About avelumab
PD-L1 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Used for
- Advanced Merkel cell carcinoma
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma, with axitinib
- Advanced urothelial cancer after platinum chemotherapy
- Maintenance treatment for advanced urothelial cancer
Usual adult dose
Usually 800 mg by intravenous infusion every 2 weeks; dosing and duration depend on the cancer and treatment combination.
Common side effects
- Infusion reactions
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Immune-related inflammation of organs
Important warnings
- Immune reactions can affect lungs, bowel, liver, hormone glands, kidneys, or other organs.
- Infusion reactions can be severe or life-threatening.
- Tell the cancer team about new or worsening symptoms promptly.
- May harm an unborn baby; effective contraception is advised during treatment and for one month afterward.
Pregnancy
May cause fetal harm based on its immune effects. Human pregnancy data are limited; avoid use during pregnancy unless the benefit outweighs risk.
Breastfeeding
Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for one month after the last dose.
Interactions
- No major direct drug interactions are established; immune-suppressing medicines may affect treatment.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.