Imfinzi (Durvalumab)

Description

Imfinzi (Durvalumab) is a prescription medicine used as an immunotherapy treatment for certain types of cancer. It helps the immune system to fight cancer by blocking a specific protein called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). By blocking PD-L1, Imfinzi may improve the body's immune response, allowing it to target and attack cancer cells more effectively. The drug's primary use is for the treatment of extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) and unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Imfinzi is also used in certain cases of bladder, lung, and biliary tract cancer.

Directions

The recommended dosage for Imfinzi varies depending on the specific cancer being treated and patient factors, such as weight. It is typically administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a healthcare setting. Your healthcare provider will determine the best dosage and schedule for your condition.

Ingredients

The active ingredient in Imfinzi is Durvalumab. In addition to Durvalumab, Imfinzi also contains several inactive ingredients; these substances do not have a direct therapeutic effect but help create a stable, injectable solution. Some of the inactive ingredients include L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, a,a-trehalose dihydrate, polysorbate 80, and water for injection.

Contraindications

There are no contraindications labeled on the drug package insert. If you have a history of allergic or severe infusion reactions, Imfinzi use may need to be carefully considered and potentially avoided.

Cautions

• Before starting treatment with Imfinzi, it is important to discuss with your healthcare provider:
• Any medical conditions, including immune system problems, conditions that affect the nervous system.
• If you’ve received chest radiation therapy or an organ or stem cell transplant.
• If you’re pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to.
• Imfinzi can cause serious or even fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions. These can affect any organ system or tissue and may include conditions such as pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, skin reactions, nephritis and renal dysfunction, solid organ transplant rejection, and pancreatitis.
• Monitor for signs of adverse reactions early. Liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function should be checked before treatment and periodically thereafter.
• Depending on the severity and the type of immune-mediated reaction, treatment with Durvalumab may need to be withheld or permanently discontinued.
• If you experience an infusion-related reaction, the infusion may need to be interrupted, the rate of infusion slowed, or the treatment permanently discontinued, based on the reaction's severity.
• For patients who have undergone or will undergo allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT), there is a risk of fatal and other serious complications when treated with PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies like Durvalumab.
• Durvalumab can cause harm to a fetus. Women of reproductive potential should be advised about this risk and counseled on the use of effective contraception.

Side Effects

Imfinzi may cause a range of side effects. The most common side effects of Imfinzi include cough, fatigue, pneumonitis or radiation pneumonitis, infections of the upper respiratory tract, shortness of breath, and skin rash.

Imfinzi can cause serious side effects including lung issues like persistent cough and chest pain, intestinal problems such as severe abdominal pain or bloody stools, liver complications indicated by yellowing of the skin and dark urine, hormone gland changes leading to persistent headaches and unusual mood swings, and kidney problems like reduced urine output or blood in the urine. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of these severe symptoms or symptoms of infusion reactions, such as flushing, fever, rash, and muscle or joint pain.

References:

1. Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Imfinzi Package Insert. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2023.
2. Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Drug Label Information. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2023.

About Dr. Gerardo Sison (Page Author)

An honors graduate of the University of Florida, Dr. Sison started his pharmacy career in a community setting, extending his services to hospitals and clinics over time. He has also worked in medication therapy management, advising patients on proper medication use for their chronic health conditions. Read More....