Imfinzi (Intravenous)
Durvalumab is used to treat cancer of the lungs, liver, uterus, and bladder.
Durvalumab may be used in combination with other cancer treatments.
Durvalumab is often given when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, cannot be treated with surgery or radiation, or when other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.
Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with durvalumab.
Durvalumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
uses
What is Imfinzi (Intravenous) used for?
- Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Small Cell Lung Cancer
- Urothelial Carcinoma
warnings
What is the most important information I should know about Imfinzi (Intravenous)?
Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:
- to receive or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells;
- to receive an organ transplant;
- lung disease;
- radiation to your chest;
- an autoimmune disorder such as lupus, ulcerative colitis, or Crohn's disease; or
- nerve-muscle disorder such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using durvalumab and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using durvalumab, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Side Effects
What are the side effects of Imfinzi (Intravenous)?
Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction: hives, difficult breathing, swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.
Some side effects may occur during the injection. Tell your medical caregiver if you feel dizzy, nauseated, light-headed, itchy, sweaty, or have a headache, chest tightness, back pain, trouble breathing, or swelling in your face.
Durvalumab causes your immune system to attack tumor cells, but it could also attack healthy organs and tissues in your body. This could lead to serious or life-threatening side effects on your lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, thyroid, or adrenal glands even after your treatment has ended.
Call your doctor at once if you have:
- fever or flu-like symptoms; severe nausea or vomiting;
- headache, feeling light-headed or very tired, drowsiness;
- severe muscle pain or weakness, joint pain or stiffness, swelling, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs, hoarse or deepened voice, hair loss, increased sweating, feeling cold;
- chest pain, rapid or irregular heartbeat, new or worsening cough, feeling short of breath, bruising, anemia (low red blood cells);
- appetite changes including loss of appetite or increased hunger or thirst, weight gain, or weight loss;
- vision changes, confusion, mood or behavior changes, memory problems, balance problems;
- new or worsening skin rash, itching, or blistering;
- severe pain in your upper stomach (that may spread to your back), jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes), or dark urine;
- diarrhea, constipation, bloody or tarry stools, urinating less or more often, or blood in your urine; or
- (if you have had a stem cell transplant) feeling sick or uneasy, with pain or swelling.
Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.
Common side effects may include:
- nausea, constipation, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, stomach pain;
- abnormal blood tests;
- fever, headache, feeling weak or tired;
- bone or muscle pain, numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;
- cough, feeling short of breath, cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; or
- rash, itching, or hair loss.
This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.
Pregnancy & Breastfeeding
Can I take Imfinzi (Intravenous) if I’m pregnant or breastfeeding?
You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before starting this treatment.
May harm an unborn baby. Do not use if you are pregnant. Use effective birth control while using durvalumab and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.
Do not breastfeed while using durvalumab, and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Interactions
What drugs and food should I avoid while taking Imfinzi (Intravenous)?
Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.
Dosage Guidelines & Tips
How to take Imfinzi (Intravenous)?
Use Imfinzi (Intravenous) exactly as directed on the label, or as prescribed by your doctor. Do not use in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.
Your doctor will perform tests to make sure durvalumab is the right treatment for you.
Durvalumab is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Your doctor will determine your treatment schedule based on your condition to treat.
After receiving an infusion, you will be watched closely to make sure you do not have an allergic reaction.
Doses are based on weight. Your dose may change if you gain or lose weight.
You may be given other medications to help prevent serious side effects or allergic reaction. Keep taking these medicines for as long as your doctor has prescribed.
You may need frequent medical tests.
Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your durvalumab injection.
Overdose Signs
What happens if I overdose on Imfinzi (Intravenous)?
In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.