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Sipuleucel-T Injection

What is this medication?

SIPULEUCEL-T (SI pu LOO sel - tee) treats prostate cancer. It works by helping your immune system slow or stop the spread of cancer cells.

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This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Provenge

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

  • Have had a stroke or mini-stroke
  • Have had blood clots
  • Heart disease
  • Lung or breathing disease, such as asthma or COPD
  • An unusual or allergic reaction to sipuleucel-T, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives
  • Pregnant or trying to get pregnant
  • Breastfeeding

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given by your care team in a hospital or clinic setting.

This therapy uses cells from your immune system. Your cells will be collected several days before you receive therapy.

This medication is not approved for use in children.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are not able to keep your appointment.

What may interact with this medication?

  • Medications that lower your chance of fighting infection
  • Steroid medications, such as prednisone or cortisone

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

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What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication.

This medication can cause serious infusion reactions. To reduce the risk, your care team may give you other medications to take before receiving this one. Follow the directions from your care team.

Heart attacks and strokes have been reported with the use of this medication. Get emergency help if you develop signs or symptoms of a heart attack or stroke. Talk to your care team about the risks and benefits of this medication.

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible:

  • Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
  • Blood clot—pain, swelling, or warmth in the leg, shortness of breath, chest pain
  • Heart attack—pain or tightness in the chest, shoulders, arms, or jaw, nausea, shortness of breath, cold or clammy skin, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded
  • Low blood pressure—dizziness, feeling faint or lightheaded, blurry vision
  • Stroke—sudden numbness or weakness of the face, arm, or leg, trouble speaking, confusion, trouble walking, loss of balance or coordination, dizziness, severe headache, change in vision

Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome):

  • Back pain
  • Chills
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Headache
  • Joint pain
  • Nausea

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

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Note: Introduction and Additional Common Questions written and medically approved by Cleveland Clinic professionals.

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