Bexxar

Generic name: tositumomab [ TOE-si-too-MOE-mab ]
Brand names: Bexxar Dosimetric, BexxarTherapeutic
Drug classes:CD20 monoclonal antibodies, Therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Jul 27, 2020.

What is Bexxar?

Bexxar is a monoclonal antibody that is linked with radioactive iodine I-131. Monoclonal antibodies are made to target and destroy only certain cells in the body. This may help to protect healthy cells from damage.

Bexxar is used to treat certain forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. It is usually given after other medications have been tried without successful treatment.

Bexxar may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Warnings

Serious and sometimes fatal allergic reactions may occur during treatment with Bexxar. Tell your caregiver right away if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, sweaty, or have a fever, chills, chest tightness, wheezing, or trouble breathing.

Bexxar can lower blood cells that help your body fight infections and help your blood to clot. This can make it easier for you to bleed from an injury or get sick from being around others who are ill. Your blood will need to be tested often.

After you are treated with Bexxar, your body will retain radioactive material for several days. Follow your caregivers' instructions about how to avoid exposing other people to radiation until this effect wears off.

Before using this medicine.

You should not receive Bexxar if you are allergic to mouse proteins, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to a monoclonal antibody.

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

• kidney disease; or

• severe bone marrow suppression.

Bexxar can cause damage to the thyroid gland of an unborn baby if the mother receives this medication during pregnancy. You should not receive this medication if you are pregnant.

Bexxar can be harmful to an unborn baby whether the father or the mother receives this medication at the time of conception. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment, whether you are a man or a woman. Continue using birth control for at least 12 months after you have received Bexxar.

Tositumomab can pass into breast milk and may harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are using Bexxar.

Some people treated with Bexxar later developed leukemia or other cancers. However, it has not been determined whether this medication actually increases the risk of causing other cancers. Talk with your doctor about your individual risk.

How is Bexxar given?

Bexxar is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive two different injections (tositumomab, and iodine I-131 tositumomab) given one at a time. The first injection is given over at least 60 minutes and the second injection is given over at least 20 minutes.

Bexxar treatment is usually given in two steps over a span of 7 days. In the first step, you will receive the two injections just before you undergo an X-ray scan of your entire body. Thi...