Jemperli (dostarlimab-gxly) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain types of cancer. The drug comes as a liquid solution for intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional. It’s usually given once every 3 or 6 weeks.
Jemperli is prescribed to adults to treat endometrial cancer and solid tumors that are mismatch repair deficient (dMMR).* It’s used when the cancer has spread or returned after another treatment. In some cases, Jemperli is prescribed along with chemotherapy.
Jemperli is a type of targeted therapy. The drug targets genetic mutations present in cancer cells.
The active ingredient in Jemperli is dostarlimab-gxly.† (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) It’s a biologic drug made from living cells.
This article describes the dosages of Jemperli, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Jemperli, see this in-depth article.
* Cancers that are dMMR have certain genetic mutations that prevent the cells from fixing new genetic errors that can occur during cell replication (multiplication and growth). Without the ability to fix these genetic errors, the risk of cancer is increased.
† Biologic drugs have unique suffixes to show that they’re distinct from similar drugs that may be created in the future. This is why “-gxly” appears at the end of the name of the active ingredient.
This section describes the usual dosages of Jemperli. Keep reading to learn more.
What is Jemperli’s form?
Jemperli is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.
What strength does Jemperli come in?
Jemperli comes in a strength of 500 milligrams (mg) of drug per 10 milliliters (mL) of liquid solution. It comes in a single-dose vial.
What are the usual dosages of Jemperli?
Your doctor will start by prescribing the recommended dosage of Jemperli based on the condition it’s being used to treat. You’ll receive one of the following:
- 500 mg once every 3 weeks
- 1,000 mg once every 6 weeks
Your doctor will tell you how much and how often you’ll receive Jemperli.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage for you.
Dosage for endometrial cancer
The typical Jemperli dosage for adults with endometrial cancer depends on whether it’s used alone or with chemotherapy.
If you’re prescribed Jemperli alone, your doctor will likely prescribe a dosage of 500 mg once every 3 weeks. You’ll receive this amount as an IV infusion for a total of 4 doses. Then, your doctor will change your dosage to 1,000 mg once every 6 weeks. You’ll continue to receive this dosage for the remainder of your treatment.
If you’re prescribed Jemperli with the chemotherapy drugs carboplatin and paclitaxel, your dosage will be slightly different. Your doctor will likely prescribe 500 mg of Jemperli, which you’ll receive as an IV infusion every 3 weeks for 6 doses. During this time, you’ll also receive treatment with carboplatin and paclitaxel. After that, you’ll continue receiving Jemperli alone. You’ll receive 1,000 mg of Jemperli once every 6 weeks for the remainder of your treatment.
Dosage for mismatch repair deficient solid tumors
The recommended dosage of Jemperli for the treatment of mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)* solid tumors is 500 mg once every 3 weeks. You’ll receive this amount as an IV infusion for a total of 4 doses. Then, your doctor will change your dosage to 1,000 mg once every 6 weeks. You’ll continue on this dosage for the remainder of your treatment.
Note: Solid tumors include colon cancer, stomach cancer, breast cancer, and others. Jemperli may be prescribed for these tumors when laboratory testing shows that they are dMMR and when they meet certain other criteria. For this use, Jemperli received accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Accelerated approval is based on information from early clinical studies. The FDA will make a decision about full approval after more studies are completed.
* Cancers that are dMMR have certain genetic mutations that prevent the cells from fixing new genetic errors that can occur during cell replication (multiplication and growth). Without the ability to fix these genetic errors, the risk of cancer is increased.
Is Jemperli used long term?
Yes, Jemperli is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely have Jemperli treatment long term.
The dosage of Jemperli you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the type and severity of the condition you’re using the drug to treat
- other medications you may be taking
You’ll receive Jemperli at your doctor’s office or at a clinic.
Jemperli comes as a liquid solution in a vial. The small volume of liquid in the vial is first diluted in a larger volume of liquid saline solution by a healthcare professional. You’ll then receive the medication as an IV infusion over about 30 minutes.
If you miss your appointment to receive Jemperli, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.
If you need help remembering your appointments, try setting an alert on your phone calendar or reminder app.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Jemperli’s dosage.
Is Jemperli’s dosage similar to the dosages of Keytruda or Opdivo?
Each drug comes as a liquid solution that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion by a healthcare professional. Keytruda and Jemperli are given every 3 or 6 weeks. Opdivo is usually given every 2 or 4 weeks.
To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.
How long does it take for Jemperli to start working?
Jemperli starts to work after you receive your first dose. It may take several months to know how well the medication is working.
Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel it working in your body. But your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.
If you have other questions about what to expect from your Jemperli treatment, talk with your doctor.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Jemperli, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Does my dosage of Jemperli depend on my body weight?
- Will you lower my dose of Jemperli if I experience certain side effects?
- How does the dosage of Jemperli compare with the chemotherapy drug carboplatin?
To learn more about Jemperli, 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.