The Basics
Atezolizumab (brand name-Tecentriq) is an FDA-approved treatment for cancers of the lungs, skin, breast, bladder and other parts of the urinary tract. It activates the immune system to fight against cancer cells and helps to slow tumour growth.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about atezolizumab.
How should I take Atezolizumab or Tecentriq?
Atezolizumab comes as a liquid given into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes 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 that you experience.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you feel during your treatment with atezolizumab 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 atezolizumab (Tecentriq)?
Common side effects
- back, neck, or joint pain
- rash
- itching
- trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
- bleeding or bruising easily
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- extreme tiredness
- pale skin
- feeling cold
- loss of appetite
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
- constipation
- hair loss
- deepening of voice or hoarseness
- weight gain
- belly pain
- stomach bloating
- sore throat
- cough
- chills
- flu-like symptoms
- swelling in arms, legs, ankles, or feet
- warm, red, swollen, or tender leg
- vision changes
- feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual
- weakness
- breath that smells fruity
- numbness or tingling in your hands, feet, arms, or legs
- fever
- sensitivity to light
- neck stiffness
- sudden weight loss
- feeling hot
- unusual headaches
Serious side effects
- blood or mucus in the stool
- black tarry, sticky, stools
- frequent, urgent, difficult, or painful urinatiion
- pink, red, or dark brown urine
- decreased urination
- new or worsening cough, which may be bloody
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- dark-colored urine
- fast heartbeat
- dizziness
- feeling faint
- changes in mood
- change in behaviour
- decreased sex drive
- irritability
- confusion
- forgetfulness
- shortness of breath
- irregular heartbeat
Atezolizumab 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 atezolizumab or Tecentriq
- 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 in atezolizumab or Tecentriq
- 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 atezolizumab.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
If you miss an appointment to receive atezolizumab, 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.
What special dietary instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet
Brand names
- Tecentriq®
Last Revised – 03/04/2023, FDA-updated- 12/09/2022, SG
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(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%