The Basics
Tremelimumab (brand name – Imjudo) is an FDA-approved treatment for melanoma (a type of skin cancer), a non-small lung cancer that has spread to other body parts. It is also used in combination with durvalumab for liver cancer.
Tremelimumab falls under the class of monoclonal antibodies, which target a protein. It works by helping the immune system to fight cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about tremelimumab.
How should I take Tremelimumab or Imjudo?
Tremelimumab comes as a liquid given into a vein by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility. The length of your treatment depends on how well your body responds to the medication and the side effects you experience.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you feel during your treatment with tremelimumab injection. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website to obtain the Medication Guide.
What are the side effects of tremelimumab or Imjudo?
Common side effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Rash
- Itching
- Constipation
- Yellowing of the skin or eyes (jaundice)
- Fever
- Abnormal weight gain or loss
- Mood changes
- Muscle weakness
- Bone pain
- Numbness, or tingling in the hands or feet
- Hair loss ‘
- Dry skin
- Vomiting
- Increased vaginal bleeding
- Feeling cold
- Abdominal pain
Serious side effects
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Dark urine
- Blood in stools
- Chest pain
- Coughing blood
- Dizziness
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Slow heartbeat
- Increased bleeding or bruising
Tremelimumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication. If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration’s (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Use the free Ankr platform or Ankr app to track your symptoms
What special precautions should I follow?
Before receiving tremelimumab or Imjudo
- tell your doctor about your allergies.
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor about any disease or symptoms in the past or now
While you are on tremelimumab or Imjudo
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods you can use during treatment. Atezolizumab may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding. You should not breastfeed while you are on tremelimumab
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
If you miss an appointment to receive tremelimumab, call your doctor as soon as possible.
In case of an emergency/overdose
In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at https://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can’t be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.
Symptoms of overdose
- Severe or persistent diarrhea
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Chills
- Rash
- Hives
- Itching
- Difficulty breathing
- Swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet
Brand names
- Imjudo
Last updated- 12/26/2023, FDA-updated- 06/14/2023, SG
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