Durvalumab drug: Uses, indications and precautions when using

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Durvalumab is used in the treatment of certain lung cancers. The drug is prepared in the form of a sterile concentrated solution for infusion.

1. What is the effect of Durvalumab?

Durvalumab belongs to a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies, which are used to treat certain types of lung cancer. The drug works by helping the body's immune system fight cancer.

2. Indications for use

2.1. Non-small cell lung cancer Durvalumab is indicated for the treatment of adult patients with unresectable stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed after chemotherapy and radiation. concurrent platinum-based treatment.
2.2. Durvalumab, in combination with etoposide and carboplatin or cisplatin, is indicated for the first-line treatment of adult patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).

3. How to use Durvalumab

Patients should carefully read the package insert provided by the pharmacist before starting treatment with Durvalumab. If you have any questions, please ask your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.
Durvalumab is administered to a patient by a healthcare professional. It is given by slow injection into a vein over 60 minutes as directed by your doctor, usually every 2 to 4 weeks. Durvalumab can cause serious reactions during injection. The doctor should be informed immediately if the patient has symptoms such as chills, flushing, itching, dizziness or difficulty breathing.
The doctor may order to stop treatment for a while if the patient experiences serious side effects. Your doctor may also prescribe other medications (including corticosteroids such as prednisone) to treat unwanted effects.
For optimal therapeutic effect, the patient must not miss any dose. To help with better memory and adherence, patients should mark the days on the calendar when injections are needed.

4. Note about the side effects of Durvalumab and precautions when using it

4.1. Undesirable effects Possible side effects include: fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea, constipation, muscle pain, bone pain or swelling of the hands, ankles, feet. If any of these effects persist or get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist immediately.
Patients taking Durvalumab may experience serious side effects. However, the doctor prescribed Durvalumab because they judged that the benefit to the patient outweighed the risk of unwanted effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor can help reduce the risk of side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: Signs of liver disease (such as nausea or vomiting that won't stop, stomach pain, stomach pain, yellowing) eyes, jaundice, dark urine); new or worse cough; diarrhea, blood or mucus in the stool; eye, vision problems (such as blurred vision, vision changes, eye pain); severe headache that doesn't go away, stiff or sore neck; unusual weight gain or loss, mental or mood changes (such as B); cold or heat intolerance, fast, slow, pounding, or irregular heartbeat; increased thirst or urination, muscle weakness; numbness or tingling in the arms or legs; easy bruising or bleeding; burning or painful urination; signs of kidney problems (such as pink or bloody urine, change in the amount of urine).
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, trouble breathing.
Very serious allergic reactions to the use of Durvalumab are very rare. However, patients or family members should seek immediate medical help if they notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: Fever, swollen lymph nodes, rash, difficulty breathing, itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue, or throat), severe dizziness.
The above is not a complete list of all undesirable effects that may occur when using Durvalumab medicine. If you notice any other side effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist for specific instructions.
4.2. Precautions Before using Durvalumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you are allergic to any other medication or ingredients. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which may cause allergic reactions or other problems. Patients should talk to a pharmacist for more specific information. Before taking Durvalumab, please tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially: organ transplant, transplant. stem cell transplantation with donor cells.

Durvalumab may make the patient more susceptible to infection or may worsen any infection the patient already has, so contact with people who have an infection that is at high risk of spreading it to others should be avoided. (like chickenpox, measles, flu). Patients should consult their doctor if they have been exposed to the infection for further guidance.
Do not arbitrarily get vaccinated without the consent of the doctor. Patients should avoid contact with people who have recently received a live vaccine (such as a nasal flu vaccine).
Before surgery, please inform your doctor or dentist about all products you are using (including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines and herbal supplements).
Inform your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Patients should not become pregnant while taking this medicine because durvalumab can harm an unborn baby. Patients should ask about reliable forms of contraception while using Durvalumab and for at least 3 months after stopping treatment.
It is not known whether Durvalumab is excreted in human milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using Durvalumab and for at least 3 months after the last dose is not recommended. Patients should consult their doctor for advice before breastfeeding.

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Reference sources: Webmd.com, eMC, DailyMed