If you have a type of cancer that affects your white blood cells, your doctor might suggest Zynlonta as a treatment option. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following kinds of B-cell lymphoma in adults:
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) from an unknown cause
- high grade (fast-growing) DLBCL
- DLBCL that began as low grade (slow-growing) lymphoma
Zynlonta is prescribed for those who’ve had at least two previous cancer treatments, but their cancer either didn’t respond to treatment or returned.
The drug comes as a vial of powder that a healthcare professional will mix into a liquid solution. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
Zynlonta is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from living cells, and it’s a type of antibody-drug conjugate. It contains the active ingredient loncastuximab tesirine-lpyl.* (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.)
This article describes the dosage of Zynlonta, as well as its strength and how to use it. To learn more about Zynlonta, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Zynlonta’s usual dosage, which is provided by the drugmaker. But your doctor will prescribe the Zynlonta dosage that’s right for you.
* The reason “-lpyl” appears at the end of the drug’s name is to show that the drug is distinct from similar medications that may be created in the future.
The information below describes the usual recommended dosages for Zynlonta. But always take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you, which they’ll calculate using your weight. The frequency of your dosing is based on 3-week cycles.
Note: The chart below highlights the basics of Zynlonta’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more details.
| Zynlonta form | Zynlonta strength | Zynlonta usual dosage |
| powder in a vial that’s mixed with liquid to make a solution | 10 milligrams (mg) per vial | • 0.15 mg of drug per kilogram (kg)* of body weight every 3 weeks for two cycles • then 0.075 mg/kg every 3 weeks |
* One kilogram equals about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
What is Zynlonta’s form?
Zynlonta comes as a powder in a vial that is mixed with a liquid to make a solution. It’s given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
What strength does Zynlonta come in?
Zynlonta is available in one strength of 10 mg. Once it’s mixed with liquid, the strength of the solution is 5 mg per 1 milliliter (mL). (This means there’s 5 mg of drug in every 1 mL of solution.)
What is the usual dosage of Zynlonta?
Your doctor will likely start you on a higher dosage for your first two cycles of Zynlonta treatment. Each cycle is three weeks. Then they’ll decrease it to the right amount for you based on the recommended dosage determined by your weight.
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for large B-cell lymphoma
Your dosage of Zynlonta is calculated using your body weight in kilograms (kg). Your infusions will follow a dosing schedule of 3-week cycles. You’ll receive one dose on the first day of each 3-week cycle.
For the first two cycles, the usual dosage is 0.15 mg per kg of body weight (mg/kg). Every 3-week cycle after that, the recommended dosage is 0.075 mg/kg.
Depending on whether you have side effects and their severity, your doctor may reduce your dose or pause or stop your treatment.
Is Zynlonta used long term?
Yes, Zynlonta 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 use it long term. Your doctor will tell you how long you’ll receive Zynlonta infusions for.
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Zynlonta’s dosage.
Can I receive my doses of Zynlonta at home?
Zynlonta infusions are usually given at a hospital, doctor’s office, infusion center, or clinic. They’re prepared and administered by a healthcare professional as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). Zynlonta is considered a hazardous drug, and certain safety precautions for its handling, administration, and disposal are required.
In certain situations, some medications can be administered at home. But not all drugs can be infused at home or are covered by insurance for this type of treatment.
If you’re having trouble making your infusion visits, talk with your doctor and insurance provider. They can let you know if home infusion of Zynlonta is an option that’s covered for you.
Will my infusion take longer if my dose is higher?
No, the recommended length of a Zynlonta infusion is 30 minutes, regardless of the strength of your dose.
Your doctor will use your body weight to calculate your dose. For the first two 3-week cycles you’ll receive a higher dose. Then your doctor will decrease your dose, but the infusion time will still be about 30 minutes.
Will my dosage be different if my B-cell lymphoma is refractory or relapsed?
No, there is only one recommended dosage and dosing frequency for Zynlonta. If you have refractory or relapsed B-cell lymphoma, your doctor will likely prescribe the same dosage. Refractory means your cancer didn’t respond to past treatment. Relapse means your past treatment may have worked, but your cancer came back.
For more information about Zynlonta’s dosage, see “What is the usual dosage of Zynlonta?” above.
The dosage of Zynlonta you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- your body weight
- any side effects you may have during treatment with this drug
You’ll receive a dose of Zynlonta via intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time) every 3 weeks. This 30-minute infusion is usually given in a hospital, doctor’s office, or clinic.
A healthcare professional will mix the drug into a liquid solution before it’s given. During your infusion, your doctor will monitor you for any side effects.
Starting the day before your Zynlonta infusion, you’ll likely take the drug dexamethasone (a type of corticosteroid) twice per day for 3 days. This is to help prevent side effects from Zynlonta. Or your doctor may give you a dose of dexamethasone at least 2 hours before your Zynlonta infusion.
If you miss your appointment for your Zynlonta infusion, call your doctor right away. It’s important to receive your infusions on time.
If you need help remembering your appointment for your dose of Zynlonta, 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 provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Zynlonta, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. Talk with them about any concerns or questions you have about your dosage. Examples of questions you may want to ask include:
- Will my dosage of Zynlonta be different if I have kidney problems?
- Should older adults have a different dosage of Zynlonta?
- Will my dosage of Zynlonta be adjusted if I have bothersome side effects?
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.