Durvalumab
About
Durvalumab is an anti-cancer medicine used in the treatment of unresectable, stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). Durvalumab is also used in combination with tremelimumab-actl and platinum-based chemotherapy for treatment of metastatic NSCLC, in combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin for treating extensive-stage small cell lung cancer, in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin in treating metastatic biliary tract cancer, and in combination with tremelimumab-act in treatment of unresectable hepatocellular cancer.
Durvalumab contains Durvalumab, which belongs to the class of monoclonal antibodies. It works by inhibiting the action of a programmed death ligand receptor-1 (PD-L1), thereby stopping the abnormal growth of cancer cells.
Durvalumab may cause certain side effects such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, rash, headache, fever, shortness of breath, muscle/joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite and injection site reactions. Inform your doctor if any of these side effects persist for longer. Durvalumab will be administered by an oncologist trained in administering anti-cancer agents.
Avoid receiving Durvalumab and inform your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other components of it. This medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Hence, it is not recommended for use in pregnancy. Before taking Durvalumab, tell your doctor if you have/had liver or kidney disease, autoimmune disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease, a history of organ transplants, received an allogeneic stem cell transplant, or had radiation treatment to the chest, and myasthenia gravis. Avoid breastfeeding while taking this Durvalumab.
Uses of Durvalumab
Medicinal Benefits
Durvalumab contains Durvalumab, which is used in the treatment of different types of cancers. It works by inhibiting the action of a programmed death ligand receptor-1 (PD-L1) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells. This helps stop the abnormal growth of cancer cells and thus reduce the further spread to other body parts.
Directions for Use
Storage
Side Effects of Durvalumab
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhoea
- Loss of appetite
- Weakness
- Muscle pain
- Cough
- Headache
- Fever
- Itching
- Rash
- Back pain
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Injection site reactions
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
To treat your condition effectually, continue receiving Durvalumab for the period that your doctor has prescribed. Durvalumab may cause severe immune-mediated adverse reactions (IMAR) such as immune-mediated colitis, hepatitis, hepatotoxicity, nephritis, endocrinopathies, pneumonitis, cardiac problems, and dermatologic reactions. It may also cause infusion-related reactions in some patients. Therefore, caution should be exercised if you have/had liver or kidney disease, any history of organ transplant, gastrointestinal disorders, autoimmune disorders such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn’s disease, lung disease, heart problems, and breathing difficulty while receiving Durvalumab. This medicine may also cause severe infusion-related reactions. Hence, careful monitoring is recommended and discontinue the treatment if any severe infusion reactions occur. Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or are planning to become pregnant before starting the treatment, as this medicine is known to cause embryo-fetal toxicity. Breastfeeding should be discontinued in nursing mothers during the treatment as it passes into breast milk and may cause a possible risk to the infant. This medicine is not recommended for use in children below 12 years of age as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Durvalumab may have interaction with immunomodulator drugs (thalidomide), corticosteroids (prednisolone, methylprednisolone, prednisone), etc.
Drug-Food Interactions: Avoid alcohol consumption and smoking.
Dug-Disease Interactions: Tell your doctor if you have liver or kidney disease, heart problems, GI disorders, dermatitis, or a weak immune system before starting the treatment.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Durvalumab interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeDurvalumab is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning pregnancy, inform your doctor before receiving Durvalumab. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving Durvalumab for at least three months from the last dose of Durvalumab. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeDurvalumab should not be taken if you are breastfeeding as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Avoid nursing your child while on treatment with this medicine and for at least three months from the last dose of medicine.
Driving
not applicableDurvalumab will be administered to hospitalized patients. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms, such as severe nausea or vomiting, right-sided upper stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Durvalumab. Tell your doctor if you have little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or blood in your urine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeDurvalumab is not recommended for use in children below 12 years as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Physical activity helps strengthen muscles, reduces fatigue, helps in weight loss, and gives strength. Gentle activities like 20-30 minutes of walking or swimming would be helpful.
- Maintain a healthy weight by performing regular low-strain exercises and eating healthy food.
- Getting adequate sleep as resting helps improve your health and mental ability and improves attention.
- De-stress yourself by meditating, reading books, taking a warm bubble bath, or listening to soothing music.
- Eat food rich in antioxidants such as berries, spinach, etc.
- Foods containing fibre help in better digestion. These include beans, peas, lentils, whole grains, nuts, and seeds.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Maintain a healthy weight.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lung function tests to monitor the function of the liver, kidney and lungs due to the use of Durvalumab.
- Using contraceptive pills while using Durvalumab to prevent pregnancy is advised.
- Thyroid function and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels will be monitored during treatment to avoid any life-threatening side effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is the most common form of lung cancer, which occurs when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: It occurs when the cancer/ malignant cells grow out of control in the liver. This infects the liver, destroys the liver cells and affects the ability of the liver to work properly. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and pale bowel motions.
Biliary tract cancer: Also known as bile duct cancer or Cholangiocarcinoma. It is a rare type of cancer in which the cancer cells grow abnormally in the epithelial cells lining the biliary tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, itching, fever, weight loss, changes in the colour of urine and stools, and jaundice.
FAQs
Durvalumab contains Durvalumab, which works by inhibiting the action of a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-L1) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
