DURVALUMAB - INJECTION

DURVALUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (dur-VAL-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Imfinzi

GENERIC NAME(S): durvalumab

Uses

USES: Durvalumab is used to treat a certain type of bladder and urinary tract cancer. It is also used to treat lung cancer. It works by helping your immune system fight the cancer. This medication belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.


How to use DURVALUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start receiving durvalumab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein over 60 minutes as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 weeks. This medication may cause a serious reaction during the injection. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as chills, flushing, itching, dizziness, or shortness of breath. Your doctor may stop your treatment for some time if you get serious side effects. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications (including corticosteroids such as prednisone) to treat side effects. To get the most benefit, do not miss any doses. To help you remember, mark the days on the calendar when you need to receive the medication.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: See also How to Use section. Tiredness, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, muscle/bone pain, or swelling hands/ankles/feet may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), new/worsening cough, diarrhea, blood/mucus in your stool, eye/vision problems (such as blurred vision, vision changes, eye pain), headache that is severe or doesn't go away, stiff/painful neck, unusual weight gain/loss, mental/mood changes (such as confusion), cold or heat intolerance, fast/slow/pounding/irregular heartbeat, increased thirst/urination, muscle weakness, easy bruising/bleeding, signs of kidney problems (such as pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine). Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, shortness of breath. This medication may lower your ability to fight infections. This may make you more likely to get a serious (rarely fatal) infection or make any infection you have worse. Tell your doctor right away if you have any signs of infection (such as sore throat that doesn't go away, fever, chills, burning/painful/urgent urination). A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using durvalumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history. Durvalumab can make you more likely to get infections or may worsen any current infections. Avoid contact with people who have infections that may spread to others (such as chickenpox, measles, flu). Consult your doctor if you have been exposed to an infection or for more details. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Avoid contact with people who have recently received live vaccines (such as flu vaccine inhaled through the nose). Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). This medication is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Discuss reliable forms of birth control (such as condoms, birth control pills) with your doctor, for use during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If you become pregnant or think you may be pregnant, tell your doctor right away. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug and for at least 3 months after the last dose is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

Images

Reviews

No Reviews Yet


Faq for DURVALUMAB - INJECTION

Durvalumab is a medication used for the treatment of certain types of cancer, including bladder cancer, lung cancer, and head and neck cancer.

Durvalumab belongs to a class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors. It works by helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.

The common side effects of Durvalumab include fatigue, diarrhea, rash, itching, nausea, and decreased appetite.

Durvalumab is given as an intravenous infusion (injection into a vein) by a healthcare professional.

The duration of Durvalumab treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer being treated. It may be given for a few weeks to several months.

Yes, Durvalumab is often used in combination with other cancer treatments such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy to improve treatment outcomes.

Durvalumab may harm an unborn baby, so it is not recommended during pregnancy. It is also unknown if the drug passes into breast milk, so breastfeeding should be avoided.

If you miss a scheduled dose of Durvalumab, contact your healthcare provider to discuss the next steps.

Durvalumab may cause serious immune-related side effects, which may affect various organs. Patients should be closely monitored for symptoms and report any new or worsening side effects to their doctor.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.