Avelumab is used to treat a rare type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma that has spread to other parts of the body. It is also used to treat cancer of the bladder or urinary tract that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery in patients who have failed previous therapy.
This medicine is also used together with other medicines to treat certain cancer of the kidneys.
Avelumab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein) as an infusion. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Avelumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- myasthenia gravis (muscle weakness disorder)
- previous haematopoietic stem cell transplant (a procedure that uses your own healthy blood stem cells to replace the damaged bone marrow)
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You must use proven birth control methods during Avelumab therapy and for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
If you are breastfeeding, inform your doctor. You should not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 1 month after stopping the treatment.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Routine tests (e.g. liver, kidney and thyroid function, blood sugar levels) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring of signs and symptoms of lung problems, severe diarrhoea and skin reactions may also be needed.
Avelumab may cause any of the following side effects: headache, dizziness, nausea, constipation, dry mouth, decreased appetite, chills, back pain, muscle pain, and joint pain.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of allergic reaction e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swelling of the face, eyes or mouth
- yellowing of the skin or eyes, abdominal pain, dark coloured urine, tiredness, swelling in the legs and ankles
- signs and symptoms of lung problem e.g. shortness of breath, cough or fever
- pass out bloody or black as tar stools and vomiting blood or ground coffee-like material
- pain or difficulty in passing urine, change in how much urine is passed, blood in the urine
- severe diarrhoea or diarrhoea accompanied by excessive water loss from the body, vomiting, upset stomach
- signs and symptoms of heart problem e.g. chest pain, fast or abnormal heartbeat, passing out
- confusion, numbness or tingling sensation in the hands or feet, severe muscle weakness
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Avelumab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Avelumab is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.
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