Yondelis: Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Main ingredient in Yondelis infusion is Trabectedin. Yondelis is an anti-neoplastic chemotherapy drug for cancer. Yondelis is used to treat a type of cancer known as soft tissue sarcoma, which affects muscles, fatty tissue and other soft tissue, such as cartilage or blood vessels. Yondelis works by stopping the cancer cells from multiplying. Yondelis is given by slow infusion (intravenously drip) into a vein over 24 hours. Dexamethasone is always given before treatment with Yondelis to help reduce sickness and protect the liver. Yondelis is used when other drugs have not been effective or are unsuitable.

YONDELIS SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects of Yondelis may include nausea and vomiting, constipation, diarrhea, indigestion, abdominal pain, anemia, loss of appetite, weight loss, injection site reaction, shortness of breath, pain in muscle or joints, fever, fatigue, weakness, headache, swollen ankles,insomnia, dizziness, low blood pressure, inflammation of the lining of the mouth, bacterial, viral or fungal infections, muscle breakdown, and hair loss.

Yondelis Warning and Caution

Blood test is needed before each treatment with Yondelis to check the blood cells, liver, kidney function, Bilirubin and CPK levels. These tests should also be carried out weekly during the first two treatments.

Yondelis can cause a decrease in the normal amounts of blood cells in the blood.

Yondelis may have side effects on the muscles.

Yondelis may also have side effects on liver.

Avoid alcohol while having treatment with Yondelis because this may increase the chance of side effects on the liver.

Yondelis should be used with caution in people with decreased kidney, liver function or liver disease.

Yondelis should not to be used in severe or uncontrolled infection, people with high levels of Bilirubin, people with severely decreased kidney function, people with low numbers of white blood cells, platelets or haemoglobin in their blood, people with raised liver enzymes or creatinine phosphokinase (CPK) levels.

Yondelis is not recommended for children under 18.

Yondelis and Pregnancy

Yondelis should not be used during pregnancy as it may cause serious birth defects in fetus. Seek medical advice from your physician if you get pregnant or plan to get pregnant while using Yondelis.

Yondelis passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feed while taking Yondelis.

Yondelis Interaction

There may be an increased risk of side effects on the muscles if Yondelis is used in combination with any of the following medicines:

Statins for lowering cholesterol

Fibrates for lowering cholesterol

Ezetimibe

Niacin

The following medicines may prevent the breakdown of Yondelis by the body and so may increase the risk of side effects:

Azole antifungals

Ciclosporin

Macrolide antibiotics

Protease inhibitors for HIV infection

Verapamil

The use of phenytoin in combination with Yondelis is not recommended as this could increase the risk of convulsions.

The following medicines may decrease the amount of Yondelis in the blood and could therefore make it less effective:

Phenobarbital

Rifampicin

Herb St. John's wort

Yondelis Overdose

In case of Yondelis overdose, seek medical attention right away.