If you have a certain type of blood cancer, your doctor might suggest Monjuvi as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used in adults to treat certain types of diffuse large B cell lymphoma that’s come back after treatment or is not responding to other drugs. These types include:
- diffuse large B cell lymphoma that comes from lymphoma that progresses slowly
- diffuse large B cell lymphoma in people who are not able to have a stem cell transplant
Monjuvi comes as a powder that’s mixed with sterile water to make a liquid solution. You’ll be given this drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional. You’ll receive Monjuvi along with another cancer drug called Revlimid.
The active ingredient in Monjuvi is tafasitamab-cxix.* (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Monjuvi is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells.
This article describes the dosages of Monjuvi, as well as its strength and how it’s given. To learn more about Monjuvi, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Monjuvi’s usual dosage, which is provided by the drugmaker. But your doctor will prescribe the Monjuvi dosage that’s right for you.
* The reason “-cxix” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that this drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
Below is information about Monjuvi’s usual dosage.
Note: This dosage chart highlights the basics of Monjuvi’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail.
| Monjuvi form | Monjuvi strength | Usual dosage |
| powder that’s mixed with sterile water to form a liquid solution | 200 milligrams (mg) | 12 mg/kilogram (kg) body weight |
What is the form of Monjuvi?
Monjuvi comes as a powder which is mixed with a specific amount of sterile water to make a liquid solution. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) by a healthcare professional.
What strength does Monjuvi come in?
Monjuvi comes in one strength of 200 mg of powder in a single-dose vial.
What are the usual dosages of Monjuvi?
Your doctor will likely start you on the usual dosage and frequency of Monjuvi and adjust it over time to reach the right amount for you. The information below describes the dosing schedule most commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
You’ll usually be given Monjuvi via 12 mg/kg IV infusions. Your doctor will make your dosage calculations by weight. For example, if your body weight is 75 kg,* your Monjuvi dose will be 900 mg.
Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is treated on a certain number of days per cycle and a cycle lasts 28 days. For example, the first 28-day period is called cycle 1, the next is called cycle 2, and so on.
The drugmaker recommends that your Monjuvi dose be given more often in the earlier part of your treatment according to the following schedule:
- for cycle 1, you’ll be given Monjuvi on days 1, 4, 8, 15, and 22
- for cycles 2 and 3, you’ll be given Monjuvi on days 1, 8, 15, and 22
- for cycles 4 to 12 and any cycles after that, you’ll be given Monjuvi on days 1 and 15
Monjuvi is usually given with Revlimid for 12 cycles. Some people keep taking Monjuvi alone after they’re done with Revlimid treatment.
* One kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Is Monjuvi used long term?
Yes, Monjuvi 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 receive it long term.
The drugmaker recommends taking Monjuvi until your cancer gets worse or you have bad side effects. Talk with your doctor about tests they’ll do to track Monjuvi benefits and risks over time.
Dosage adjustments
Your doctor will test your blood for levels of certain blood cells and watch you for signs of infection. Depending on how the drug affects your body, they may lower your Monjuvi dose or pause your treatment for a period of time.
Your doctor will also monitor you for reactions that happen right at the time of your dosage. If your body has a negative reaction to the drug, they may give your infusion more slowly, pause it, or switch you to a different medication.
The dosage of Monjuvi you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
You’ll usually go to a doctor’s office, healthcare facility, or infusion center to get your Monjuvi intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
Your first infusion will be a little slower and can take as long as 2.5 hours. If your body does not react badly, future infusions will usually take between 1.5 and 2 hours.
You may be told to arrive early so you can be given premedications 30 minutes to 2 hours before your Monjuvi dose. These are medications that help your body avoid negative reactions to the infusion. If you get three infusions and have no bad reactions, your doctor may be okay with skipping this step later.
If you miss or know you’ll have to miss your Monjuvi dosage appointment, let your doctor know right away. They’ll help you reschedule it as soon as possible.
If you need help remembering your appointment for your dose of Monjuvi, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.
The sections above describe the usual dosage of Monjuvi provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends this treatment, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask:
- Will my dosage change if Monjuvi is causing side effects?
- How should I prepare for my appointment to get my Monjuvi dosage?
- Does my dosage of Monjuvi need to change if I’m taking other drugs along with it?
- Should I take my Revlimid dose before or after my Monjuvi dosage appointment?
- How often will I need blood tests to see how my Monjuvi dosage is working?
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.