Class of medication: Antineoplastic drug, PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors
Uses:
Merkel cell carcinoma (a rare type of skin cancer that has spread to other body parts) in adults and children 12 years and older.
Urothelial carcinoma (cancer that originates in the urinary tract that has spread to nearby tissues or other body parts) in people whose cancer worsened during or within 12 months after it was treated with other anticancer medications.
Renal cell carcinoma (a type of kidney cancer that has spread to other body parts) in combination with other anticancer medicines.
Mechanism of action:
Bavencio is a monoclonal antibody 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, leading to cancer cell death.
Important information:
Do not take Bavencio if you are allergic to avelumab or any other ingredients of this medicine.
Inform your physician if you have liver diseases, hepatitis B, HIV/AIDS, or other immune diseases before initiating the therapy.
This medicine is not recommended for children and adolescents below 18.
Do not use Bavencio in pregnant and breastfeeding women.
Use effective contraception throughout the therapy to avoid pregnancy.
Administration:
Bavencio is given as an intravenous infusion drip (into your vein) in a hospital or clinic setting trained in cancer chemotherapy.
It takes one hour.
Do not self-administer the injection.
Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors.
Safety advice:
Pregnancy: Bavencio is unsafe to administer in pregnant women because it may affect the fetus.
Breastfeeding: Breastfeeding is not recommended in patients taking Bavencio because the medicine passes into the breast milk in small amounts and may harm your baby.
Lungs: Consult your doctor if you have any lung diseases before starting the treatment.
Liver: Bavencio is safe to administer in patients with liver problems. Dose adjustments are not necessary. However, inform your physician if you have any liver diseases or problems before initiating the therapy.
Alcohol: It is unknown whether consuming alcohol is safe during the treatment with Bavencio.
Driving: Bavencio may make you feel tired, dizzy, or sleepy. It is unsafe to drive or operate heavy machinery after taking this medicine.
Side effects:
Common: Increased blood pressure, swelling in the legs and feet, skin rash, abdominal pain, decrease in appetite, diarrhea, nausea, decreased RBC counts, muscle pain, cough, shortness of breath, difficulty in talking, tiredness.
How long should I have to take Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection?
Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection is given as a cycle therapy. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the therapy based on your disease severity and condition.
Can I take vitamin supplements with Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection?
Certain medications may interact with the effectiveness of Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamin or nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your medication history.
Is Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection cardiotoxic?
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.
What is Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection patient information leaflet?
The FDA has a patient information leaflet containing a summary of the essential scientific information needed for the safe and effective use of the drug. Read the information leaflet thoroughly before starting the therapy.
What are the infusion reactions of Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection?
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 occur due to the Bavencio 200mg/10ml injection administration. Inform your physician and seek medical attention immediately if you face these reactions after administering the injection.
Storage:
Store in a refrigerator (2°C to 8°C).
Do not freeze.
Store in the original package to protect from light.
Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets.
If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately.
