Polivy (Polatuzumab Vedotin)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Polivy Used For?
Polivy is a specialized cancer treatment that combines two powerful components to fight a specific type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Primary Uses
Polivy treats diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in two situations: when the cancer has never been treated before, or when the cancer has returned or hasn’t responded to previous treatments and you cannot receive a stem cell transplant.
How It Works
Polivy contains two substances working together: polatuzumab (a monoclonal antibody that recognizes large B-cell cancer cells) and vedotin (an anti-cancer substance). This combination is designed to target and deliver the anti-cancer substance directly to cancer cells to stop their growth and spread.
How to Take Polivy
Polivy is administered by healthcare professionals in a hospital or clinic setting through a slow intravenous drip.
Dosage Instructions
The recommended dose is based on your weight and determined by your doctor. Polivy is given once every three weeks through a slow IV infusion. The first infusion takes 90 minutes, but if well tolerated, future infusions may be shortened to 30 minutes. The number of treatments depends on how you respond to therapy.
What If You Miss a Dose?
Since Polivy is given under medical supervision, missing a dose is unlikely. However, if you forget or miss your appointment, schedule another as soon as possible. Don’t wait for your next planned appointment – your doctor will determine the timing of your next dose.
Important: Never stop your Polivy treatment without talking to your doctor first, even if you’re feeling better.
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:
- nose bleeds
- feeling dizzy, tired, or looking pale
- nausea or vomiting
- constipation or abdominal pain
- diarrhea
- rash, itching or hives on skin
- decreased appetite, weight decrease
- changes in blood tests
- dry skin
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat with difficulty breathing
- shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing
- abnormal or irregular heartbeat
- fever, sore throat, tiredness, sores in mouth or gums
- bruising, bleeding gums or nose, blood in urine or stools
- numbness or tingling in hands or feet, sharp or jabbing pain
- difficulty walking, weakness, lack of energy
- muscle cramps or spasms, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties
- swelling of hands or feet, yellow skin or eyes
- skin infection, urinary tract infection, upper respiratory tract infection
- confusion or memory loss, muscle spasms and cramps, facial twitching
Important Warnings
Before starting Polivy, it’s crucial to discuss your medical history and current health status with your doctor to ensure safe treatment.
Who Should Not Take Polivy
Do not use Polivy if you currently have an active severe infection or if you are allergic to polatuzumab vedotin or any ingredients in the medication. Always check the ingredient list to ensure you can safely use this medicine.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have ever had nerve problems (numbness, tingling in hands or feet, eyesight problems), liver problems such as hepatitis, or if you think you may have an infection or have had long-lasting or repeated infections.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy while being treated and for 9 months after stopping treatment. Males should also use contraception with female partners for 6 months after treatment. Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
Serious Allergic Reactions: Seek immediate medical attention if you experience swelling of face, lips, tongue, throat, shortness of breath, wheezing, or trouble breathing.
Drug Interactions
Some medications may interfere with Polivy and affect how it works. Always inform your healthcare team about all medicines you’re taking.
Important: Don’t take any other medicines, prescription or over-the-counter, without first telling your doctor or consulting with a pharmacist.
- oral antifungal medications (ketoconazole, itraconazole, voriconazole)
- certain antibiotics used to treat infections (rifampicin)
Alcohol & Driving
Polivy may affect your ability to drive or operate machinery safely due to potential side effects.
Alcohol
The source does not provide specific information about alcohol interactions with Polivy. Consult your doctor about alcohol consumption during treatment.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Polivy affects you. The medication may cause slight light-headedness, tiredness, and dizziness. If you experience infusion-related reactions, nerve damage, or feel tired, weak, or dizzy, do not drive or use machines until symptoms stop.
Storage
Polivy will be stored by healthcare professionals in the pharmacy or hospital ward in a refrigerator at a temperature between 2°C and 8°C. As a patient, you don’t need to worry about storing this medication.
Overdose Information
Since Polivy is given under medical supervision, receiving too much is unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after being given Polivy, tell your doctor or nurse immediately. Healthcare professionals will monitor you closely during and after each infusion.
Frequently Asked Questions
The number of infusions you receive depends on how you respond to treatment. Your doctor will monitor your progress and determine the appropriate treatment duration based on your individual response.
Since Polivy is given under medical supervision, missing a dose is unlikely. If you forget or miss your appointment, schedule another as soon as possible rather than waiting for your next planned appointment.
Don’t take any other medicines, whether prescription or over-the-counter, without first telling your doctor or consulting with a pharmacist. Some medications may interfere with Polivy.
Be careful driving or operating machinery until you know how Polivy affects you. The medication may cause light-headedness, tiredness, and dizziness. Don’t drive if you experience these symptoms.
Always remind any doctor, dentist, or pharmacist you visit that you are using Polivy. If you’re having blood tests, tell your doctor as the medication may interfere with some test results.
Use effective contraception to avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 9 months after stopping. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant. Males should also use contraception with female partners for 6 months after treatment.
Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience serious side effects like difficulty breathing, swelling, fever, or signs of infection. For less serious side effects that worry you, speak to your doctor.
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.