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Overview: Blenrep is a medicine given to certain people with multiple myeloma as an infusion into a vein. Both you and your health care provider need to take steps in order for you to use Blenrep. This medicine can cause very serious eye problems and dangerous bleeding. Keep all appointments to have your eyes checked and blood drawn, which can help catch problems even if you have no symptoms.

Uses

What is Blenrep used for?

Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) is commonly used to treat certain people with a type of cancer called multiple myeloma.

Your Guide to Blenrep for Multiple Myeloma: What You Need to Know

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

How does Blenrep work (mechanism of action)?

Blenrep is known as an antibody-drug conjugate. This medicine is made up of two parts. The first part is an antibody that binds to a protein found on both normal B cells and multiple myeloma cells. The second part is a chemotherapy medicine. Once the antibody binds to the cells, the chemotherapy is released inside the cells, which leads to the death of these cells.

How is Blenrep supplied (dosage forms)?

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

How should I store Blenrep?

Blenrep 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 Blenrep?

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

There may be other side effects of Blenrep 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 Blenrep?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Blenrep 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

Low Platelet Levels. Blenrep commonly causes low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and you can also have a severely low number of platelets in your blood. Platelets help to form blood clots. Having a very low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding. Your platelet level will likely be checked before you start Blenrep. Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider if you have any of the following symptoms of low platelet levels.

  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Bleeding that does not stop
  • Nosebleeds

Eye Problems. Blenrep commonly causes eye problems, and these can be serious, like a corneal ulcer. This medicine can cause changes to the surface of your eyes that can be found by an eye exam. You will need eye exams before starting Blenrep, before each dose, and as needed for any eye problems. Make sure that you use any eye medicines or products exactly as directed by your health care provider. Do not wear contact lenses at any point if you will continue to get this medicine unless your eye doctor has told you that you can wear a certain kind. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following new or worsening symptoms.

  • Vision loss or changes 
  • Blurred vision
  • Dry or irritated eyes
  • Light sensitivity
  • Feeling like something is in your eye
  • Eye pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Blenrep?

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

  • Belantamab mafodotin-blmf
  • Blenrep
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Blenrep before using it?

Blenrep will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will likely get each dose of this medicine over about 30 minutes as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have what is called an infusion-related reaction. Tell your health care provider right away if you notice any new symptoms, such as a warm, itchy, or anxious feeling. 

You may need to take medicines before your next dose of Blenrep if you have an infusion-related reaction. 

Your health care provider will decide how often and for how long you will use Blenrep.

Blenrep is only available through a special program because of the risk of eye problems. You will get a patient guide that you need to read. Ask your health care provider any questions that you may have. It is important that you keep all of your appointments, including eye exams, while using Blenrep. If you have any questions about this program you can go to www.BLENREPREMS.com or call 855-690-9572.

If you can get your partner pregnant, use effective birth control, like condoms, while you are being treated with Blenrep and for 6 months after your last dose.

Caution is needed when driving or doing anything that could be dangerous because Blenrep may affect how well you can see. Do not drive or operate heavy machinery if you notice any eye problems. You may have trouble seeing words to read, for example.

Your health care provider may need to pause or stop your treatment with Blenrep if you get certain side effects. Your dose of Blenrep may also be changed. Make sure that you tell your health care provider right away if you notice any new or worsening symptoms, such as shortness of breath or cough, especially if you do not understand why you have these symptoms. 

Do not use contact lenses while you are using Blenrep without first talking with your health care provider. You may be able to wear a certain type. Your health care provider will let you know. It is important to follow all other instructions about eye care from your health care provider, such as using artificial tears, while using Blenrep.

Blenrep may make it hard for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. If you may want to have children one day, talk to your health care provider.

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

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 Blenrep is right for you.

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

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

  • Eye problems or problems seeing
  • Bleeding problems

Pregnancy. Blenrep can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you will likely need a negative pregnancy test before starting Blenrep. You will also need to use effective birth control while you are using Blenrep and for 4 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed during your treatment and for 3 months after your last dose.  It is not known if Blenrep passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Blenrep?

For more information about Blenrep, you can call the drugmaker at 888-825-5249.

Interactions

Does Blenrep interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Blenrep, but both Blenrep and alcohol can increase your risk of bleeding. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Blenrep interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Blenrep 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 Blenrep?

If you or someone else has used too much Blenrep, 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 Blenrep?

Blenrep is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Blenrep as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Blenrep dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.