Padcev (Enfortumab Vedotin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Quick Facts
What Is Padcev Used For?
Padcev is a medication used to treat urothelial carcinoma, a type of cancer that affects the bladder and urinary tract. It can be used alone or in combination with pembrolizumab for adults whose cancer has spread or cannot be surgically removed.
Primary Uses
Used for treating urothelial carcinoma in adults.
How It Works
Padcev works by targeting cancer cells and delivering a toxic agent directly to them, helping to kill the cancer cells.
Good to know: Padcev is not considered addictive.
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How to Take Padcev
Padcev is given through an intravenous infusion, typically administered by a healthcare professional.
Dosage Instructions
If given alone, Padcev is administered once a week for 3 weeks in a 28-day cycle. If given with pembrolizumab, it is administered once a week for 2 weeks in a 21-day cycle.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss a dose, contact your doctor immediately to reschedule your appointment.
Important: Do not miss a dose; contact your doctor if you cannot attend 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:
- nausea
- diarrhea
- vomiting
- tiredness
- dry eyes
- hair loss
- decreased appetite
- weight loss
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- skin reactions (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
- high blood sugar (hyperglycemia)
- lung problems (e.g., cough, shortness of breath)
- nerve damage (e.g., numbness, tingling)
- infusion site reactions (e.g., redness, swelling)
Important Warnings
There are significant warnings associated with Padcev that patients should be aware of.
Who Should Not Take Padcev
Do not use Padcev if you have had an allergic reaction to enfortumab vedotin or any of its ingredients.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Discuss any history of high blood sugar, diabetes, or nerve damage with your doctor.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Padcev may harm an unborn baby and should not be used during pregnancy. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for several months after stopping. It is also advised not to breastfeed during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications may interact with Padcev and affect its efficacy.
- clarithromycin (bacterial infections)
- nefazodone (depression)
- ketoconazole (fungal infections)
- voriconazole (fungal infections)
- posaconazole (fungal infections)
- itraconazole (fungal infections)
- boceprevir (hepatitis C)
- telaprevir (hepatitis C)
- cobicistat (HIV)
- indinavir (HIV)
- nelfinavir (HIV)
- ritonavir (HIV)
- saquinavir (HIV)
- carbamazepine (epilepsy)
- phenobarbital (epilepsy)
- phenytoin (epilepsy)
- escitalopram (depression)
- fluoxetine (depression)
- sertraline (depression)
- St. John’s wort (depression)
- rifampicin (tuberculosis)
Alcohol & Driving
Caution is advised regarding alcohol consumption and operating machinery while on Padcev.
Alcohol
Discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful when driving or using machines until you know how Padcev affects you.
Storage
Padcev is typically stored in a pharmacy or hospital, and you will not need to store it at home.
Overdose Information
If you suspect an overdose, contact your doctor or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Padcev to work can vary by individual, and your doctor will monitor your progress.
There are no specific instructions regarding food interactions with Padcev.
Padcev is not considered addictive.
Consult your doctor before stopping Padcev, as they will guide you on the best course of action.
Discuss your alcohol consumption with your doctor while on Padcev.
Weight loss is a common side effect, but individual responses may vary.
Elderly patients should discuss their overall health with their doctor to ensure Padcev is safe for them.
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.