Margetuximab: Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Margetuximab is a medication used to treat certain types of breast cancer. It targets the HER2 protein found on many types of cancer cells. This medication can be combined with chemotherapy for effective results. Margetuximab, like all medications, has potential side effects and contraindications that patients should understand. Always consult your healthcare provider before starting any new treatment regimen.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Margenza (Margetuximab).

A ‘generic name’ refers to the official medical name of the active ingredient in the medication. In this case, Margetuximab is the generic name, and it is displayed in parenthesis.

Pharmacologic Category

Margetuximab belongs to the category of medications known as monoclonal antibodies. Other medications in this category include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab (Perjeta), and Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla).

Dosing

Margetuximab is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic HER2-positive breast cancer who have received two or more prior anti-HER2 regimens. The recommended dose is 15 mg/kg, administered by intravenous infusion every three weeks. However, it’s important to consult your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors for personalized dosing instructions.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Margetuximab is available as an injection for intravenous use. Each vial contains 100 mg/5mL of Margetuximab.

Administration Instructions

Margetuximab is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion in your doctor’s office or a hospital. The infusion will take about 120 minutes for the first dose and about 30-60 minutes for subsequent doses if the first was well tolerated.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Common side effects include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Headache
• Fever
• Infusion-related reactions
• Respiratory tract infections

It’s important to contact your healthcare provider if you experience any severe or persistent side effects.

Contraindications

A contraindication refers to a situation in which a drug should not be used because it may be harmful to the patient. For Margetuximab, patients with a known hypersensitivity to this drug or its components should not use it. Always consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors to understand if the medication is safe for you.

Drug to Drug Interactions

There are no known drug-drug interactions with Margetuximab. However, it’s always important to share with your healthcare provider all the prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and herbal supplements you are taking.

Margetuximab in Pregnancy

It is currently unknown whether Margetuximab can harm an unborn baby. If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits of this medication with your healthcare provider.

Margetuximab while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Margetuximab passes into breast milk. Therefore, you should discuss the potential risks and benefits with your healthcare provider before deciding to breastfeed while taking Margetuximab.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The cost of a 30-day supply of Margetuximab without insurance, using a GoodRx coupon, is estimated to be around $1,000. This cost can vary depending on the pharmacy you visit. Please consult the GoodRx website for the most accurate pricing.

Possible Alternatives

Other treatments for HER2-positive breast cancer include Trastuzumab (Herceptin), Pertuzumab (Perjeta), and Ado-trastuzumab emtansine (Kadcyla). Lifestyle changes such as eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy weight, staying physically active, and limiting alcohol consumption can also support overall health. It’s important to discuss these alternatives with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors before making any changes to your treatment plan.

Recent Updates on Margetuximab Research

Recent research has been focused on understanding how Margetuximab can be combined with other cancer treatments for enhanced effectiveness. These studies are ongoing, and patients are encouraged to consult their healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine doctors for the most recent and relevant information.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.