What is Mylotarg: Uses, Warnings & Interactions

Updated May 14, 2025  •  Published Feb 14, 2024

Mylotarg overview

BRAND NAMES:

  • Mylotarg

Generic Names:

  • Mylotarg

Uses:

  • Treats acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Therapeutic Classes:

  • Immunological Agent, Antineoplastic Agent

Forms:

  • Injectable

How it’s taken:

  • By injection

What is Mylotarg used for?

What form(s) does Mylotarg come in

  • Injectable

What are common Mylotarg doses?

  • Solution Reconstituted 4.5mg

Common Mylotarg prescriptions

  • Mylotarg
    4.5mg solution reconstituted

How to take Mylotarg

  • 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.

  • You may receive other medicines (including allergy medicine, fever medicine, steroids) before starting treatment with this medicine.

  • 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.

What to do if you miss a dose of Mylotarg

Mylotarg contraindications

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

Mylotarg warnings

  • This medicine can cause the following problems:Liver problems (including hepatic veno-occlusive disease or sinusoidal obstruction syndrome)Infusion-related reactionsBleeding problems, which may be life-threateningChanges in heart rhythm

  • This medicine may make you bleed, bruise, or get infections more easily. Take precautions to prevent illness and injury. Wash your hands often.

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

  • Do not breastfeed during treatment with this medicine and for at least 1 month after the last dose.

  • This medicine could cause infertility. Talk with your doctor before using this medicine if you plan to have children.

  • Tell your doctor if you have liver disease, blood problems, electrolyte imbalance, or a history of heart rhythm problems (including QT prolongation). Tell your doctor if you have had stem cell transplant.

  • 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 cause birth defects if either partner is using it during conception or pregnancy. Tell your doctor right away if you or your partner becomes pregnant. Use an effective form of birth control during treatment with this medicine and for at least 6 months after the last dose. Male patients with female partners should use an effective form of birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Mylotarg interactions

  • Some medicines can affect how gemtuzumab works. Tell your doctor if you are also using medicine for heart rhythm problems or a medicine containing calicheamicin.

Mylotarg side effects

Serious Side Effects

  • Dark urine or pale stools, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, stomach pain, yellow skin or eyes

  • Fast, pounding, or uneven heartbeat

  • Tiny red dots on the skin, especially on the lower legs

  • Lightheadedness, dizziness, fainting

  • Warmth or redness in your face, neck, arms, or upper chest

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

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

  • Unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness

Less Serious Side Effects

  • Constipation

  • Pain, itching, burning, swelling, bleeding, or a lump under your skin where the needle is placed

  • Nausea, vomiting

  • Headache