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Overview: Poteligeo is used to treat mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS), which are types of a rare blood cancer called cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL). This medicine is given by a health care provider into a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Common side effects may include tiredness, diarrhea, muscle or bone pain, an infection in the nose or throat, or infusion reactions. A rash is also a common side effect, but it can sometimes be severe or even life-threatening. Call your health care provider right away if you get a new rash or if any rash you have gets worse. Also tell your health care provider right away or if you have a fever, chills, or think you have an infection.

Uses

What is Poteligeo used for?

Poteligeo (mogamulizumab-kpkc) is commonly used to treat certain people with mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS). These are types of a rare blood cancer, known as cutaneous T cell lymphoma (CTCL), that affects the skin.

Poteligeo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Poteligeo work (mechanism of action)?

Poteligeo is a medicine known as a monoclonal antibody, which is a type of protein. It works by binding to a specific receptor, called CC chemokine receptor type 4 (CCR4). This receptor is found on certain white blood cells, called T cells, including cancerous T cells. By binding to this receptor, Poteligeo helps your immune system find and attack these cancer cells. This helps manage mycosis fungoides (MF) or Sézary syndrome (SS).

How is Poteligeo supplied (dosage forms)?

Poteligeo is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Poteligeo?

Poteligeo is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Poteligeo?

The most common side effects of Poteligeo are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Rash (see below)
  • Infusion reactions (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms (see below)

There may be other side effects of Poteligeo that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Poteligeo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Poteligeo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Poteligeo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Rash or Severe Skin Reactions. Poteligeo can commonly cause a rash, and the rash can sometimes be severe, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) or toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN). These can lead to death if not treated. A rash may happen at any time, including many weeks after starting treatment. If you get a rash, or if any rash you have gets worse, call your health care provider right away. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of SJS or TEN.

  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals
  • Red, painful, watery eyes
  • Flu-like symptoms including fever, chills, and muscle aches
  • Painful sores in your nose, throat, mouth, or near your genital area

Infusion Reactions. Poteligeo can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion or shortly afterward.

  • Fever, chills, or shivering
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Trouble breathing, wheezing, or coughing
  • Chest pain
  • Rash, itching, or hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Headache or tiredness
  • Dizziness or lightheadedness

Infections. Poteligeo can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Coughing, or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, muscle aches, or flu-like symptoms
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss
  • Nausea
  • Sore throat or trouble swallowing

Immune System Reactions. Poteligeo can sometimes cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues or organs, causing inflammation. When tissues or organs become inflamed, they may not work as well as they should. These side effects of immunotherapy can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems. You may be able to prevent these problems from getting more serious if you get medical help right away. Keep all appointments to check your blood work. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms, even if you are no longer taking this medicine.

  • Inflamed muscles (myositis or polymyositis): Muscle weakness, pain, swelling, or stiffness
  • Heart inflammation (myocarditis): Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, lightheadedness
  • Inflamed liver (hepatitis): Severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain on your right side, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine (pee), or easy bleeding or bruising
  • Inflamed lungs (pneumonitis): Chest pain, shortness of breath, or new or worsening cough
  • Inflamed kidneys (glomerulonephritis): Peeing less than usual, bloody urine (pee), or swelling in your ankles
  • A type of Guillain-Barré Syndrome (GBS): Tingling in your hands or feet, weakness, unsteady walking, or trouble speaking, chewing, or swallowing
  • Inflamed thyroid hormone and hypothyroidism: Weight gain, feeling cold, tiredness that does not go away or continues to worsen, constipation

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Poteligeo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Poteligeo.

  • Mogamulizumab-kpkc
  • Poteligeo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Poteligeo.

What should I know about Poteligeo before using it?

Poteligeo is usually given by a health care provider into a vein as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a hospital or clinic.

Your health care provider may give you certain medicines before your dose of Poteligeo to help reduce the risk of side effects. Take these medicines as your health care provider recommends.

People who are age 65 and older may be at greater risk of some side effects from Poteligeo. Talk to your health care provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my health care provider before using Poteligeo?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Poteligeo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Autoimmune Conditions. Before starting Poteligeo, tell your health care provider if you have an autoimmune condition, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or psoriasis. In some people, their autoimmune condition may get worse while using Poteligeo.

Other Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following.

  • An infection
  • Liver problems, including hepatitis
  • Lung or breathing problems

Stem Cell Transplant. Before using Poteligeo, talk with your health care provider if you plan to have a stem cell transplant in the future or have had one in the past. Some people who have been treated with Poteligeo have had serious problems after having a certain type of stem cell transplant. 

Pregnancy. It is not known if or how Poteligeo could affect pregnancy or harm an unborn baby. Your health care provider will likely do a test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting Poteligeo. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Poteligeo and for 3 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Poteligeo passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should use Poteligeo while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Poteligeo?

For more information about Poteligeo, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.poteligeo.com or call them at 844-768-3544.

Interactions

Does Poteligeo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Poteligeo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Poteligeo, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Poteligeo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Poteligeo may interact with certain medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Poteligeo?

If you or someone else has used too much Poteligeo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Poteligeo?

Poteligeo is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Poteligeo as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.