Table of Contents
What is Yondelis?
Yondelis is a medication designed to impede the growth and dissemination of cancer cells within the body.
Yondelis is employed in the treatment of liposarcoma, an uncommon form of cancer developing in fatty tissues, and leiomyosarcoma, a rare, rapidly progressing cancer affecting various tissues such as fat, muscle, bone, joints, and blood vessels.
Additionally, Yondelis is utilized to address cancer that has extended to other body parts or is not amenable to surgical intervention.
Warnings
Yondelis impacts the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to infections, including severe or life-threatening ones. Contact your doctor if you experience symptoms like fever, mouth sores, skin sores, sore throat, cough, or breathing difficulties.
Before Taking this Medicine
Avoid Yondelis if you are allergic to trabectedin. Notify your doctor about any history of liver, heart, or kidney diseases. Yondelis can pose risks to an unborn baby or cause birth defects. Pregnant women should refrain from using this medicine, and a negative pregnancy test may be required before starting treatment. Effective contraception is recommended during Yondelis use and for at least two months after the final dose. Men should also use reliable birth control methods if their partner can conceive and continue this practice for at least five months after the last dose. Breastfeeding is not advised during trabectedin use.
How is Yondelis Given?
Yondelis is administered as an intravenous infusion through a central line IV, performed by a healthcare professional. A blood test to assess liver function may be necessary before each dose. The infusion process may take up to 24 hours, and the frequency is usually once every three weeks. Steroid medication may be administered alongside Yondelis to mitigate certain side effects. Inform caregivers if you experience any discomfort or swelling around the IV needle during injection.
Regular check-ups are essential due to the impact of trabectedin on the immune system, making infections more likely. Heart function may also be monitored through an electrocardiograph (ECG).
Dosing Information
Usual Adult Dose for Soft Tissue Sarcoma:
- Normal Bilirubin and AST or ALT 2.5 Times the Upper Limit of Normal (ULN) or Less: 1.5 mg/m2 via IV infusion every 21 days (3 weeks)
- Serum Bilirubin Levels Above Institutional ULN: No recommended dose.
- Duration of Therapy: Until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity
Missed Dose and Overdose
If you miss an appointment for Yondelis injection, contact your doctor for instructions. Given that Yondelis is administered by healthcare professionals, overdose is unlikely.
What Should I Avoid While Receiving Yondelis?
Avoid grapefruit products as they may interact with trabectedin, leading to unwanted side effects. Prevent contact between your body fluids and hands or surfaces for at least 48 hours post-dose. Caregivers should use rubber gloves when handling contaminated materials.
Yondelis Side Effects
Seek emergency medical attention if you experience signs of an allergic reaction to Yondelis, capillary leak syndrome, or any severe side effects mentioned. Common side effects include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, constipation, swelling, tiredness, abnormal liver or kidney function tests, headache, and shortness of breath.
Drug Interactions
Trabectedin may interact with various medications, affecting blood levels and increasing side effects. Inform your doctor about all current medications, including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, and herbal products.