The Basics
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv (brand name- Tivdak) is an FDA-approved treatment for cervical cancer (cancer that begins in the opening of the uterus [womb]) that has not improved or has come back after treatment with other medications or has spread to other parts of the body.
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv is in a class of medications called antibody-drug conjugates. It works by killing cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about Tisotumab.
Make sure you read the IMPORTANT WARNING section at the end of this article.
How should I take tisotumab (Tivdak)?
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection comes as a powder to be mixed with liquid and injected intravenously (into a vein) over 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility.
Your doctor will prescribe 3 different eye drops for you to use during your treatment with tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection to reduce the risk of eye problems. While you are receiving tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection, your doctor or nurse will place a cold pack over your eyes.
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of tisotumab or Tivdak?
Common side effects
- nausea
- vomiting (emesis)
- diarrhea (loose stools)
- constipation
- appetite loss
- abnormal weight loss
- abdominal pain (bellyache)
- cough
- tiredness
- hair loss
- pain in the joints, arms, legs, back, or neck
- fever
- rash
- itching
- frequent, painful, or difficult urination
Serious side effects
- severe vision problems
- unusual or heavy bleeding or bruising
- bloody, black, or tarry stools
- vomiting blood or material that looks like coffee grounds
- blood in urine
- unusual vaginal bleeding
- nosebleed
- trouble breathing
- shortness of breath
- numbness or tingling of the hands or feet
- muscle weakness, pain, or burning
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms.
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak)
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor about any other disease, symptom, or treatment in the past or now
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or if you plan to father a child. You or your partner should not become pregnant while you are receiving tisotumab vedotin-ejfv injection. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.
While you are on tisotumab vedotin-tftv (Tivdak)
- If you or your partner become pregnant while receiving tisotumab vedotin-ejfv injection, call your doctor. Tisotumab vedotin-ejfv injection may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are receiving tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection and for 3 weeks after the final dose.
- you should know that this medication may decrease fertility in men. Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection.
- tell your doctor if you wear contact lenses. You should not wear contact lenses during your treatment with tisotumab vedotin-tftv.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Brand names
- Tivdak®
Last Revised – 12/26/2023, FDA updated – 07/07/2023, SG
Tisotumab vedotin-tftv can cause changes to the cornea (clear tissue that covers the front of the eye) and conjunctiva (a membrane that lines the inside of eyes) that can lead to vision loss. Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had vision or eye problems. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately: blurred vision, loss of vision, eye pain or redness, or other visual changes.
Your doctor will order an eye exam before starting your treatment and before receiving each dose of tisotumab vedotin-tftv. Keep all appointments with your doctor and your eye doctor.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with tisotumab vedotin-tftvand each time you refill your prescription. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.
Talk to your doctor about the risks of receiving tisotumab vedotin-tftv injection.
Get 24×7 support for tisotumab (Tivdak)
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(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
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