Imjudo (Tremelimumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Imjudo Used For?
Imjudo is a cancer treatment medicine that helps your immune system fight cancer. It belongs to a class of medicines called monoclonal antibodies.
Primary Uses
Imjudo is used together with another medicine called durvalumab to treat a type of liver cancer in adults called unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC). This treatment is for liver cancer that cannot be removed by surgery and may have spread within the liver to other parts of the body.
How It Works
Imjudo works by helping your immune system fight your cancer. It is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that enables your body’s natural defenses to better recognize and attack cancer cells.
How to Take Imjudo
Imjudo is given by healthcare professionals in a medical facility through an infusion into your vein.
Dosage Instructions
Imjudo is given through an infusion (drip) into your vein for about 1 hour. It is given as a one-time single dose in combination with durvalumab. You will receive Imjudo first, followed by durvalumab.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive Imjudo, call your doctor right away to reschedule. It is very important that you do not miss this dose.
Important: Do not miss your scheduled dose of Imjudo – contact your doctor immediately to reschedule if needed.
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:
- Underactive thyroid gland (causing tiredness or weight gain)
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Swelling of legs
- Fever
- Cough
- Itchiness
- Skin rash
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Lung problems (inflammation, new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
- Liver problems (inflammation, nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, right-sided stomach pain, yellowing of skin/eyes, drowsiness, dark urine, easy bleeding/bruising)
- Intestinal problems (inflammation, diarrhea, black/tarry/bloody stools, severe stomach pain)
- Hormone gland problems (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary, pancreas inflammation causing headaches, extreme tiredness, weight changes, dizziness, increased hunger/thirst, hair loss, feeling cold, voice changes, frequent urination, mood changes)
- Kidney problems (inflammation, changes in urine amount/color, ankle swelling, loss of appetite)
- Skin/mouth problems (inflammation, rash, itching, blistering, mouth ulcers)
- Heart problems (inflammation, chest pain, shortness of breath, irregular heartbeat)
- Muscle problems (inflammation, weakness, tiredness, pain, rapid fatigue)
- Brain problems (inflammation, seizures, headache, fever, chills, vomiting, confusion, sleepiness)
- Low platelet count (bleeding, bruising)
- Nerve problems (inflammation, pain, weakness, paralysis in hands/feet/arms)
- Joint problems (inflammation, pain, swelling, stiffness)
- Eye problems (inflammation, redness, pain, light sensitivity, vision changes)
- Infusion reactions (chills, shaking, itching, rash, flushing, shortness of breath, dizziness, fever, feeling faint, back/neck pain, facial swelling)
Important Warnings
There are important safety considerations before receiving Imjudo treatment.
Who Should Not Take Imjudo
Do not use Imjudo if you are allergic to tremelimumab 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), have had an organ transplant, lung or breathing problems, liver problems, or any other medical conditions. Patients with autoimmune diseases may have higher risk of immune-mediated side effects and more frequent disease flares.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Imjudo can harm your unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose, as it’s unknown if Imjudo passes into breast milk.
Pregnancy Warning: Imjudo can harm your unborn baby – use effective contraception during treatment and for 3 months after.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, including prescription medicines, vitamins, and supplements bought without a prescription.
- Check with your doctor about all medicines, vitamins or supplements you are taking
- Some medicines may interfere with Imjudo and affect how it works
Alcohol & Driving
Be careful when driving or using machinery until you know how Imjudo affects you.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Imjudo is unlikely to affect your ability to drive and use machines. However, if you experience side effects that affect your ability to concentrate and react, use caution when driving or operating machinery.
Storage
Imjudo will be stored by healthcare professionals at the medical facility. It should be stored in a refrigerator at 2°C to 8°C in the original package to protect from light. Do not freeze or shake.
Overdose Information
Since Imjudo is given by healthcare professionals in a controlled medical setting, overdose is unlikely. If you have concerns about your treatment, speak with your healthcare team immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
Imjudo is given through an infusion (drip) into your vein over about 1 hour by healthcare professionals in a medical facility. It’s given as a one-time single dose together with another medicine called durvalumab.
Call your doctor right away to reschedule your appointment. It is very important that you do not miss this dose of medicine.
No, Imjudo can harm your unborn baby. If you can become pregnant, you must use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose.
Watch for signs of inflammation in your lungs, liver, intestines, hormone glands, kidneys, heart, muscles, or brain. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience breathing problems, severe stomach pain, unusual tiredness, chest pain, or any concerning symptoms.
No, do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after your last dose, as it’s not known if Imjudo passes into breast milk.
Imjudo is unlikely to affect your ability to drive, but be careful until you know how it affects you. If you experience side effects that affect your concentration or reaction time, use caution when driving.
Remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Imjudo. Keep all your doctor’s appointments so your progress can be monitored.
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.