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AVELUMAB

This page contains brief details about the drug avelumab, it’s indication, dosage & administaration, mechanism of action, related brands with strength, warnings and common side effects.

Background and Date of Approval

Avelumab is an anticancer drug that belongs to the class of medications called PD-1/PD-L1 (programmed death ligand-1) inhibitors. FDA approved it on June 30, 2020, to treat certain types of cancers.

Mechanism of Action of Avelumab

Avelumab is a monoclonal antibody (a type of protein) that attaches to a specific target in the body called PD-L1. It binds to PD-L1 and blocks this protective effect, allowing the immune system to attack the tumor cells. It also induces antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity, ultimately leading to cancer cell death.

AVAILABLE BRANDS

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Bavencio 200mg Injection 10ml
MERCK LTD ₹121,705.00

Uses of Avelumab

Avelumab is administered intravenously and is employed in the treatment of Merkel cell carcinoma, a rare form of skin cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body in adults and children aged 12 and above. Additionally, it is indicated for the management of urothelial carcinoma, a cancer originating in the urinary tract that has spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body in individuals whose cancer has progressed during or within 12 months after receiving other anticancer medications. Avelumab is also utilized in conjunction with other anticancer drugs for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma, a type of kidney cancer that has metastasized to other areas of the body.

Avelumab Drug administaration and Dosage available

Avelumab is a prescription medication provided in injection form. It will be administered to you by a doctor or nurse trained in cancer chemotherapy, typically in a hospital or clinic setting. The medication is administered as an intravenous infusion drip into your vein, which usually takes one hour. Avoid self-administering the injection. Your doctor will determine the appropriate dosage and duration of treatment based on factors such as the severity of your condition, your body weight, and other relevant factors.

Warnings, Precautions and Side Effects of Avelumab

Warnings

This medication is designed to potentially induce inflammation in the liver, lungs, and colon. If you experience any symptoms indicative of liver injury, lung issues, or gastrointestinal problems, inform your physician promptly. Avelumab should not be given to pregnant women due to the risk of severe birth defects. Prolonged use of this medication may lead to cardiovascular problems.

Precautions

Do not take avelumab if you have an allergy to avelumab or any other ingredients in this medication. Before starting therapy, inform your physician if you have liver diseases, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, or other immune disorders. This medication is not recommended for individuals under 18 years old. If you experience infusion-related reactions, lung inflammation, liver inflammation, pancreatitis, watery stools, or diarrhea, promptly inform your doctor and seek medical attention. Avelumab should not be used during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Inform your physician if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Use effective contraception throughout the course of therapy to prevent pregnancy. Your healthcare provider may recommend certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the treatment. Inform your healthcare provider about all medications you are taking, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, vaccinations, nutritional and vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Some medications may interact with this injection, reducing its effectiveness and causing undesirable side effects.

Side Effects

Common side effects of Avelumab include elevated blood pressure, swelling in the legs and feet, skin rash, abdominal pain, reduced appetite, diarrhea, nausea, decreased red blood cell counts, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty speaking, and fatigue. Additionally, serious side effects may include heart problems, severe skin reactions, thyroid issues, liver injury, visual impairment, and infusion reactions.

Word Of Advice

Keep this medication in a refrigerator between 2°C to 8°C. Do not freeze it. Store it in the original packaging to shield it from light. Keep the injection out of the reach of children and pets. If you miss any dosing appointments, notify your doctor and arrange a new appointment immediately. Inform your doctor promptly if you experience symptoms of infection, anemia, or bleeding. Refrain from breastfeeding during the treatment and for one month after the final dose.

Frequently Asked Question

Avelumab is given as a cycle therapy. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the therapy based on your disease severity and condition.
Certain medications may interact with the effectiveness of avelumab including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamin or nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your medication history.
Heart problems like cardiac arrest and congestive heart failure may occur in patients receiving this medicine for the long term. Inform your physician of any pre-existing heart disorders before initiating the treatment.
The FDA requires a patient information leaflet that contains a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug for patients. Read the information leaflet thoroughly before starting the therapy.
Signs of shortness of breath, wheezing, chills or shaking, rash, flushing, low blood pressure, dizziness, fatigue, nausea, fever, back pain, and abdominal pain are the infusion reactions that may cause due to the avelumab administration. Inform your physician and seek medical attention immediately if you face these reactions after administering the injection.

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.