Information — Official labeling and package insert for Unituxin
- • U.S. National Library of Medicine — MedlinePlus drug information
- • American Hospital Formulary Service (AHFS) — Clinical pharmacology monograph
- • PubMed / MEDLINE — View clinical studies
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Medical Disclaimer
The information on this page is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.