Avelumab is used to treat certain types of cancer. Learn how to use the medication, its common side effects, special precautions to watch out for, and more.
Avelumab is used to treat:
It belongs to a class of medications called immunotherapy, which makes your body’s immune cells more active to attack cancer cells.
Avelumab is injected into the vein as an infusion which lasts for 60 minutes, once every 2 weeks.
Your doctor will decide how many cycles of treatment is required.
It is normal to experience some side effects from Avelumab, which are usually mild.
Rarely, Avelumab may cause serious side effects when it causes the body’s immune system to become too active, which then starts to attack healthy parts of the body. This causes inflammation. These immune-related side effects may occur weeks to months after treatment.
The table below will list some of the common side effects as well as the rare but serious side effects.
Side Effect |
Management |
Infusion-related reaction This sometimes occurs during the first few doses. This is usually mild or moderate, but rarely can be more severe. |
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Skin rash |
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Muscle-aches and/or joint pain Feeling tired |
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Diarrhoea (loose stools) It is common to have mild diarrhoea after treatment. |
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Hormonal abnormalities Inflammation of various hormone glands (such as the pituitary, thyroid, pancreas and adrenal glands) may occur This may affect the production of certain hormones in your body |
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Pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs) |
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Liver problems |
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Kidney problems |
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Heart problems |
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Eye problems |
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Inform your healthcare professional if you are taking or intend to take any other medications, supplements, traditional medications, or herbal remedies, including those that are over-the-counter.
Tips to help manage your condition while you are on Avelumab
Exercise |
Light exercise is recommended as it helps to improve mobility, balance, and even emotional well-being. Avoid strenuous exercise, and rest when you are feeling tired. |
Medical and dental treatment |
If you need to go to the hospital for any reason other than cancer, always inform the doctors and nurses that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. Talk to your cancer doctor if you think you need dental treatment. Always inform your dentist that you are receiving anti-cancer treatment. |
Seek support if you feel overwhelmed |
It is normal to feel fearful or worried about your condition. Do not be afraid to talk about your concerns with your healthcare team or loved ones. There may be resources and support available to help you. |
Please take note that the above is not a complete list of all possible side effects. If you have any concerns about your medication or if you have other side effects that you think are caused by this medication, please consult your doctor or pharmacist.
If you take more than the recommended dose, please seek medical advice immediately. The information provided on this page does not replace information from your healthcare professional. Please consult your healthcare professional for more information.
This article is jointly developed by members of the National Medication Information workgroup. The workgroup consists of cluster partners (National Healthcare Group, National University Health System and SingHealth), community pharmacies (Guardian, Unity and Watsons) and Pharmaceutical Society of Singapore. The content does not reflect drug availability and supply information in pharmacies and healthcare institutions. You are advised to check with the respective institutions for such information.
Last updated on Apr 2025
This article was last reviewed on Wednesday, April 09, 2025