This medication is used to treat various cancers (such
as liver/lung/skin cancer, alveolar soft part sarcoma - ASPS). It works by
helping your immune system fight the cancer. Atezolizumab belongs to a
class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start receiving atezolizumab and each time you get a treatment.
If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist.
This medication is given by a health care professional.
It is injected slowly into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes as directed by your
doctor. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical
condition and response to treatment. Children's dosage is also based on
weight.
Infusion reactions may happen during the infusion of
this drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms of infusion
reactions such as chills, itching, shortness of breath, flushing,
dizziness, lightheadedness, fever, back/neck pain. Your doctor may give you
other medications to help with these side effects or may slow down or stop
your treatment for some time.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
See also How to Use section.
Tiredness, loss of appetite, muscle/bone pain, or nausea
may occur. If any of these effects last or get worse, tell your doctor or
pharmacist promptly.
Remember that this medication has been prescribed
because your doctor has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the
risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious
side effects.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new/worsening cough
- diarrhea
- black/tarry stool
- signs of liver disease (nausea/vomiting that doesn't stop,
stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine)
- signs of kidney problems (such as pink/bloody urine, change
in the amount of urine)
- eye/vision problems (such as blurred vision, vision changes,
eye pain)
- headache that is severe or doesn't go away
- stiff/painful neck
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
This medication may cause hormone gland problems (such
as thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas). Your body could make too much or
too little hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms
such as:
- cold or heat intolerance
- unexplained weight loss/gain
- increased thirst/urination
- mood or behavior changes (such as decreased sex drive,
irritability, forgetfulness)
- slow/fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
- unusual tiredness
- constipation
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, such as:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using atezolizumab, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies.
This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic
reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more
details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- immune system problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis, lupus)
- organ transplant
- stem cell transplant with donor cells
- radiation treatment
- nervous system disorders (such as myasthenia gravis,
Guillain-Barre syndrome)
- diabetes
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using atezolizumab.
Atezolizumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth
control while using this medication and for at least 5 months after the
last dose. I f you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about
the risks and benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for at least 5 months after the last
dose. Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney/thyroid
function) should be done before you start using this medication and while
you are using it. Keep all medical and lab appointments.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.