Zynlonta Explanation: Effects, Price, Dosage, Mechanism, and Additional Information
In August 2025, Zynlonta (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) remains the only FDA-approved treatment for certain types of large B-cell lymphoma, with no biosimilar available or in active development. This antibody-drug conjugate, administered as an IV infusion, works by damaging the lymphoma cell's DNA, stopping it from multiplying.
Zynlonta treatment requires careful monitoring, with routine blood tests during the course of treatment to check complete blood count, liver and kidney health, and blood sugar levels. Before receiving Zynlonta, it's essential to discuss your health history with your doctor, as the drug may not be suitable for those with specific medical conditions.
Zynlonta is given once every 3 weeks, and each treatment session typically lasts around 30 minutes, although your appointment may take a couple of hours due to pre-infusion procedures. The dosage is based on body weight and side effects experienced during treatment.
Side effects of Zynlonta can include fatigue, pain in muscles, joints, or bones, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, reduced appetite, and hyperglycemia. More serious side effects can include serious infection, fluid retention, skin reactions, decreased levels of blood cells, and allergic reactions.
It's important to note that Zynlonta is not known to interact with specific medications, supplements, or foods, as the FDA granted Zynlonta, and clinical trials of the medication are still ongoing. However, potential interactions with Zynlonta may still be possible, particularly with Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and live vaccines.
If you're sexually active and can become pregnant, talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you receive Zynlonta. Females should use birth control during treatment and for 10 months after the last dose of Zynlonta, while males should use birth control, such as condoms, during Zynlonta treatment and for 7 months after the last dose.
Zynlonta may harm a fetus, and if you're pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about the best treatment option for you during this time. Zynlonta may also affect male fertility, with reduced genitalia size and decreased sperm count in animal studies, although the effects on female fertility are unknown.
Your doctor will likely recommend that you do not breastfeed while you're receiving Zynlonta and for at least 3 months after your last dose. It isn't known whether Zynlonta passes into breast milk or how the drug might affect a child who is breastfed.
While no biosimilar for Zynlonta is currently available, other drugs may be available to treat certain types of large B-cell lymphoma. These include antibody-drug conjugates like brentuximab vedotin (Adcetris) and polatuzumab vedotin (Polivy), antibody treatments like rituximab (Rituxan) and tafasitamab-cxix (Monjuvi), chemotherapy drugs, lenalidomide (Revlimid), selinexor (Xpovio), and more.
As with any medical treatment, it's crucial to discuss the benefits and risks of Zynlonta with your doctor to determine whether it's the right choice for you. If you have any questions or concerns about Zynlonta or its side effects, don't hesitate to speak with your healthcare provider.
- In the field of oncology, Zynlonta (loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl) is the only FDA-approved drug for specific types of large B-cell lymphoma.
- Zynlonta, which damages lymphoma cells' DNA, requires careful monitoring during treatments, including regular blood tests for various medical conditions like complete blood count, liver and kidney health, and blood sugar levels.
- Before starting Zynlonta therapies and treatments, it's essential to disclose your health history to your doctor, as this drug may not be suitable for those with certain medical conditions.
- Some side effects of Zynlonta include fatigue, muscle and joint pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, skin rash, reduced appetite, and hyperglycemia, but more serious conditions like infections, fluid retention, skin reactions, and allergic reactions can also occur.
- In connection with Zynlonta treatment, it's crucial to discuss birth control options with your doctor, as well as the potential effects on fertility and breastfeeding, while considering other drugs available for treating certain types of large B-cell lymphoma.
