Imfinzi (Durvalumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Imfinzi Used For?
Imfinzi contains durvalumab, a monoclonal antibody that works with your immune system to destroy cancer cells. It belongs to a group of medicines called immune checkpoint inhibitors.
Primary Uses
Imfinzi is used to treat several types of cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) – either in combination with chemotherapy before and after surgery, or alone after radiotherapy and chemotherapy; small cell lung cancer (SCLC) – alone for limited stage disease or in combination with chemotherapy for extensive stage disease; biliary tract cancer including bile duct and gallbladder cancer in combination with chemotherapy; liver cancer (unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma) in combination with tremelimumab; endometrial cancer that has spread or returned, in combination with chemotherapy; muscle-invasive bladder cancer in combination with chemotherapy before and after surgery.
How It Works
Imfinzi is a type of immunotherapy that works with your immune system to destroy cancer cells. As a monoclonal antibody and immune checkpoint inhibitor, it helps your body’s natural defenses fight cancer more effectively.
How to Take Imfinzi
Imfinzi is given as a liquid infusion into your vein by a healthcare professional. You cannot take this medication at home.
Dosage Instructions
Imfinzi is administered as an intravenous infusion that takes about 1 hour. It is normally given every 2, 3 or 4 weeks depending on your specific treatment plan. Your doctor will decide how many treatments you need. When given with other medications, Imfinzi is usually given first, followed by chemotherapy. If given with tremelimumab, tremelimumab goes first, then Imfinzi.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Call your doctor right away to reschedule your appointment if you miss a scheduled infusion. It is very important that you do not miss a dose of Imfinzi.
Important: Never miss a dose of Imfinzi – contact your doctor immediately to reschedule if you cannot make your appointment.
Available Tablet Strengths
Side Effects
Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.
Common Side Effects
These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:
- Cough
- Diarrhea
- Stomach pain
- Skin rash or itchiness
- Fever
- Swelling of legs
- Upper respiratory tract infection
- Underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism)
- Overactive thyroid
- Nausea
- Constipation
- Feeling tired or weak (fatigue)
- Decreased appetite
- Hair loss
- Vomiting
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Lung problems (inflammation, COPD, pneumonia)
- Liver inflammation
- Intestinal inflammation with severe diarrhea or bloody stools
- Hormone gland problems
- Kidney inflammation
- Urinary tract infections
- Severe skin or mouth inflammation
- Heart inflammation
- Muscle inflammation
- Low blood platelet count
- Infusion reactions
- Encephalitis or meningitis
- Guillain-Barré syndrome
- Eye inflammation (uveitis)
- Immune system attacking red blood cells
- Spinal cord inflammation
Important Warnings
Imfinzi can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues throughout your body, which can affect how they work and cause serious side effects.
Who Should Not Take Imfinzi
Do not use Imfinzi if you are allergic to durvalumab or any of the ingredients. Signs of allergic reaction include shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips/tongue, rash, itching, or hives.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: autoimmune diseases like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus (your risk of side effects may be higher); previous organ transplant; lung or breathing problems; liver problems; any other medical conditions. Also inform your doctor about all medications you are taking.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You should not receive Imfinzi if you are pregnant as it may affect your developing baby. If you could become pregnant, use adequate birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while receiving Imfinzi and for at least 3 months after the last dose, as it is unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.
Autoimmune Disease Risk: Patients with autoimmune diseases may have higher risk of immune-mediated side effects and more frequent disease flares.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription medications, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements.
- All prescription medications
- Over-the-counter medicines
- Vitamins and supplements
- Other anti-cancer medicines when used in combination
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Imfinzi affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol restrictions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Imfinzi is not expected to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but be cautious until you know how the medication affects you personally.
Storage
Store unopened vials in the refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original carton to protect from light. Do not freeze or shake the vials. Keep out of reach of children. Take any unused or expired medication to a pharmacy for safe disposal.
Overdose Information
Since Imfinzi is administered by healthcare professionals in a medical setting, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any serious side effects during or after treatment, contact your doctor immediately or go to the nearest emergency department.
Frequently Asked Questions
Each Imfinzi infusion takes about 1 hour and is given every 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Your doctor will decide how many treatments you need based on your specific cancer type and response to treatment.
Yes, Imfinzi is often given in combination with chemotherapy or other anti-cancer medicines like tremelimumab, depending on your cancer type. When given together, Imfinzi is usually administered first, followed by chemotherapy.
Call your doctor right away to reschedule your appointment. It is very important that you do not miss a dose of Imfinzi, as this could affect your treatment effectiveness.
Your doctor will monitor your progress through regular appointments and tests. Keep all scheduled appointments so your doctor can check how well the treatment is working and watch for any side effects.
No, you should not receive Imfinzi if you are pregnant. If you could become pregnant, you must use adequate birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are receiving Imfinzi treatment, as this information is important for your overall healthcare management.
Imfinzi can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues, which may lead to various side effects. Your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment and may continue monitoring after treatment ends to watch for any delayed effects.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.