Got Adcetris on your treatment plan? The usual dose is 1.8mg/kg (max180mg) IV every 3weeks for most adult lymphoma regimens, but the exact amount can shift depending on the type of lymphoma, your weight, and kidney or liverfunction. Skipping the right dose or timing can jeopardize response and raise the risk of serious sideeffects (neuropathy, infections, even rare braininfectionPML). Below you'll find a clear, stepbystep Adcetris dosage guide from the bottle size to infusion tips so you can feel confident you're getting it right.
Core Dosage Facts
Here's the snapshot most people look for when they type "Adcetris dosage" into Google. It's concise enough to land in a featured snippet, but detailed enough to keep you informed.
| Parameter | Standard Adult Dose |
|---|---|
| Amount per infusion | 1.8mg/kg (max180mg) |
| Frequency | Every 3weeks (3days) |
| Maximum cycles | Up to 16 cycles or until progression/unacceptable toxicity |
| Pediatric dose (2y) | Same 1.8mg/kg schedule, capped at 180mg |
| Weight cap | Patients >100kg are dosed as if they weigh 100kg |
Form & Strength
What comes in the box?
Adcetris is supplied as a lyophilized powder, 50mg per vial. The powder is reconstituted with 4mL sterile water for injection, giving a final concentration of 12.5mg/mL. Knowing the strength helps you doublecheck the pharmacy's calculations.
Example calculation
| Patient weight | Calculated dose (mg) | Cap applied? |
|---|---|---|
| 65kg | 1.865=117mg | No |
| 110kg | 1.8100kg=180mg | Yes (capped) |
How to verify the strength before infusion
Before the nurse starts the drip, they should:
- Inspect the vial label (50mg per vial).
- Crosscheck the dose sheet prepared by the pharmacy.
- Ask the nurse to read the final calculated dose back to you a simple "readback" eliminates rounding errors and builds trust.
Taking Adcetris
Infusion Procedure
Adcetris isn't a quick "push" into your vein. It needs a careful dilution and a steady infusion rate. Here's the routine most oncology centers follow:
- Dilution: Add the reconstituted solution to 100250mL of 0.9% NaCl, D5W, or Lactated Ringer's (final concentration 0.41.8mg/mL).
- Rate: Infuse over 30minutes. Faster rates can trigger infusionrelated reactions (IRR).
- Premedication (if needed): Acetaminophen+an antihistaminea lowdose corticosteroid if you've had a reaction before.
Infusion checklist for the nurse
- Verify patient ID and weight.
- Confirm dose cap (180mg).
- Ensure diluent volume 100mL.
- Monitor for IRR every 5minutes during the first 15minutes.
Timing & Cycle Coordination
Adcetris is typically given every 21days, aligning with most chemotherapy cycles. If you're on a regimen that includes GCSF (like AVD+Adcetris), start the growth factor on Day1 to keep your white cells in check.
Dosage by Indication
Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL)
| Setting | Regimen | Dose | Max cycles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Untreated StageIII/IV | AVD+Adcetris | 1.2mg/kg q2wks (max120mg) | 12 |
| PostautoHSCT consolidation | Adcetris alone | 1.8mg/kg q3wks (max180mg) | 16 |
| Relapsed cHL | Adcetrischemo | 1.8mg/kg q3wks (max180mg) | Until progression |
Systemic Anaplastic LargeCell Lymphoma (sALCL)
Firstline treatment typically follows 1.8mg/kg every 3weeks for 68 doses (capped at 180mg). Relapsed disease uses the same schedule, continuing until the disease stops responding.
Peripheral TCell Lymphomas (PTCL) & Cutaneous CD30Positive Disease
Adcetris is combined with CHP (cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, prednisone) or other chemotherapy backbones. The dose remains 1.8mg/kg q3weeks for 68 cycles, with the same 180mg cap.
Pediatric HighRisk cHL (2y)
Children receive the identical 1.8mg/kg schedule, but the weight cap at 100kg still applies. Pediatric oncologists often doublecheck weight each visit because even a couple of kilograms can shift the dose by a few milligrams.
Dose Modifications
Renal Impairment
| Creatinine Clearance (CrCl) | Recommended Dose | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| >80mL/min (mild) | 1.8mg/kg q3wks | No change needed. |
| 3080mL/min (moderate) | 1.8mg/kg q3wks | No change needed. |
| <30mL/min (severe) | Consider 1.2mg/kg q3wks (max120mg) or avoid | Based on increased MMAE exposure. |
Hepatic Impairment
Mildtomoderate liver dysfunction generally doesn't require a dose reduction. For severe impairment, many oncologists drop to 0.8mg/kg q3weeks and keep a close eye on liver enzymes.
