Generic name:avelumab [ a-VEL-ue-mab ]
Drug class:Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies
What is Bavencio?
Bavencio is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.
Bavencio 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).
Bavencio 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. Bavencio is given for this condition after platinum cancer medicines did not work or have stopped working.
Bavencio 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.
Warnings
Bavencio 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).
