Avelumab
Generic name: avelumab [ a-VEL-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Bavencio
Dosage form: intravenous solution (20 mg/mL)
Drug class:Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies
What is avelumab?
Avelumab is used to treat a type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma in adults and children at least 12 years old, when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic).
Avelumab is also used to treat a certain type of cancer of the bladder or urinary tract that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery. Avelumab is given for this condition after platinum cancer medicines did not work or have stopped working.
Avelumab is also used alone or in combination with another medicine called axitinib to treat advanced kidney cancer that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery.
Avelumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
Warnings
Avelumab works by causing your immune system to attack tumor cells. Avelumab may cause your immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues in your body. This could lead to serious or life-threatening side effects on your lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, thyroid, or adrenal glands.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: fever, cough, flu symptoms, muscle pain or weakness, vision changes, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe stomach pain or diarrhea, skin rash, swelling in your ankles, increased or decreased urination, blood in your urine or stools, weight changes, hair loss, unusual bleeding, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
Tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a condition that affects your nervous system such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome;
an immune system disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;
lung problems or a breathing disorder;
liver or kidney disease;
heart problems or high blood pressure;
diabetes;
an organ transplant; or
if you have received or will receive a transplant of stem cells from a donor.
You should not use avelumab if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective
