Talimogene laherparepvec (Imlygic, Amgen) is a genetically modified oncolytic virus used in the treatment of unresectable melanoma. The drug is administered as an injection into cutaneous, subcutaneous or nodal lesions. This section covers the common adverse reactions, warnings and precautions, drug interactions and other contraindications associated with talimogene laherparepvec.
Topics Covered:
Common adverse reactions
Warnings and precautions
Drug interactions and other contraindications
Talimogene laherparepvec common adverse reactions
Adverse reactions reported by at least 25% of patients in clinical trials of talimogene laherparepvec included fatigue, chills, fever, nausea, influenza-like illness and injection site pain.
Talimogene laherparepvec warnings and precautions
Health care providers and others in close contact with the medication should avoid direct contact with lesions that have been injected with talimogene laherparepvec, as well as any wound dressings or body fluids of patients treated with the injection. Immunocompromised or pregnant health care workers should not prepare or administer talimogene laherparepvec. Proper precautions should be taken to avoid accidental exposure; if exposure occurs, the individual should thoroughly clean the affected area.
Patients treated with talimogene laherparepvec who develop a herpetic infection should be counseled to prevent viral transmission.
Poor wound healing and ulceration of the injection site may develop; patients with injection site reactions should be closely monitored for signs of infection.
Immune-mediated reactions have also occurred, including vasculitis, glomerulonephritis and pneumonitis.
Talimogene laherparepvec drug interactions and other contraindications
Talimogene laherparepvec should not be administered to immunocompromised patients, as this may cause a life-threatening disseminated herpes virus infection. Pregnant patients should not receive talimogene laherparepvec.
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