How does this medicine work?
MAB Ch 14.18 is a monoclonal antibody. These are laboratory-produced substances that can locate and bind to cancer cells anywhere in the body. MAB Ch 14.18 binds to neuroblastoma cells and destroys them.
How is the medicine given?
MAB Ch 14.18 is given as an infusion through a vein (IV) or venous access device over a period of 5 hours or longer.
Pre-medications are given to help prevent side effects during the infusion. Your child will be monitored closely during the infusion.
Are there any precautions about food or other medicines?
Steroids may not be given to patients who are on MAB Ch 14.18.
Your child should not get any immunizations without the doctor’s approval.
Check with the doctor before giving any other prescription or non-prescription medicines, herbs, or vitamins.
What are the side effects?
During the infusion:
- burning, prickling, or tingling sensation
- abdominal (belly) pain
- nerve pain
- mild nausea and vomiting
- low or high blood pressure
- hives
- fever
After the infusion:
Common
- nerve pain
- numbness or tingling
- low or high blood pressure
- mild nausea and vomiting
- loss of appetite
- fast heartbeat
- itching
- fever
- electrolyte changes
Occasional
- seizures
- diarrhea
- fluid build-up in tissues
- swollen lymph glands
- drowsiness
- low level of protein in blood
- high liver and kidney function tests
- weight loss
- low platelet count
- feeling tired
- joint pain
After the infusion:
Rare
- severely high or low blood pressure
- abnormal spasm of airways
- numbness
- life-threatening allergic reaction
- slowing of eye pupils’ response to light
- swelling of the back of the eye cause by pressure in the brain
- nerve pain, tingling, burning sensation