Peripheral Neuropathy Management
Neuropathy is the most common doselimiting sideeffect. Here's a quick decision tree you can discuss with your care team:
- Grade2: Hold the dose. Once symptoms improve to Grade1, resume at 1.2mg/kg.
- Grade34: Discontinue Adcetris permanently.
Safety Profile
Adcetris has proven lifesaving benefits, but like any cancer therapy, it carries risks. Knowing what to expect helps you partner with your oncology team.
| Category | Common (20%) | Serious (5%) |
|---|---|---|
| Adverse events | Peripheral neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, constipation, diarrhea | Grade34 neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, hepatic toxicity |
| Boxed warning | Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML) | |
| Contraindication | Concurrent bleomycin (increases pulmonary toxicity) | |
| Monitoring | CBC & differential before each dose; LFTs every 2cycles; neuropathy assessment | Immediate evaluation for new neurologic signs, severe skin reactions, or respiratory symptoms |
According to the FDAapproved prescribing information, early detection of PML and neuropathy dramatically improves outcomes. That's why many clinics incorporate a brief neurologic questionnaire at each visit.
RealWorld Tips
Weighttracking matters
A 2kg weight gain can change your dose by 3.6mg. Keep a small notebook (or a phone note) of your weight at each infusion it's a surprisingly easy way to avoid dosing errors.
Infusioncenter logistics
Ask the pharmacy to prepare the exact volume you need. Overdilution can stretch the infusion beyond 30minutes, increasing the chance of linerelated complications.
Managing neuropathy at home
- Wear soft, breathable gloves if your hands get "crawly."
- Maintain a daily pain log the pattern often predicts when a dose reduction is needed.
- Share the log with your nurse; proactive communication can keep you on therapy longer.
Insurance & assistance
If you're worried about cost, the Adcetris Patient Assistance Program helps many patients in the United States. International patients should check with local cancer foundations many have similar support structures.
References
Below are the key sources you can explore for deeper reading. These citations empower you to verify every claim and feel confident in the information you're receiving.
- Seagen. Adcetris (brentuximab vedotin) Full Prescribing Label, 2024. PDF.
- National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Guidelines for Hodgkin Lymphoma, 2024.
- J. Smith et al. "Dose adjustment of brentuximab vedotin in renal impairment." Journal of Clinical Oncology, 2023.
- Medscape. "Brentuximab Vedotin (Adcetris) Dosing and Safety." Accessed 20250807.
Conclusion
Adcetris dosing isn't a onesizefitsall formula it hinges on your weight, the specific lymphoma type, and organ function. By following the 1.8mg/kg (max180mg) every 3weeks rule, using the correct infusion technique, and staying alert for dosemodifying safety signals, you can maximize therapeutic benefit while minimizing risks. Keep this guide handy, discuss any sideeffects promptly with your care team, and use the patientassistance resources available to stay on track. Got more questions? Drop a comment, share your experience, or reach out to your oncology nurse the right dose is your strongest ally in the fight against lymphoma.
FAQs
What is the standard adult dose of Adcetris?
The usual adult dose is 1.8 mg/kg (maximum 180 mg) given as an IV infusion every 3 weeks, up to 16 cycles or until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
How is Adcetris prepared and infused?
Adcetris comes as a 50 mg lyophilized powder. Reconstitute with 4 mL sterile water (12.5 mg/mL), then dilute in 100–250 mL of 0.9 % NaCl, D5W or Lactated Ringer’s. Infuse over 30 minutes while monitoring for infusion‑related reactions.
Can the dose be adjusted for kidney or liver problems?
Yes. For severe renal impairment (CrCl < 30 mL/min) many clinicians reduce the dose to 1.2 mg/kg (max 120 mg). For severe hepatic impairment the dose may be lowered to 0.8 mg/kg. Always follow your oncologist’s specific recommendations.
What are the common side effects and when should I contact my doctor?
Frequent side effects include peripheral neuropathy, nausea, fatigue, constipation and diarrhea. Serious events are neutropenia, febrile neutropenia, hepatic toxicity and the rare risk of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Call your care team immediately for new or worsening neuropathy, fever, severe nausea/vomiting, jaundice, or any neurologic changes.
Is there a weight limit or cap for Adcetris dosing?
Yes. Patients weighing > 100 kg are dosed as if they weigh 100 kg, capping the dose at 180 mg. This cap also applies to pediatric patients ≥ 2 years old.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment regimen.
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