Elahere (mirvetuximab soravtansine-gynx) is a brand-name injection that’s prescribed for certain types of cancer. As with other drugs, Elahere can cause side effects, such as eye problems, nerve damage, and fatigue.

Elahere has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Elahere can cause certain side effects, some of which are more common than others. These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

These are just a few of the more common side effects reported by people who took Elahere in clinical trials:

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

Mild side effects can occur with Elahere use. This list doesn’t include all possible mild side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Elahere’s prescribing information.

Mild side effects that have been reported with Elahere include:

  • abdominal pain
  • blurred vision
  • constipation
  • decreased appetite
  • diarrhea
  • fatigue
  • muscle or joint pain
  • nausea or vomiting

These side effects may be temporary, lasting a few days to weeks. However, if the side effects last longer than that, bother you, or become severe, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking Elahere and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch.

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Elahere may cause serious side effects. The list below may not include all possible serious side effects of the drug. For more information, you can refer to Elahere’s prescribing information.

If you develop serious side effects while taking Elahere, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.

Serious side effects that have been reported include:

  • ascites (fluid buildup in the abdomen), which may include symptoms such as:
    • abdominal pain
    • abdominal swelling or bloating
    • nausea or indigestion
    • swelling in the feet or lower legs
  • intestinal blockage, which may include symptoms such as:
    • abdominal pain
    • appetite loss
    • diarrhea
    • nausea or vomiting
  • severe decreases in blood cell counts, including red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets, which may include symptoms such as:
    • feeling cold
    • frequent infections
    • tiredness
    • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • severe changes in liver function, which may or may not cause symptoms such as:
    • dark urine
    • fatigue
    • pale stool
    • yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes
  • eye problems*
  • peripheral neuropathy*
  • pneumonitis*

* For more information about this side effect, see “Side effect specifics.”

ALLERGIC REACTION

For some people, the Elahere injection can cause an allergic reaction. Symptoms of this type of reaction can be mild or serious.

Ways to manage

For mild allergic reaction symptoms, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may recommend treatments to help manage your symptoms. They’ll also let you know whether you should keep taking the medication.

For severe allergic reaction symptoms, such as swelling or trouble breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms require immediate medical care because they can become life threatening. If you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Elahere, your doctor may recommend taking a different medication instead.

Elahere may cause several side effects. Here are answers to some common questions about the drug’s side effects.

Does Elahere cause hair loss?

It’s unlikely that Elahare causes hair loss. In clinical trials of the medication, there were no reports of this side effect.

If you develop hair thinning or hair loss during Elahere treatment, tell your doctor. They can determine the most likely cause and suggest treatment options.

Can Elahere cause long-term side effects?

Yes, Elahere may cause long-term side effects. It has a boxed warning about the risk of serious eye problems. These eye conditions can be permanent or long-lasting. To learn more about this risk, see the “Side effect specfics” section.

Talk with your doctor if you have questions about the possible long-term side effects of Elahere.

Learn more about some of the side effects Elahere may cause. To find out how often side effects occurred in clinical trials, see the prescribing information for Elahere.

Eye problems

Elahere has a boxed warning about this side effect. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Eye problems are the most common side effect of Elahere. They range from mild vision changes to severe problems, including keratopathy (breakdown of the cornea).

Symptoms of serious eye problems may include:

  • dry eyes
  • eye pain
  • feeling like something is in your eye
  • sensitivity to light
  • trouble opening your eye due to pain or irritation
  • trouble seeing

What you can do

Because Elahere can cause eye problems, a doctor will typically send you to an eye doctor before prescribing this medication. You’ll also see an eye doctor from time to time during Elahere treatment.

Your doctor will likely give you eye drops to use during Elahere treatment. They may also tell you not to wear contact lenses. Follow your doctor’s instructions for eye care.

Tell your doctor right away if you experience any symptoms of new or worsening vision problems. They may recommend adjusting your Elahere dosage. In some cases, your doctor may need to stop the drug permanently or until your symptoms improve.

Peripheral neuropathy

Peripheral neuropathy is a type of nerve damage. It is a commonly reported side effect of Elahere and can range from mild to severe.

Peripheral neuropathy usually affects the hands or feet. Symptoms of peripheral neuropathy may include:

  • burning
  • numbness
  • pain
  • pins-and-needles sensations
  • tingling
  • weakness

What you can do

If you develop any symptoms of peripheral neuropathy, talk with your doctor right away. They may suggest decreasing your dosage of Elahere or stopping it for a period of time. In some cases, your doctor may recommend to stop the drug permanently.

Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis is irritation and inflammation of the lung tissue. It was a common side effect reported in studies of Elahere. Pneumonitis can be severe and life threatening. It can be even be fatal in some cases.

Symptoms of pneumonitis may include:

  • chest pain
  • cough that may continue to worsen
  • extreme tiredness
  • shortness of breath
  • weight loss
  • fever

What you can do

If you experience symptoms of pneumonitis, seek medical care right away. If you have pneumonitis, your doctor may suggest decreasing your dosage of Elahere or stopping it for a period of time. In some cases, your doctor will recommend to stop the drug permanently.

Below is important information you should consider before taking Elahere.

Elahere has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the “Side effect specifics” section.

Other precautions

Before taking Elahere, discuss your health history with your doctor. Elahere may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Be sure to talk with your doctor if any of the following apply to you:

  • eye or vision problems
  • liver disease
  • numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
  • previous allergic reaction to this or a similar drug
  • pregnancy
  • breastfeeding

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.