The basics
Durvalumab (brand name-Imfinzi) is an FDA-approved treatment for non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract)
It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Let us walk you through the key things you need to know about durvalumab
How should I take durvalumab (Imfinzi)?
Durvalumab is a liquid given into a vein over 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during or after the infusion: chills or shaking, itching, rash, flushing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever, feeling faint, back or neck pain, or swelling of your face.
Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment. Do not stop taking Durvalumab without talking to your doctor. You can help them by tracking your side effects in Ankr.
What are the side effects of durvalumab (Imfinzi)?
Common side effects
- bone or muscle pain
- swelling of your arms or legs
- constipation
- yellowing of your eyes or skin
- fever
- pain in the upper right part of the stomach
- chills
- flu like symptoms
- other signs of infection
- unusual headaches
- extreme tiredness
- weight loss or gain
- diarrhea
- nausea
- vomiting
- swelling in your ankles
- decreased appetite
- increased hunger or thirst
- hair loss
- deepening of voice
- changes in mood or behavior such as decreased sex drive
- rash, itching, or skin blistering
- neck stiffness
- blurry or double vision, or other vision problems
- eye redness or pain
Serious side effects
- new or worsening cough
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
- bleeding or bruising easily
- dark (tea colored) urine
- black, tarry, sticky, or bloody stools
- decreased urination
- blood in urine
- frequent or painful urination
- feeling dizzy or faint
- feeling cold
- feeling irritable, confused, or forgetful
Durvalumab may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking 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 durvalumab or Imfinzi
- tell your doctor about your allergies
- tell your doctor about other intakes
- tell your doctor about any other disease, symptom, or disease in the past or now
- tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving durvalumab injection. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you.
While you are on durvalumab or Imfinzi
- if you become pregnant while receiving durvalumab injection, call your doctor immediately. Durvalumab injection may harm the fetus.
- tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while receiving durvalumab injection and for at least 3 months after your final dose.
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
- Imfinzi®
Last Revised – 04/03/2023, FDA-updated- 09/02/2022, 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%