Avelumab injection
Avelumab injection
What is this medicine?
AVELUMAB (a VEL ue mab) is a monoclonal antibody. It is used to treat Merkel cell carcinoma and urothelial cancer.
How should I use this medicine?
This medicine is for infusion into a vein. It is given by a health care professional in a hospital or clinic setting.
A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
back pain
black, tarry stools
bloody or watery diarrhea
breathing problems
changes in emotions or mood
changes in vision
chest pain or chest tightness
constipation
cough
fast or irregular heart beat
feeling faint or lightheaded
hair loss
increased hunger or thirst
increased urination
joint pain
muscle weakness
nausea, vomiting
redness, blistering, peeling or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth
signs and symptoms of kidney injury like trouble passing urine or change in the amount of urine
signs and symptoms of liver injury like dark yellow or brown urine; general ill feeling or flu-like symptoms; light-colored stools; loss of appetite; nausea; right upper belly pain; unusually weak or tired; yellowing of the eyes or skin
stomach pain
swelling in your legs and feet
sweating
tiredness
weight loss
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
bone pain
decreased appetite
headache
muscle pain
What may interact with this medicine?
Interactions have not been studied.
What if I miss a dose?
It is important not to miss your dose. Call your doctor or health care professional if you are unable to keep an appointment.
Where should I keep my medicine?
This drug is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
diabetes
immune system problems
inflammatory bowel disease
kidney disease
liver disease
lung or breathing disease
organ transplant
an unusual or allergic reaction to avelumab, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medicine.
You may need blood work done while you are taking this medicine.
Do not become pregnant while taking this medicine or for at least 1 month after stopping it. Women should inform their doctor if they wish to become pregnant or think they might be pregnant. There is a potential for serious side effects to an unborn child. Talk to your health care professional or pharmacist for more information. Do not breast-feed an infant while taking this medicine or for at least 1 month after the last dose.
Updated:  
July 17, 2018