Epkinly (epcoritamab-bysp) is a prescription drug used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) in some adults. The drug is given as an injection under your skin, with dosage based on treatment cycles.
Epkinly is prescribed to treat DLBCL, a form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The drug is used after two systemic treatments* have been tried and either they didn’t work or the cancer returned.
Note: Epkinly has received
The active ingredient in Epkinly is epcoritamab-bysp.† (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Epkinly belongs to a group of drugs called bispecific CD20-directed CD3 T-cell engages.
It’s a biologic drug made from living cells. Epkinly comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under the skin by a healthcare professional.
This article describes the dosages of Epkinly, as well as its strengths and how it’s given. To learn more about Epkinly, see this in-depth article.
* “Systemic” refers to a treatment that affects the whole body, and includes medications you swallow or inject.
† * The reason “-bysp” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that it’s distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
This section describes the usual dosages of Epkinly.
What is Epkinly’s form?
Epkinly comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin by a healthcare professional.
What strengths does Epkinly come in?
Epkinly comes in single-dose vials and is available in two strengths:
- 4 milligrams (mg) per 0.8 milliliters (mL) of solution
- 48 mg per 0.8 mL
What are the usual dosages of Epkinly?
Epkinly is given in 28-day cycles. You’ll receive one, two, or four injections per month depending on the cycle. Your doctor will start you on low step-up dosages of Epkinly when you start treatment.
This is to help lower your risk of side effects such as CRS. They’ll slowly increase your dose until you reach the right dosage for treating your condition.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for DLBCL
The dosage of Epkinly for adults with DLBCL is based on 28-day treatment cycles. For the first three cycles, you’ll receive one injection per week.
During cycles four through nine, you’ll receive an injection once every 2 weeks. After that, you’ll receive an injection once every 4 weeks.
You’ll receive step-up doses during your first treatment cycle. These are gradually increased doses to see how you react to the medication. After this, you’ll receive full doses of Epkinly.
| Epkinly treatment cycle | Treatment day | Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| Cycle 1 | Day 1 | 0.16 mg (first step-up dose) |
| Day 8 | 0.8 mg (second step-up dose) | |
| Day 15 | 48 mg (first full dose) | |
| Day 22 | 48 mg | |
| Cycles 2–3 | Days 1, 8, 15, and 22 | 48 mg |
| Cycles 4–9 | Days 1 and 15 (once every 2 weeks) | 48 mg |
| Cycles 10 and beyond | Day 1 (once every 4 weeks) | 48 mg |
Your doctor may prescribe certain pre-treatment medications to reduce your risk of CRS before you receive Epkinly injections. These include corticosteroids, antihistamines, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). They’ll monitor you closely in the hospital for at least 1 day after you receive your first full (48-mg) dose of Epkinly on day 15 of treatment.
Your doctor may adjust your dosage schedule and treatment cycle if needed. They may also pause or stop your treatment with Epkinly if you have serious side effects such as CRS.
If you have questions about your dosage and dosing schedule, talk with your doctor to learn more.
Is Epkinly used long term?
Yes, Epkinly is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for treating your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term.
The dosage of Epkinly you’re prescribed may depend on the side effects you experience. Talk with your doctor to find out whether you’ll need any dosage adjustments for Epkinly.
Epkinly comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an injection under your skin. Your doctor or another healthcare professional will inject Epkinly into your thigh or lower abdomen. You’ll receive doses in a hospital, clinic, or doctor’s office. Your doctor will monitor you for 1 day in the hospital after you receive your first full dose of Epkinly on day 15 of cycle 1 of treatment.
Your doctor may also give you certain pre-treatment medications including corticosteroids, antihistamines, and acetaminophen (Tylenol). This is to help reduce your risk of CRS.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions about receiving doses of Epkinly.
If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Epkinly, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. They’ll give you the missed dose and adjust your dosing schedule if needed.
If you need help remembering your appointments, try downloading a reminder app on your phone.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Epkinly’s dosage.
Is Epkinly’s dosage similar to that of Monjuvi?
No, it’s not. Although the forms and uses of both drugs are similar, there are differences. Epkinly and Monjuvi (tafasitamab-cxix) are both biologic drugs used to treat certain types of B-cell lymphoma. Both are given in 28-day treatment cycles.
Epkinly comes as a liquid solution for injection under the skin by a healthcare professional. Monjuvi comes as a powder that’s mixed into a liquid solution and given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). The dosage of Monjuvi is based on your body weight.
The dose in milligrams and the treatment schedule for each drug differs. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them to learn more about how these drugs compare.
How long does it take for Epkinly to start working?
Epkinly starts to work after your first full dose of the medication (day 15 of cycle 1 of treatment). Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to be sure the drug is effectively treating your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Epkinly treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by Epkinly’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends this drug, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Will I need step-up doses again if my treatment schedule is interrupted?
- Will I need a dosage adjustment if I’m taking other medications for my condition?
- How does Epkinly’s dosage compare with that of Yescarta (axicabtagene ciloleucel)?
To learn more about Epkinly, see these articles:
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Disclaimer: Healthline 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.