Blinatumomab
Say it: blin-ah-TOO-moh-mab · Brand names: Blincyto
Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to leukemia cells so your body can attack the cancer.
What it is
It is a special antibody with two arms. One arm grabs a protein called CD19 on leukemia cells, and the other arm grabs a protein called CD3 on your T cells (a type of immune cell). This brings your immune cells right next to the cancer so they can attack it.
Often used for
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a fast growing blood cancer), in adults and children
- leukemia that is in remission but still has tiny amounts of cancer left
- leukemia that has come back or did not respond to treatment
How you get it
You get blinatumomab as a slow, nonstop infusion into a vein through a small pump you carry with you. A cycle is usually 4 weeks of the infusion, often followed by a 2 week break. You start in the hospital for the first few days, then you can usually go home with the pump while nurses change the medicine bag on a schedule. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Fever. Check your temperature and call as your team tells you.
- Reactions such as chills or feeling unwell, often at the start. Your team will watch you closely.
- Headache. Rest and drink fluids.
- Infections. Wash your hands often and avoid sick people.
- Shaking hands (tremor). Tell your team if it is new.
- Low blood counts. Your team will check your blood.
- Nausea. Eat small, bland meals.
- Swelling in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it is new.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Fever, chills, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing (possible signs of cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction)
- Confusion, trouble speaking or writing, shaking, very bad sleepiness, seizures, or feeling not like yourself
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- The pump alarms, stops, or the tubing leaks, breaks, or comes loose
- Redness, pain, swelling, or drainage where the line enters your body
- Very bad belly pain that may spread to your back
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have ever had a seizure, stroke, or memory problems
- If you have an infection now
- If you have had radiation to the brain or chemotherapy into the spinal fluid
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can cause cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction that causes fever, low blood pressure, and trouble breathing. It is most common after the first few doses and can be life threatening, so you will be watched closely.
- This medicine can cause nervous system problems, such as confusion, trouble speaking, or seizures. Do not drive or use heavy machines during the early doses and for as long as your team tells you.
- You will get a steroid medicine before treatment to lower the chance of reactions.
- Serious infections can happen. You will have blood tests during treatment.
- Never try to change the pump settings or flush the line yourself. A sudden rush of medicine can be dangerous.
At home
- Keep the pump and tubing with you at all times and keep them dry. Ask your team how to shower safely.
- Do not change the pump settings, open the pump, or flush the line. Only your care team should do this.
- If the pump alarms or stops, or the tubing leaks or comes loose, call your team right away. Do not try to fix it.
- If medicine leaks on your skin, wash the area with soap and water and call your team.
Questions to ask
- Who changes my medicine bag, and how often?
- What do I do if the pump alarms in the middle of the night?
- How long do I need to stay in the hospital at the start?
- When can I drive again?
Side effect guides
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Blinatumomab?
- Blinatumomab is an immunotherapy medicine that links your immune cells to leukemia cells so your body can attack the cancer. Brand names: Blincyto.
- What is Blinatumomab used for?
- B-cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia (a fast growing blood cancer), in adults and children; leukemia that is in remission but still has tiny amounts of cancer left; leukemia that has come back or did not respond to treatment.
- How is Blinatumomab given?
- You get blinatumomab as a slow, nonstop infusion into a vein through a small pump you carry with you. A cycle is usually 4 weeks of the infusion, often followed by a 2 week break. You start in the hospital for the first few days, then you can usually go home with the pump while nurses change the medicine bag on a schedule. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Blinatumomab?
- Fever. Reactions such as chills or feeling unwell, often at the start. Headache. Infections. Shaking hands (tremor). Low blood counts. Nausea. Swelling in your hands or feet.
- When should I call my care team while taking Blinatumomab?
- Fever, chills, fast heartbeat, dizziness, or trouble breathing (possible signs of cytokine release syndrome, a strong immune reaction); Confusion, trouble speaking or writing, shaking, very bad sleepiness, seizures, or feeling not like yourself; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; The pump alarms, stops, or the tubing leaks, breaks, or comes loose; Redness, pain, swelling, or drainage where the line enters your body; Very bad belly pain that may spread to your back.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.