Uses

What is Imfinzi used for?

Imfinzi (durvalumab) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer.

Imfinzi may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Imfinzi work (mechanism of action)?

Imfinzi is a type of immunotherapy. It works by helping your immune system find and attack cancer cells.

How is Imfinzi supplied (dosage forms)?

Imfinzi is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Imfinzi?

Imfinzi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

 

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Imfinzi?

The most common side effects of Imfinzi are listed below. Note that these side effects may vary depending on the type of cancer you have and the other cancer medicines you may be using. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Cough
  • Tiredness
  • Inflamed lungs (pneumonitis; see below)
  • Infection in the nose or throat
  • Shortness of breath
  • Rash
  • Nausea
  • Constipation or diarrhea
  • Low appetite

There may be other side effects of Imfinzi that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Imfinzi?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Imfinzi are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Imfinzi may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Imfinzi is given as an infusion into a vein. Some people may have reactions during an infusion that can be serious. If you have these reactions, your infusion may need to be paused, slowed, or stopped. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Fever or chills
  • Itching or skin rash
  • Flushing
  • Shortness of breath or wheezing
  • Dizziness or fainting
  • Back or neck pain

Immune System Reactions. Imfinzi may cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues or organs, causing inflammation. When tissues or organs become inflamed, they may not work as well as they should. These side effects of immunotherapy can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems. You may be able to prevent these problems from getting more serious if you get medical help right away. Keep all appointments to check your blood work. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms even if you are no longer taking this medicine.

  • Inflamed lungs (pneumonitis): Chest pain, shortness of breath, or new or worsening cough
  • Inflamed intestines (colitis): Stomach pain, diarrhea, blood or mucus in your stool 
  • Inflamed liver (hepatitis): Nausea or vomiting, stomach pain on your right side, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine, or easy bruising or bleeding
  • Inflamed hormone glands (adrenal insufficiency, thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes): Headache, fast heartbeat, sweating, tiredness, weight gain or loss, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior, peeing more than usual, feeling cold
  • Inflamed kidneys (nephritis): Peeing less than usual, bloody urine, or swelling in your ankles
  • Skin inflammation (dermatitis): Skin rash, itching, blistering, or peeling or painful sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or genitals
  • Inflamed pancreas (pancreatitis): Pain in your upper abdomen, nausea, vomiting, or low appetite
  • Heart or blood vessel inflammation: Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Inflamed nerves: Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs
  • Inflamed muscles or joints: Pain, swelling, or stiffness in your muscles or joints
  • Inflamed eye (uveitis): Blurred or double vision, eye pain or redness, sensitivity to light, vision loss
  • Inflamed brain (encephalitis): Stiff neck, balance or memory problems, or confusion

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Imfinzi?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Imfinzi.

  • Imfinzi
  • Durvalumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your healthcare provider can tell you all of the ingredients in Imfinzi.

What should I know about Imfinzi before using it?

Imfinzi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. 

If you can become pregnant, it is recommended to use birth control during Imfinzi treatment and for 3 months after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about effective birth control options.

Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have new or unusual symptoms during or after Imfinzi treatment. Imfinzi may cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body, such as the lungs, digestive tract, liver, kidneys, or skin. This can happen at any time during Imfinzi treatment or after treatment ends. See the Side Effects section for more details.  

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Imfinzi?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Imfinzi is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Stem Cell Transplant. Tell your healthcare provider if you had a stem cell transplant or plan to have one. Imfinzi may raise the risk of serious problems after a stem cell transplant, including a risk of your immune system attacking the donor cells.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Pregnancy. Imfinzi may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. Your healthcare provider may give you a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant before starting Imfinzi.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while using Imfinzi and for 3 months after your last dose. Imfinzi may pass into breast milk and cause side effects in a breastfed child. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.

How can I get more information about Imfinzi?

For more information about Imfinzi, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.imfinzi.com or call them at 800-236-9933.

Interactions

Does Imfinzi interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Imfinzi and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Imfinzi.

Does Imfinzi interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Imfinzi and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Imfinzi (durvalumab) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Imfinzi?

If you or someone else has used too much Imfinzi, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Imfinzi?

Imfinzi is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. If you miss an appointment to get your Imfinzi dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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