Atezolizumab

What is this medication for?

Atezolizumab is a therapy that increases the immune response, and is used to treat certain types of cancer. It works with your body’s immune system to fight against cancer cells.

How should I take or use this medication?

Atezolizumab is given via an injection into the vein, as an infusion (drip).

What precautions should I take when taking or using this medication?

Inform your healthcare professional if:

• You are allergic to this medication or any of the other ingredients of this medication
• You are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding
• You are taking any other medications, including supplements, traditional medications and herbal remedies.
• You are taking steroids or have an auto-immune condition.

What are some common side effects of this medication? ​

• Mild itch, rashes that resolves within a few days
• Mild diarrhea
• Muscle ache, feeling tired

These side-effects are usually mild and may occur within a few weeks after the first dose.

What are some rare but serious side-effects that I need to seek medical advice immediately? 

• Allergic reactions may develop during the first few infusions. Symptoms may include feeling very cold, shivering, shortness of breath, chest discomfort, flushing or itch.
  • Alert your nurse if you experience any of the above during the infusion.
• Severe skin rashes that are painful or peeling, or affect a large area of the body.
• Symptoms of liver or gut problems such as having severe diarrhea, black sticky stools or stools with blood or mucus, dark-coloured urine, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, easy bruising, severe nausea or vomiting or loss of appetite.
• Symptoms of thyroid problems such as extreme tiredness, abnormal intolerance of cold or heat, feeling irritable, unusual weight gain or loss
• Symptoms of high blood sugar such as always feeling hungry or thirsty, having to pass urine often
• Symptoms of eye problems such as having blurred vision, double vision, eye pain or redness, or any other problems with vision
• Severe pain in muscle or joints that affect walking or sleeping
• Persistent shortness of breath or dry cough
• Being unable to pass urine