KYMRIAH may cause side effects that are severe or life-threatening, such as cytokine release syndrome (CRS) and neurological toxicities. Call your health care provider or get emergency help right away if you get any of the following signs and symptoms of:
- difficulty breathing
- fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- chills/shaking chills
- severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- severe muscle or joint pain
- very low blood pressure
- dizziness/lightheadedness
- altered or decreased consciousness
- delirium
- confusion
- agitation
- seizures
- difficulty speaking and understanding
- loss of balance
You may be admitted to the hospital, and treated with other medications, if you have CRS. If you are admitted to the hospital, tell the health care provider that you have received KYMRIAH.
Because of the risk of CRS, and neurological toxicities, KYMRIAH is only available through a restricted program under a Risk Evaluation and Mitigation Strategy (REMS) called the KYMRIAH REMS.
- Allergic Reactions: Serious allergic reactions, including anaphylaxis, which is a life-threatening allergic reaction, may occur after you receive KYMRIAH. Some signs and symptoms may include difficulty breathing, very low blood pressure, dizziness, swelling under skin, rash, nausea, and vomiting. You should seek emergency medical treatment right away if you have an allergic reaction.
- Serious Infections: KYMRIAH can increase the risk of life-threatening infections that may lead to death. Tell your health care provider right away if you develop fever, chills, or any signs or symptoms of an infection.
- Prolonged Low Blood Cell Counts (Cytopenia): KYMRIAH can lower one or more types of your blood cells (red blood cells, white blood cells, or platelets). After treatment, your health care provider may test your blood to check cell counts. Tell your health care provider right away if you get a fever or other symptoms of an infection, are feeling tired, or have unusual bruising or bleeding.
- Hypogammaglobulinemia: A condition in which the level of immunoglobulins (antibodies) in your blood is low and the risk of infection is increased. It is expected that you may develop hypogammaglobulinemia with KYMRIAH, and you may need to receive immunoglobulin replacement for an indefinite amount of time following treatment with KYMRIAH. Tell your health care provider about your treatment with KYMRIAH before receiving a live virus vaccine.
- Secondary Cancers: After treatment with KYMRIAH, your health care provider will monitor you for the rest of your life, as you may develop secondary cancers or recurrence of your leukemia.
- Effects on Ability to Drive and Use Machines: Do not drive, operate heavy machinery, or do other dangerous things for 8 weeks after you get KYMRIAH because the treatment can cause temporary memory and coordination problems, including sleepiness, confusion, weakness, dizziness, and seizures.
- Some of the most common side effects of KYMRIAH include:
- difficulty breathing
- fever (100.4°F/38°C or higher)
- chills/shaking chills
- confusion
- severe nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
- severe muscle or joint pain
- very low blood pressure
- dizziness/lightheadedness
- headache
These are not all the possible side effects of KYMRIAH. Talk to your health care provider for medical advice about side effects.
- Your health care provider may do a pregnancy test prior to you starting treatment. There is no information available of KYMRIAH use in pregnant or breastfeeding women. Therefore, KYMRIAH is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Talk to your health care provider about birth control and pregnancy.
- Tell your health care provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.
- Some commercial HIV tests may cause a false positive HIV test result
- Do not donate blood, organs, tissues or cells for transplantation
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit www.fda.gov/medwatch, or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
This is a summary of the most important safety information about KYMRIAH. Talk with your health care provider or pharmacist about side effects. If you would like more information, the FDA-approved product labeling for KYMRIAH can be found at www.KYMRIAH.com, or call 1-844-NVS-CART (1-844-687-2278).
