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ATEZOLIZUMAB
This page contains brief details about the drug atezolizumab, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.
Background and Date of Approval
Atezolizumab is an anticancer drug belonging to the group of medicines called Programmed death ligand – 1 inhibitor (PDL-1). It was officially approved for its medical use in the year 2016.
Mechanism of Action of Atezolizumab
Atezolizumab is a humanized monoclonal antibody classified within the programmed death ligand – 1 category. Programmed death ligand is a protein facilitating T-cell suppression by binding with immune and tumor cells, resulting in a weakened immune response against cancer cells. Atezolizumab Injection counteracts programmed death ligand – 1 signals, enhancing immune response through targeted cytotoxic activity.
AVAILABLE BRANDS
Uses of Atezolizumab
Atezolizumab is prescribed for multiple cancer types, either as a standalone treatment or in combination with other anticancer drugs. It’s commonly used to address urothelial carcinoma, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma.
Atezolizumab Drug administaration and Dosage available
Atezolizumab Injection is designed for intravenous use. Initially, your physician will administer this medication as a one-hour infusion, and if it’s well tolerated, subsequent infusions will last for 30 minutes.
Atezolizumab Injection is provided in single-use vials containing either 840mg/14ml or 1200mg/20ml doses. The recommended dosing for urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell and small cell lung cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma is either 840mg every two weeks, 1200mg every three weeks, or 1680mg every four weeks.
Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Atezolizumab
Warnings
Patients undergoing Atezolizumab therapy often experience immune-mediated reactions, which can vary among individuals. Your healthcare provider will perform regular blood tests to assess the medication’s efficacy and monitor its impact on vital organs. If you encounter severe symptoms such as persistent cough, chest pain, or difficulty breathing, it’s crucial to promptly inform your physician.
Precautions
Atezolizumab Injection poses a risk to unborn babies, so it’s essential for both men and women who plan to conceive in the near future to use reliable contraceptive methods. It’s recommended to continue contraception for 5 months after the final dose of Atezolizumab Injection. Additionally, it’s advised to refrain from breastfeeding while undergoing treatment, as it’s unclear whether Atezolizumab passes into breast milk.
Side Effects
Common side effects linked to the use of Atezolizumab Injection include fatigue, reduced appetite, nausea, vomiting, coughing, and shortness of breath. When combined with other anticancer medications for lung cancer treatment, individuals may also encounter adverse effects such as hair loss, constipation, diarrhea, hypertension, protein in the urine, and swelling.
Word Of Advice
Atezolizumab Injection can cause immune-mediated reactions during or after the therapy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any skin reactions or allergies. If you experience any infusion-related reactions, your physician might slow the rate of infusion or stop the medication altogether.
Frequently Asked Question
Atezolizumab is indicated for various types of cancer as a monotherapy and also along with other anticancer medications. It effectively treats urothelial carcinoma, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, triple negative breast cancer and melanoma.
Atezolizumab is an immunotherapy treatment. It is a monoclonal antibody that acts against PD-L1 to exhibit specific toxic effects on cancer cells.
Atezolizumab has a better survival rate of 12.3 months compared to other anticancer treatments like chemotherapy.
Atezolizumab has the tendency to cause hair loss. However, hair loss is more common among people who take this medicine along with other chemotherapy medications to treat lung cancer.
Many people stay on immunotherapy for about two years. The duration of immunotherapy depends on the stage of cancer and how well one responds to the treatment.
Disclaimer
The drug information on this page is different from medical advice. It is meant for educational purposes only. For further details, consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you can receive this treatment.