Avelumab (Intravenous)
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 21, 2022.
Commonly used brand name(s)
In the U.S.
- BAVENCIO
Available Dosage Forms:
- Solution
Therapeutic Class: Antineoplastic Agent
Pharmacologic Class: Monoclonal Antibody
Uses for avelumab
Avelumab injection is used to treat metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma (skin cancer that has already spread).
Avelumab injection is also used to treat urothelial carcinoma, a type of bladder cancer, that has spread throughout the body (metastatic) or cannot be removed by surgery (advanced). Avelumab is given to patients who have received other cancer medicines (eg, platinum) that did not work well. It is also used as first-line maintenance treatment with urothelial carcinoma that has spread in patients who have responded well with platinum-containing cancer medicines.
Avelumab injection is also used together with other medicines (eg, axitinib) as first-line treatment of advanced renal cell carcinoma (RCC), a type of kidney cancer.
Avelumab belongs to the group of medicines called antineoplastics. It helps change the immune system to help control the growth of cancer cells.
Avelumab is to be given only by or under the direct supervision of your doctor.
Before using avelumab
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For avelumab, the following should be considered:
Allergies
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to avelumab or any other medicines. Also tell your health care professional if you have any other types of allergies, such as to foods, dyes, preservatives, or animals. For non-prescription products, read the label or package ingredients carefully.
Pediatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated pediatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of avelumab injection in children 12 years of age and older. However, safety and efficacy have not been established in children younger than 12 years of age.
Geriatric
Appropriate studies performed to date have not demonstrated geriatric-specific problems that would limit the usefulness of avelumab injection in the elderly.
Breastfeeding
There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.
Interactions with medicines
Although certain medicines should not be used together at all, in other cases two different medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may want to change the dose, or other precautions may be necessary. Tell your healthcare professional if you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter [OTC]) medicine.
Interactions with food/tobacco/alcohol
Certain medicines should not be used at or around the time of eating food or eating certain types of food since interactions may occur. Using alcohol or tobacco with certain medicines may also cause interactions to occur. Discuss with your healthcare professional the use of your medicine with food, alcohol, or tobacco.
