What is Blincyto: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Sep 29, 2023

Blincyto overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Blincyto

Generic Names:

  • Blincyto

Uses:

  • Treats leukemia.

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Blincyto used for?

Blincyto comes in the form of a powder for injection and is used to treat a certain type of acute lymphoblastic leukemia. It works by interfering with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body. Blincyto is given after other cancer treatments have been tried without success. Common side effects may include nausea, stomach pain and swelling in your hands or feet.

What form(s) does Blincyto come in

  • Injectable

What are common Blincyto doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 35mcg

Common Blincyto prescriptions

  • Blincyto
    35mcg solution reconstituted

How to take Blincyto

  • Injection routeYour doctor will prescribe your dose and schedule. This medicine is given through a needle placed in a vein.

  • Injection routeYou will receive this medicine while you are in a hospital or cancer treatment center. A nurse or other trained health professional will give you this medicine.

  • This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. Ask your pharmacist for a copy if you do not have one.

  • Missed dose: Injection routeThis medicine needs to be given on a fixed schedule. If you miss a dose, call your doctor, home health caregiver, or treatment clinic for instructions.

What to do if you miss a dose of Blincyto

Blincyto contraindications

  • This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to blinatumomab, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Blincyto warnings

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Trouble breathing or chest pain

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, confused, or less alert than you are normally. Do not drive or do anything else that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, any type of infection, or a history of seizures.

  • This medicine may cause the following problems, some of which could be serious or life-threatening: Cytokine release syndrome or infusion reactionNeurological problemsInfections including sepsis and pneumoniaTumor lysis syndromePancreatitis (swelling of the pancreas)

  • It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 48 hours after your last dose.

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 48 hours after the last dose.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

Blincyto interactions

  • Injection routeMedicines used to treat cancer are very strong and can have many side effects. Before receiving this medicine, make sure you understand all the risks and benefits. It is important for you to work closely with your doctor during your treatment.

  • Your doctor will do lab tests at regular visits to check on the effects of this medicine. Keep all appointments.

  • This medicine may interfere with vaccines. Ask your doctor before you get a flu shot or any other vaccines. You should not receive a live vaccine for at least 2 weeks before the start of treatment, during treatment, and until recovery following the last cycle of this medicine.

  • This medicine may make you dizzy, confused, or less alert than you are normally. Do not drive or do anything that could be dangerous until you know how this medicine affects you.

  • Some medicines can affect how blinatumomab works. Tell your doctor if are using cyclosporine or warfarin. Tell your doctor if you are also using other cancer medicines or had a radiation treatment to the brain.

Blincyto side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Fever, chills, headache, cough, sore throat, body aches

  • Dry mouth, increased thirst, muscle cramps, uneven heartbeat

  • Allergic reaction: Itching or hives, swelling in your face or hands, swelling or tingling in your mouth or throat, chest tightness, trouble breathing

  • Seizures or tremors

  • Yellow skin or eyes

  • Trouble breathing or chest pain

  • Rapid weight gain, swelling of the feet or lower legs

  • Sudden and severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

  • Problems with balance, walking, or speaking, confusion

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation, diarrhea, stomach pain

  • Joint pain or swelling, pain in your back, legs, or bones

  • Headache, trouble sleeping