JELMYTO: A treatment plan that works for you
Preparing for treatment with Jelmyto
Before Jelmyto is given, you will need to take sodium bicarbonate. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to take this. You will need to take this each time you get Jelmyto.
Things to discuss with your doctor:
- Let your doctor know if you are taking a water pill (diuretic)
- Tell your doctor if you have any other medical conditions or take any other medications. There is a chance that your doctor may tell you to take additional medicine, or change the medication that you are currently taking, once you start treatment with Jelmyto
- Discuss whether general anesthesia is right for you. This is not required for Jelmyto, but only the two of you can decide if this, or any other form of medication, is needed
What to expect when receiving Jelmyto
Jelmyto is given as an outpatient treatment, and you will typically be sent home the same day.
Jelmyto treatment is given at a clinic, hospital, or ambulatory surgery center, and you generally don’t have to stay overnight.
Jelmyto offers a choice of instillation: a nephrostomy tube or a ureteral catheter.
Jelmyto is given once a week for 6 weeks. Anesthesia or a sedative may be given but is not required.
What to expect after treatment with Jelmyto
Take precautions when you urinate
Jelmyto may cause your urine to turn a violet to blue color after treatment, but your urine flow should otherwise be normal. However, Jelmyto contains chemotherapy, so it is important to be careful when you urinate after treatment. Please follow these instructions when you’re at home:
- Avoid contact with urine for at least 6 hours after the treatment
- Male and female patients both should sit on a toilet, and flush the toilet several times after use
- Wash your hands, inner thighs, and groin with soap and water after urination
- Wash clothing right away and by itself (not with other clothes) if any urine gets on them
For sexually active patients
For Women:
- Do not become pregnant during treatment with Jelmyto. If you become pregnant, contact your doctor immediately
- Use effective birth control (contraception) during treatment with Jelmyto and for 6 months after the last dose
- Do not breastfeed during treatment with Jelmyto
For Men:
- If you have a female partner who may become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment with Jelmyto and for 3 months after the last dose
Follow-up visits after finishing treatment with Jelmyto
After your last treatment of Jelmyto, your healthcare provider will schedule regular check-ups to monitor how you are doing.
Various tests or procedures may be used during your visits. Some may be the same ones you had when you were first diagnosed and treated.
- Upper tract endoscopy/ureteroscopy: a long flexible tube with a tiny camera is used to check your urinary tract and kidneys
- Imaging: an MRI or CT scan is used to look at the entire urinary tract area
You can also use these appointments to go over any questions or concerns you have. If you notice any new symptoms between appointments, tell your healthcare provider right away.
Taking care of yourself after treatment
Dealing with cancer is a stressful experience. Resting and maintaining a healthy lifestyle after finishing treatment can help your body recover and improve your well-being.
It is natural to feel worried after treatment and in between follow-up visits. Having a strong support system and spending time with family and friends can help you stay positive. There are also support groups available. They can connect you with other people who are fighting cancer and who know what you are going through.
