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Overview: Anktiva is used to treat certain people with a type of bladder cancer. It is a liquid that is placed into the bladder through a tube (catheter) by a health care provider. Common side effects may include pain while peeing, blood in the pee, a frequent or urgent need to pee, muscle or joint pain, chills, and fever. You may have red-colored pee for the first 24 hours after your dose. Tell your health care provider right away if your pee still looks discolored after 24 hours or if you have bladder discomfort that does not go away.

Uses

What is Anktiva used for?

Anktiva (nogapendekin alfa inbakicept-pmln) is commonly used to treat certain types of non-muscle invasive bladder cancer (NMIBC). With NMIBC, the cancer is in the inner lining of the bladder but has not yet reached the muscle.

Anktiva may also be used for other conditions as determined by your health care provider.

How does Anktiva work (mechanism of action)?

Anktiva works by attaching to a protein called interleukin-15, which is present on certain immune cells. This medicine is used with Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG). Anktiva and BCG work together to activate the body’s immune system to attack bladder cancer cells.

How is Anktiva supplied (dosage forms)?

Anktiva is available in a form that is placed into the bladder by a health care provider.

How should I store Anktiva?

Anktiva is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Anktiva?

The most common side effects of Anktiva are listed below. Tell your health care provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

There may be other side effects of Anktiva that are not listed here. Contact your health care provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088). In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Anktiva?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Anktiva are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Anktiva may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Bumps on the skin called hives that can be red, pink, white, or brown depending on your skin tone
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Anktiva?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not receive Anktiva.

  • Anktiva 
  • Nogapendekin alfa inbakicept
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Anktiva.

What should I know about Anktiva before using it?

Anktiva is placed into the bladder through a tube (urinary catheter) by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. After the liquid is placed into the bladder, the catheter is removed. The liquid should then stay in the bladder for 2 hours before you pee. Talk with your health care provider about what to do if you need to pee sooner. Follow all instructions from your health care provider about how to position yourself while the medicine is in your bladder.

After your dose, you should sit on the toilet while peeing to prevent any splashing.

You may have bladder irritation while Anktiva is being placed, when the medicine is in the bladder, and after you pee it out. Your urine may be pink or red-tinged for 24 hours after you receive your dose. Tell your health care provider if you have any discomfort, red-colored pee, or other bladder symptoms that do not go away. 

Be sure to drink plenty of water after receiving each dose of Anktiva. 

Talk with your health care provider about your risk of cancer spreading (metastatic bladder cancer). For some people, this risk increases the longer they wait to have their bladder removed (cystectomy).

What should I tell my health care provider before using Anktiva?

Tell your health care provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them know if Anktiva is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Pregnancy. Anktiva may cause harm to a fetus. You should not be pregnant before starting Anktiva. If you can get pregnant, you should use effective birth control while receiving Anktiva and for 1 week after your last dose. Tell your health care provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Anktiva passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. Your health care provider will let you know if you should receive Anktiva while breastfeeding.

How can I get more information about Anktiva?

For more information about Anktiva, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.anktiva.com or call them at 877-265-8482.

Interactions

Does Anktiva interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Anktiva and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Anktiva, but heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer.

Does Anktiva interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Anktiva and other medicines. Always tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Anktiva?

If you or someone else has used too much Anktiva, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Anktiva?

Anktiva is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital or clinic. It is very important that you go to all of your appointments as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.