atezolizumab 840 mg/14 mL (60 mg/mL) intravenous solution

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Medication name

Generic name:
Atezolizumab - injection

Pronunciation
(A-te-zoe-LIZ-ue-mab)

Brand name(s)
Tecentriq

Uses

This medication is used to treat various cancers (such as liver/lung/skin cancer, alveolar soft part sarcoma - ASPS). It works by helping your immune system fight the cancer. Atezolizumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.

How to use

Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start receiving atezolizumab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes as directed by your doctor. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on weight.

Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion reactions such as chills, itching, shortness of breath, flushing, dizziness, lightheadedness, fever, back/neck pain. Your doctor may give you other medications to help with these side effects or may slow down or stop your treatment for some time.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a reminder.

Side effects

See also How to Use section.

Tiredness, loss of appetite, muscle/bone pain, or nausea may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that this medication has been prescribed because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including:

  • new/worsening cough
  • diarrhea
  • black/tarry stool
  • signs of liver disease (nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
  • signs of kidney problems (such as pink/bloody urine, change in the amount of urine)
  • eye/vision problems (such as blurred vision, vision changes, eye pain)
  • headache that is severe or doesn't go away
  • stiff/painful neck
  • numbness/tingling of arms/legs

This medication may cause hormone gland problems (such as thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas). Your body could make too much or too little hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms such as:

  • cold or heat intolerance
  • unexplained weight loss/gain
  • increased thirst/urination
  • mood or behavior changes (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, forgetfulness)
  • slow/fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
  • unusual tiredness
  • constipation

Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including:

  • chest pain
  • shortness of breath

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, such as:

  • fever
  • swollen lymph nodes
  • rash
  • itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
  • severe dizziness
  • trouble breathing

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US -

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

Before using atezolizumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:

  • immune system problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus)
  • organ transplant
  • stem cell transplant with donor cells
  • radiation treatment
  • nervous system disorders (such as myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barre syndrome)
  • diabetes

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using atezolizumab. Atezolizumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for at least 5 months after the last dose. I f you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not recommended while using this drug and for at least 5 months after the last dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.

Drug interactions

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call 1-844-764-7669.

Notes

Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney/thyroid function) should be done before you start using this medication and while you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.

Missed dose

It is important to get each dose of this medication as scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for a new dosing schedule.

Storage

Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital or clinic and will not be stored at home.

Important note

HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.

Information last revised September 2024.

Selected from NATIONAL DRUG DATA FILE (NDDF) data included with permission and copyrighted by First Databank, Inc., 2019. This copyrighted material has been downloaded from a licensed data provider.

The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your health care professional. You should consult your health care professional before taking any drug, changing your diet, or commencing or discontinuing any course of treatment.