Luspatercept-aamt (Reblozyl®)

This medication is an erythroid maturation agent. It is used to help treat anemia (low red blood cell count). This medication works to help red blood cells mature.

How to Take Luspatercept-aamt

This medication is given using a subcutaneous (given under the skin) injection. Your hemoglobin level will be checked prior to it being given. The dose is based on your weight and it is often given every 3 weeks.

Possible Side Effects of Luspatercept-aamt

There are a number of things you can do to manage the side effects of luspatercept-aamt. Talk to your care team about these recommendations. They can help you decide what will work best for you. These are some of the most common or important side effects:

Bone, Muscle or Joint Pain/Aches and Headache

This medication can cause bone, muscle, and joint pain, and headaches. Your healthcare provider can recommend medications and other ways to help relieve pain.

Diarrhea

Your oncology care team can recommend medications to relieve diarrhea. Also, try eating low-fiber, bland foods, such as white rice and boiled or baked chicken. Avoid raw fruits, vegetables, whole-grain bread, cereals, and seeds. Soluble fiber is found in some foods and absorbs fluid, which can help relieve diarrhea. Foods high in soluble fiber include: applesauce, bananas (ripe), canned fruit, orange sections, boiled potatoes, white rice, products made with white flour, oatmeal, cream of rice, cream of wheat, and farina. Drink 8-10 glasses of non-alcoholic, un-caffeinated fluid a day to prevent dehydration.

Fatigue

Fatigue can occur with this medication and you may need to adjust your schedule to manage fatigue. Plan times to rest during the day and conserve energy for more important activities. Exercise can help combat fatigue; a simple daily walk with a friend can help. Talk to your healthcare team for helpful tips on dealing with this side effect.

Liver Toxicity

This medication can cause liver toxicity, which your oncology care team may monitor for using blood tests called liver function tests. Notify your healthcare provider if you notice yellowing of the skin or eyes, your urine appears dark or brown, or you have pain in your abdomen, as these can be signs of liver toxicity.

Important but Less Common Side Effects

• Blood Clots, Heart Attack, and Stroke: This medication can increase the risk of blood clots, stroke, and heart attack. If you experience symptoms of these problems, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately or go to an emergency room. Symptoms can include: swelling, redness or pain in an extremity, a cool or pale arm or leg, chest pain or pressure, pain in your arm, back, neck or jaw, shortness of breath, numbness or weakness on one side of the body, trouble talking, confusion or mental status changes.
• High Blood Pressure: This medication can cause high blood pressure (hypertension). Patients should have their blood pressure checked regularly during therapy. Any hypertension should be treated appropriately. If hypertension cannot be controlled, the medication may be stopped. Report any headache or dizziness to your provider.

Reproductive Concerns

Exposure of an unborn child to this medication could cause birth defects, so you should not become pregnant or father a child while on this medication. Effective birth control is necessary during treatment and for at least 3 months after treatment. Even if your menstrual cycle stops or you believe you are not producing sperm, you could still be fertile and conceive. You should not breastfeed while receiving this medication or for 3 months after your last dose.