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Durvalumab Injection (DURVALUMAB – INJECTION)

Durvalumab Injection (DURVALUMAB - INJECTION)

For treating cancer.

Brand Name(s): Imfinzi

Generic Name: Durvalumab

Instructions

This medicine is given as an IV injection into a vein.

This medicine should be given over 60 minutes.

This medicine should be given by a trained health care provider.

It is important that you keep taking each dose of this medicine on time even if you are feeling well.

If you miss a dose, contact your doctor for instructions.

Drug interactions can change how medicines work or increase risk for side effects. Tell your health care providers about all medicines taken. Include prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal medicines. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist before starting or stopping any medicine.

Tell your doctor if symptoms do not get better or if they get worse.

Your doctor may prescribe other medications to reduce side effects. Follow instructions carefully.

Keep all appointments for medical exams and tests while on this medicine.

Cautions

Tell your doctor and pharmacist if you ever had an allergic reaction to a medicine.

Some patients on this medicine have developed severe, life-threatening infections. Please speak with your doctor about the risks and benefits of using this medicine.

This medicine is associated with a rare, but serious problem of the liver. Speak to your doctor about the early signs of liver problems and the benefits and risks of using this medicine.

Tell your doctor or nurse right away if fever, chills, dizziness, feeling of heat or flushing, itching or shortness of breath develop while the medicine is being given. The medicine may need to be stopped or given at a slower rate.

Do not drink beverages with alcohol while on this medicine.

This medicine may reduce your body's ability to fight infections. Avoid contact with people with colds, flu or other infections. Contact your doctor if you develop fever, cough, sore throat, or chills.

Speak with your health care provider before receiving any vaccinations.

Do not breastfeed while on this medicine. You may safely start breastfeeding 3 months after stopping treatment.

This medicine can hurt a new baby in the womb. If you become pregnant while on this medicine, tell your doctor immediately. Your doctor may switch you to a different medicine.

Women must use reliable forms of birth control while taking this medicine and for 3 months after stopping to prevent pregnancy.

Always carry an ID card or wear a medical alert bracelet indicating your medical condition.

Call your doctor right away if you notice any unusual bleeding or bruising.

Some patients have serious side effects from this medicine. Ask your pharmacist to show you the information from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and discuss it with you.

Side Effects

The following is a list of some common side effects from this medicine. Please speak with your doctor about what you should do if you experience these or other side effects.

  • decreased appetite
  • bone pain
  • constipation
  • swelling of the legs, feet, and hands
  • lack of energy and tiredness
  • muscle pain

Call your doctor or get medical help right away if you notice any of these more serious side effects:

  • bleeding or bruising
  • chest pain
  • changes in memory, mood, or thinking
  • cough that does not go away
  • diarrhea
  • pain in the eye
  • fainting
  • fever or chills
  • severe or persistent headache
  • fast, irregular, or slow heartbeat
  • signs of liver damage (such as yellowing of eye or skin, dark urine, or unusual tiredness)
  • mood changes
  • neck pain or stiffness
  • shortness of breath
  • sore throat
  • blood in stool
  • difficulty adjusting to changes in temperature
  • excessive thirst
  • blurring or changes of vision
  • sudden or unexplained change in weight

A few people may have an allergic reaction to this medicine. Symptoms can include difficulty breathing, skin rash, itching, swelling, or severe dizziness. If you notice any of these symptoms, seek medical help quickly.

Please speak with your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist if you have any questions about this medicine.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.

Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Ignite Healthwise, LLC.

This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Ignite Healthwise, LLC, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content.