Powered By
ANTIBODY-DRUG CONJUGATE
Blenrep (belantamab mafodotin-blmf) is a prescription medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for treating adults with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma.
These insights are based on 251 comments about Blenrep from MyMyelomaTeam members. These are the experiences of a small number of people and are not meant to be medical advice.
Blenrep works by targeting BCMA, a protein found on myeloma cells. After it attaches to BCMA, it enters the cell and releases a cancer-fighting medicine. This medicine damages structures inside the cell called microtubules, stopping the cancerous myeloma cell from growing and leading to cell death. It may also help the immune system attack and destroy myeloma cells.
Blenrep is used to treat adults with multiple myeloma who have already had at least two prior treatments, including a proteasome inhibitor and an immunomodulatory agent, and their cancer has come back or did not respond to prior treatment.
Blenrep is given as an intravenous infusion, which means it is delivered into a vein. It is usually given every three weeks with bortezomib and dexamethasone for the first eight cycles, then every three weeks on its own.
These insights are based on 251 comments about Blenrep from MyMyelomaTeam members.Members who use Blenrep often talk about planning around eye-related side effects and staying in close contact with their care team. Many also say it helps to keep up with eye care routines and be flexible about treatment timing.
Attend every eye exam and report vision changes quickly.
“Every Thursday before a Monday infusion I had to get an eye exam. If eye issues were more than a Grade 1, treatment would be withheld.”
Stay consistent with preservative-free eye drops.
“We are vigilant with using the eye drops four or more times during the day and gel at night.”
Expect that doses may be delayed because of eye issues.
“I had two consecutive cycles of Blenrep in a row and had to stop, of course, for the eye blurriness. I resumed when my eyes were clear after skipping a cycle or two.”
Plan ahead for vision changes in daily life.
“Use caution when driving or operating machinery because Blenrep may cause changes to your vision.”
Connect with others who understand life with multiple myeloma. Join MyMyelomaTeam for free.
In clinical trials of Blenrep used with bortezomib and dexamethasone for adults with multiple myeloma, the most common side effects were reported in about 11 percent to 89 percent of people. They include:
Blenrep can cause serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include:
Get medical help right away if you think you are having a serious reaction.
GSK, the manufacturer of Blenrep, offers the Blenrep Copay Program. It may help eligible people with out-of-pocket medication and eye exam costs for Blenrep.
To learn more, visit the Blenrep site or call 844-447-5662.
Before starting Blenrep, your doctor will arrange an eye exam. This includes a slit lamp exam and a vision test called best-corrected visual acuity. If you have the potential to become pregnant, your doctor will check your pregnancy status before treatment.
Tell your doctor if you have any allergies to belantamab mafodotin-blmf or any ingredients in Blenrep.
Tell your doctor about all medicines you take, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and supplements.
Before receiving Blenrep, tell your healthcare provider about all of your medical conditions, including if you:
If you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding while taking Blenrep, talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits. Blenrep can harm a fetus.
If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for four months after your last dose. If you have a partner who can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for six months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for three months after your last dose.
These answers are fact-checked by our editorial staff.
How effective is Blenrep?
In a study of adults with multiple myeloma who had already tried at least two treatments, 81.5 percent of people who received Blenrep with bortezomib and dexamethasone had their cancer respond to treatment. This compares to 56.9 percent of people who received a different medication, daratumumab, with bortezomib and dexamethasone.
Those who took Blenrep had a longer time without their disease getting worse. The median amount of time was 31.3 months, compared to 10.4 months in the other group.
How long does Blenrep take to work for multiple myeloma?
In the clinical study, among people whose multiple myeloma responded to treatment, the median time to response was 1.43 months. That means half of the participants had a response before that time, and half had a response after.
What eye monitoring is needed during treatment with Blenrep for multiple myeloma?
Eye exams are required before starting Blenrep, before each dose, and if you have new or worsening eye symptoms. The exam should include a slit lamp exam and a vision test called best-corrected visual acuity.
These exams should be done by an eye care professional, such as an ophthalmologist or optometrist. The first exam should be done within four weeks before your first dose. Follow-up exams should be done within 10 days before each planned dose.
On MyMyelomaTeam, people share their experiences with multiple myeloma, get advice, and find support from others who understand.
Learn more about Blenrep and multiple myeloma care:
More resources from MyMyelomaTeam that mention Blenrep
Become a member to get even more
Join
Your Privacy Choices
