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Overview: Lunsumio is a medicine used to treat follicular lymphoma. It uses the body's own immune system to attack the cancer cells. This medicine is given to you as an injection into a blood vessel (Lunsumio) or under the skin (Lunsumio Velo). Tiredness is a common side effect. Call your health care provider right away if you get a fever, nausea, tremors, confusion, easy bruising, or trouble breathing, speaking, or walking.

Uses

What is Lunsumio used for?

Lunsumio (mosunetuzumab-axgb) is commonly used to treat a type of lymphoma called follicular lymphoma. 

Learn more about How Lunsumio Works to Treat Follicular Lymphoma.

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

How does Lunsumio work (mechanism of action)?

Lunsumio is a type of medicine called a bispecific antibody, which attaches to two types of cells. Lunsumio attaches to CD20 proteins on lymphoma cells, and to CD3 proteins on immune cells called T cells. This activates the T cells, makes them multiply, and helps them release chemicals that destroy the lymphoma cells.

How is Lunsumio supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Lunsumio
  • Lunsumio Velo

Dosage forms and strengths

Lunsumio is available in an injectable form that is given by a health care provider.

How should I store Lunsumio?

Lunsumio 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 Lunsumio?

The most common side effects of Lunsumio are listed below. These side effects may vary depending on how this medicine is given to you. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cytokine release syndrome (see below)
  • Tiredness
  • Rash
  • Pain, itching, swelling, or redness near the injection site
  • Fever
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Diarrhea
  • Headache
  • Abnormal lab test such as low phosphate, increased glucose, and increased uric acid
  • Blood disorders (see below)

There may be other side effects of Lunsumio 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. 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 Lunsumio?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions.Lunsumio 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

Cytokine Release Syndrome. Lunsumio can cause a dangerous and sometimes life-threatening problem called cytokine release syndrome (CRS). CRS occurs when your immune system responds too much to medicines or infection. CRS may happen right away or several days after you get Lunsumio. Get emergency help if you have any of the following symptoms of CRS. 

  • Fever or chills
  • Fast or racing heart
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Trouble breathing
  • Severe nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
  • Severe headache

Neurologic Problems. Lunsumio can cause a condition called immune effector cell-associated neurotoxicity syndrome (ICANS) that can be life-threatening. Get emergency help if you get any of the following symptoms.

  • Confusion, forgetfulness, or trouble paying attention
  • Seizures
  • Balance problems or trouble walking
  • Trouble talking, reading, understanding, or writing 
  • Tremors
  • Sleepiness or trouble sleeping
  • Numbness and tingling of your arms, legs, hands, or feet
  • Headache
  • Muscle weakness

Infections. Lunsumio can increase your risk of infections, including serious and life-threatening infections. Call your health care provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Sore throat
  • General feeling of being unwell, tired, or not having your usual energy

Blood Disorders. Lunsumio can cause blood disorders, such as low levels of red blood cells (anemia), low levels of neutrophils (neutropenia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low lymphocyte levels (lymphocytopenia).  Having a low level of lymphocytes or neutrophils may increase your risk of infection. Having a low level of platelets may increase your risk of bleeding.  Keep all appointments to have your blood checked. Tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat
  • Cold hands and feet
  • Fever, chills, or sweats
  • Sore throat, cough, or shortness of breath
  • Mouth or throat sores

Tumor Flare. Lunsumio can cause your tumor to grow or cause your cancer symptoms to get worse, which is called tumor flare. Call your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of tumor flare.

  • Lymph nodes that are sore or swollen
  • Pain or swelling at your tumor site
  • Chest pain
  • Cough
  • Trouble breathing

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Lunsumio?

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

  • Lunsumio
  • Lunsumio Velo
  • Mosunetuzumab-axgb
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Lunsumio before using it?

Lunsumio will be given to you by a health care provider. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many treatments you will need.

Although both Lunsumio and Lunsumio Velo contain the same active ingredient, these products are different formulations. Lunsumio is given as an infusion into a blood vessel. Lunsumio Velo is given to you as an injection under the skin in your stomach area or thigh over about 1 minute.

Keep all appointments to check your blood work, so that your health care provider can check for side effects. Some life-threatening side effects can be picked up by blood tests.  Lunsumio may be paused or stopped if you get certain side effects.

Lunsumio will be given to you by a health care provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose.

Lunsumio can cause serious side effects with symptoms like dizziness, confusion, tremors, and sleepiness. These symptoms make it dangerous for you to operate heavy machinery like a car. If you get any of these symptoms, tell your health care provider right away. Do not drive or do other activities that require alertness or coordination until your symptoms go away.

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

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 determine if Lunsumio is right for you.

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

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your health care provider if you have or have had any of the following.

Other Medicines and Supplements. Lunsumio may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Lunsumio, tell your health care provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Lunsumio may cause harm to an unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you will likely need a pregnancy test before starting Lunsumio. Use effective birth control while using Lunsumio and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your health care provider right away if you are pregnant, think you may be pregnant, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while using Lunsumio and for 3 months after your last dose. It is not known if Lunsumio passes into breast milk. Tell your health care provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Lunsumio?

For more information about Lunsumio, you can visit the drugmaker’s website at www.lunsumio.com or call them at 877-436-3683.

Interactions

Does Lunsumio interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Lunsumio. The risk of dizziness or drowsiness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Lunsumio. Also, heavy drinking can slow your immune response and make it harder for your body to fight cancer. It is best to limit the amount of alcohol you drink.

Does Lunsumio interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Lunsumio may alter the blood levels of some 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 Lunsumio?

If you or someone else has used too much Lunsumio, 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 Lunsumio?

Lunsumio is usually given by a health care provider in a hospital. Your health care provider will make sure you are receiving Lunsumio as scheduled.

If you miss an appointment to get your Lunsumio dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.