Durvalumab injection is used to treat urothelial cancer (cancer of the lining of the bladder and other parts of the urinary tract) that spread to nearby tissues or other parts of the body that cannot be removed by surgery and has worsened during or after being treated with other chemotherapy medications. Durvalumab injection is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that spread to nearby tissues and cannot be removed by surgery but has not worsened after being treated with other chemotherapy medications and radiation treatments. Durvalumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
Durvalumab injection comes as a as a liquid to be injected into a vein over 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually given once every 2 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends you receive treatment.
Durvalumab injection may cause serious or life-threatening reactions during an infusion. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and shortly after the infusion to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during or after the infusion: chills or shaking, itching, rash, flushing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever, feeling faint, back or neck pain, or swelling of your face.
Your doctor may slow down your infusion, delay or stop your treatment with durvalumab injection, or treat you with additional medications depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.
Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with durvalumab injection and each time you receive a dose. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website ( Web Site) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.
This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.
Before receiving durvalumab injection,
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
Durvalumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
Durvalumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.
If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online ( Web Site) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to durvalumab injection.
It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.