Radiation Therapy With Monoclonal Antibodies

Before you receive treatment, your doctor will make sure you are healthy enough to take ibritumomab or tositumomab. People who have had more than 25% of their bone marrow replaced or been treated with radiation should not have this monoclonal antibody therapy.

You will be watched closely after treatment. This includes imaging scans with a gamma camera to make sure the lymphoma is targeted and the rest of your body receives safe doses of radiation. Your blood will also be checked each week with a Reference complete blood count (CBC) test for at least 10 weeks after treatment to look for blood disorders.

You will have a radioactive chemical in your body for several days after treatment. So limit your exposure to other people—especially to children and pregnant women—for at least 1 week. Use a method of birth control for 12 months after treatment because of possible effects on your reproductive organs. Do not breast-feed after receiving treatment. Dispose of bodily wastes, such as urine, properly because they have traces of radiation.

Ibritumomab and tositumomab have only been approved for use by adults. There is no specific information about the use of ibritumomab and tositumomab in children.

Complete the new medication information form (PDF) (What is a Reference PDF Opens New Window document?) to help you understand this medication.

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