Atezolizumab
Introduction To Atezolizumab
Atezolizumab belongs to a group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies. It is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma.
Atezolizumab is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to.
The most common side effects of this medicine include fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, cough, and shortness of breath. Some side effects such as chest pain, diarrhea, and dark urine might require immediate action. Inform your doctor if it bothers you, as there may be a way to prevent the side effects.
Before taking it, tell your doctor if have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy.
"There is a Patient Support Program / Patient Assistance Program available in India for this medicine, being managed by Tata 1mg. Please contact your prescribing doctor to know more about the same. You may also call on (1800-102-1618) for more details."
Uses of Atezolizumab
- Treatment of Small cell lung cancer
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Melanoma
- Treatment of Hepatocellular carcinoma
Benefits of Atezolizumab
Treatment of Small cell lung cancer
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells
form in the lung tissues. The addition of atezolizumab to chemotherapy in the
first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer has been found
to result in significantly longer overall survival and progression-free
survival than chemotherapy alone.
Side effects of Atezolizumab
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Tecentriq
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea
- Cough
- Breathlessness
- Constipation
How to use Atezolizumab
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self- administer.
How Atezolizumab works
Atezolizumab is a type of monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking the activity of a protein located on the T cells- a type of white blood cells that regulate the functioning of the immune system. In the presence of Atezolizumab, the killing power of T-cells is restored and the immune response is stimulated to locate and destroy cancer cells.
Quick tips
- It is given as IV infusion under the supervision of a doctor.
- Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Atezolizumab affects you.
- Inform your doctor if you notice shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, and dark urine while taking this medicine.
- Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor consultation.
Safety Advice
PregnancyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atezolizumab if I’m pregnant?
Atezolizumab may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
BreastfeedingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atezolizumab if I’m breastfeeding?
Atezolizumab is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
AlcoholCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Is drinking alcohol while taking Atezolizumab safe?
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Atezolizumab. Please consult your doctor.
DrivingCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I drive after taking Atezolizumab?
It is not known whether Atezolizumab alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
KidneyCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atezolizumab if I have/had kidney diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Atezolizumab in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
LiverCONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Can I take Atezolizumab if I have/had liver diseases?
There is limited information available on the use of Atezolizumab in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. What is the most important information about Atezolizumab?
This medicine can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during your treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Discuss in detail with your doctor.
Q. When should I call my doctor right away?
Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chills or shaking, double vision, blurry vision, persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, and muscle cramp.
Q. Can Atezolizumab be used during pregnancy?
No, this medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm your unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant and use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Atezolizumab.
Q. Can Atezolizumab be used during breastfeeding?
No, do not use this medicine while breastfeeding as it might pass into breast milk and could therefore harm your baby. Avoid breastfeeding for at least 5 months after the last dose of Atezolizumab.
Q. Can Atezolizumab affect my fertility?
Yes, this medicine may cause fertility problems in females of reproductive potential, which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about fertility.
Q. Does Atezolizumab cause hair loss?
Yes, while taking this medicine, your hair may become brittle and break. You may also experience patchy hair loss or thinning. These conditions tend to resolve once treatment is stopped. Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.
Q. How will you know that Atezolizumab is working?
Keep taking this medicine exactly as directed until your doctor tells you to stop. Regular scans will reveal whether your tumor is responding to the treatment. Your doctor will determine when those scans should be scheduled.
Q. I have noticed some changes in my skin after taking Atezolizumab?
What should I do? Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes, dry and itchy skin. Avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with (SPF more than 15) whenever you step outdoors. Do not go swimming if you have a rash because the chlorine in the water can make it worse. Avoid hot water bath and wear loose and cotton fabric clothes. Your skin will tend to become better once treatment is stopped.
Q. How to relieve constipation during the treatment?
To relieve constipation, include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.
Q. I am experiencing nausea and extreme tiredness. Is this due to Atezolizumab?
Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side-effects of this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid food that is salty, spicy, fried, or fatty. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.
Q. I am noticing a change in my taste. How shall I improve my taste?
You may experience a metallic taste or find that food has no taste at all. You may dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving cancer treatment. Rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda before mealtimes to neutralize the bad taste in your mouth. You can also add extra flavor or seasonings to your food.
Q. What should I avoid during my treatment with Atezolizumab?
During your treatment, it is advisable to avoid caffeine as it can make you feel dehydrated, avoid fatty fried, spicy and overly sweet foods, as they may induce nausea, avoid alcohol and smoking. It is also advisable to avoid crowds or people with colds, as you may be at risk of infection as well as sun exposure to prevent rashes and dry skin. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
References
Written By:
Dr Advikka Ridhy
MBBS
RMO, Aster MIMS
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