Luspatercept-aamt (Reblozyl®)
Pronounce: lus-PAT-er-sept - aamt
Classification: Erythroid Maturation Agent
About Luspatercept-aamt (Reblozyl®)
This medication is an erythroid maturation agent. It is used to help treat anemia (low red blood cell count). This medication works to help red blood cells mature.
How to Take Luspatercept-aamt
This medication is given using a subcutaneous (SubQ, given under the skin) injection. Your hemoglobin level will be checked before it is given. The dose is based on your weight. It is often given every 3 weeks.
Possible Side Effects
These are some of the most common or most serious side effects of this medication. Talk with your provider about the side effects you are having and how they can be managed.
Joint or Muscle Pain
You may have joint or muscle pain:
- Arthralgia pain is like arthritis pain. It can cause morning stiffness, and you may feel it in your joints at different times during the day. It can also cause pain in your elbows, shoulders, wrists, knees, feet, pelvic and hip bones, or back.
- Myalgia is pain or aching in your muscles.
Your providers can recommend medication and other ways to relieve pain.
Headache
Your provider can suggest medications and other ways to help relieve your pain.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is when you pass three or more stools in a day. Your providers can suggest medications to relieve diarrhea. Do not take any medications to manage your diarrhea without talking to your provider first, as your stool may need to be tested. To manage it, try eating foods that are low in fiber and bland, like white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Try not to eat raw fruits, vegetables, whole grain breads, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is a type of fiber found in some foods that helps absorb (soak up) fluid. Foods high in soluble fiber are applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, oranges, boiled potatoes, white rice, foods made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Stay hydrated by drinking 8 to 10 glasses of non-alcoholic, non-caffeinated fluid each day.
Fatigue
Fatigue can cause exhaustion, feeling worn out and that your body is "heavy" and hard to move, or being unable to focus. It is common when you have cancer, and it is not the same as feeling tired. You may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and save your energy for more important activities. Exercise can help lessen fatigue. Talk to your providers about ways to deal with this side effect.
Liver Toxicity
This medication can cause liver toxicity, or liver problems, which your provider may monitor for with blood tests called liver function tests. Symptoms may be:
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes.
- Dark or brown urine.
- Pain in your abdomen (belly).
Tell your provider if you have any of these symptoms.
Reproductive Concerns
There is a higher risk of health problems for your baby if you are pregnant, become pregnant, or get someone pregnant while on this medication. To lower the risk of birth defects, you should use birth control (contraception) to avoid pregnancy.
Talk with your provider about what kind of birth control is safest for you and your partner.
If you can become pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of this medication, even if your menstrual cycle has stopped or changed.
If you can get someone pregnant, you will need to use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of this medication, even if you believe you are not producing sperm.
You should not breastfeed during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose of this medication.
Important but Less Common Side Effects
Blood Clots, Heart Attack, and Stroke
This medication increases your risk for blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. Symptoms may be:
- Swelling, redness, or pain in an arm or leg.
- Chest pain or pressure.
- Pain in your back, neck, or jaw.
- Shortness of breath.
- Numbness or tingling.
Tell your provider right away if you have any of these symptoms.
High Blood Pressure
This medication can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). You should have your blood pressure checked often during therapy, so that if you have high blood pressure, it can be treated. If your blood pressure cannot be controlled, your provider may want you to stop taking the medication. Tell your providers about any headaches, vision changes, or dizziness.