The Basics
Avelumab (brand name-Bavencio) is an FDA-approved drug used to treat cancer in the kidney, bladder, and other parts of the urinary tract, and skin. Avelumab changes the body’s immunity level by helping the body slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
It can be used in children over 12 years of age and adults. Let us walk you through all the key things you need to know about Avelumab.
How should I take avelumab (Bavencio)?
Avelumab is a liquid given into a vein over 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a medical facility.
Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with avelumab 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 avelumab or Bavencio?
Common side effects
- muscle pain
- bone or joint pain
- headache
- constipation
- diarrhea
- belly pain
- nausea
- vomiting
- loss of appetite
- weight loss
- tiredness
- increased sweating
- voice changes
- feeling more thirsty than usual
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- yellowing of the skin or eye
- drowsiness
- feeling cold
- fever
- flu-like symptoms
- vision changes
- swelling of feet, ankles, and legs
- hair loss
- rash
- blistering or peeling skin
Serious side effects
- new or worsening cough
- shortness of breath
- chest pain
- dark (tea-colored) urine
- extreme tiredness
- unusual bruising or bleeding
- rapid heartbeat
- irregular heartbeat
- dizziness
- fainting
- changes in mood
- blood in stools
- dark, tarry, sticky stool
- difficulty breathing
- difficulty swallowing
- decreased urination
- blood in urine
- frequent, painful, or urgent urination
Avelumab 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 avelumab or Bavencio
- 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 avelumab or Bavencio
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.
- If you become pregnant while receiving avelumab, call your doctor immediately. Avelumab may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while receiving avelumab and for one month after your final dose.
I forgot a dose. What should I do?
If you miss an appointment to receive avelumab, 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
- Bavencio®
Last Revised – 03/04/2023, FDA update- 05/14/2019, SG
Get 24×7 support for avelumab (Bavencio)
Don’t go through your cancer journey alone. Use Ankr to:
(1) find the best treatment for your cancer, and
(2) get advanced warning to cut side effects by upto 52%