Atezolizumab
About Atezolizumab
Atezolizumab is a specialised prescription medicine used to treat several types of advanced cancers, including specific lung, liver, and skin cancers. It belongs to a class of medicines called immunotherapy, which helps your body's own immune system find and attack cancer cells. This medicine is prescribed when other standard treatments may not have worked or when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.
Because Atezolizumab is given as an intravenous infusion, it does not have a daily dosing schedule. Instead, it is usually given once every two, three, or four weeks, and maintaining a consistent schedule is highly important for the treatment to be effective. Since it is received through a vein, you do not need to worry about taking it with or without food, but staying well-hydrated and eating balanced meals can help your body tolerate the therapy better.
While receiving this treatment, many patients experience mild side effects such as fatigue, decreased appetite, or mild nausea. However, because this medicine stimulates the immune system, it can sometimes cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues. You must contact your healthcare team immediately if you develop serious symptoms like a new or worsening cough, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.
Before starting Atezolizumab, it is vital to tell your doctor about your complete medical history. Do not take this if you have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to this medicine or any of its ingredients in the past. You should also discuss if you have an active autoimmune disease, a history of lung inflammation, or if you have received an organ transplant, as this medicine may complicate these conditions.
This medicine can interact with certain other treatments, especially strong immune-suppressing drugs like high-dose corticosteroids, which can make Atezolizumab less effective. It is also important to talk to your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, breastfeeding, or if you are an older adult, as special precautions or monitoring may be required to ensure your safety.
Uses of Atezolizumab
Medicinal Benefits
Atezolizumab provides several benefits by strengthening your immune system's ability to fight cancer, including:
- Supports the immune system in fighting cancer: Atezolizumab helps your immune system recognise and attack cancer cells, which may shrink tumours or slow their growth and delay disease progression.
- Offers targeted cancer treatment: Unlike traditional chemotherapy, this medicine works by activating immune cells to target cancer more specifically, reducing damage to many healthy cells.
- Helps maintain quality of life during treatment: Because of its targeted action, many patients experience fewer chemotherapy-related side effects, such as severe hair loss, making treatment more manageable while supporting long-term cancer control.
Directions for Use
- Follow your doctor’s instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
- Atezolizumab will be administered by the doctor or nurse.
- Do not self-administer.
Storage
Side Effects of Atezolizumab
Common Side Effects (Usually mild):
- Feeling unusually tired or weak (fatigue)
- Loss of appetite
- Nausea or mild stomach upset
- Mild cough or shortness of breath during physical activity
- Mild skin rash or itching
Serious Side Effects (Call a doctor right away):
- Signs of lung problems (new or worsening cough, chest pain, severe shortness of breath)
- Signs of liver damage (yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe right-sided stomach pain)
- Signs of bowel inflammation (severe diarrhea, blood or mucus in stools, severe stomach cramping)
- Signs of hormone gland issues (extreme headaches, rapid heart rate, sudden weight changes, extreme dizziness)
- Severe skin reactions (painful rash, blisters, or skin peeling)
Medicines Containing this Salt
View AllDrug Warnings
- Inspect the infusion solution: Ensure the solution is clear and colourless to slightly yellow before administration. It should not be used if it contains visible particles or appears discoloured.
- Attend all monitoring appointments: Keep all scheduled blood test appointments so your doctor can regularly monitor your liver function, kidney function, and hormone levels during treatment.
- Use reliable contraception: Use highly effective birth control during treatment and for at least 5 months after your final dose, as this medicine can harm an unborn baby.
- Inform all healthcare providers: Tell your doctor, dentist, surgeon, and other healthcare professionals that you are receiving Atezolizumab before any medical or dental procedures.
- Avoid live vaccines: Do not receive live vaccines during treatment unless your oncologist specifically advises that it is safe to do so.
Drug Interactions
The following medicines may interact with Atezolizumab and require medical supervision:
- Systemic corticosteroids (like prednisone): These drugs can suppress the immune system, which may reduce the effectiveness of Atezolizumab. Speak with your doctor before taking them.
- Immunosuppressive medications: Other medicines that lower immune activity can interfere with how this treatment works in fighting cancer cells.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
consult your doctorIt is unknown whether Atezolizumab interacts with alcohol. Consult your doctor for more information.
Pregnancy
unsafeAtezolizumab is not recommended for use in pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm your foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Atezolizumab. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving Atezolizumab for at least five months from the last dose of Atezolizumab. Using effective birth control methods while on treatment is suggested.
Breast Feeding
unsafeAtezolizumab should not be taken if you are breastfeeding, as it passes into breast milk and may harm your infant. Avoid nursing your child while on treatment with this medicine and for at least five months from the last dose of medicine.
Driving
cautionAtezolizumab will be administered to hospitalized patients. Driving is not recommended.
Liver
cautionIf you have pre-existing or a history of liver problems, tell your doctor before receiving this medicine. Inform your doctor if you experience any symptoms, such as severe nausea or vomiting, right-sided upper stomach pain, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes). Your doctor may suggest tests to monitor your liver function while on treatment with this medicine.
Kidney
cautionIf you have a pre-existing or a history of kidney diseases, inform your doctor before receiving Atezolizumab. Tell your doctor if you have little or no urination, swelling in your feet or ankles, or blood in your urine. Your doctor may adjust the dose of this medicine or prescribe a suitable alternative based on your condition.
Children
unsafeAtezolizumab is not recommended for use in children under 12 years old as the safety and efficacy are not established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, to help your kidneys flush out waste products and manage mild fatigue.
- Eat small, frequent meals: If you experience nausea or a loss of appetite, eating small portions throughout the day can make it easier to get necessary nutrients.
- Protect your skin: Use a gentle, unscented moisturiser and wear sunscreen, as immunotherapy can make your skin dry and more sensitive to sunlight.
- Avoid infections: Wash your hands frequently and avoid close contact with people who are sick, as cancer treatments can sometimes temporarily lower your body's ability to fight off common viruses.
- Rest when needed: Balance light activity like short walks with plenty of sleep to help combat cancer-related fatigue.
Special Advise
- Your doctor may suggest periodic liver function tests, kidney function tests, and lung function tests to monitor the function of the liver, kidney and lungs due to the use of Atezolizumab.
- Using contraceptive pills while using Atezolizumab to prevent pregnancy is advised.
- Thyroid function and adrenocorticotropic hormone levels will be monitored during treatment to avoid any life-threatening side effects.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC): It is the most common form of lung cancer, which occurs when cells that form the lining of the lung start growing uncontrollably. It is mostly seen in persons who smoke. Symptoms may include chest pain, weight loss, hoarseness, and difficulty breathing.
Hepatocellular carcinoma: It occurs when the cancer/ malignant cells grow out of control in the liver. This infects the liver, destroys the liver cells and affects the ability of the liver to work properly. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, loss of appetite, weight loss, and pale bowel motions.
Biliary tract cancer: Also known as bile duct cancer or Cholangiocarcinoma. It is a rare type of cancer in which the cancer cells grow abnormally in the epithelial cells lining the biliary tract. Symptoms may include abdominal pain, itching, fever, weight loss, changes in the colour of urine and stools, and jaundice.
Metastatic Malignant Melanoma: Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the cancer cells grow in melanocytes. It is mainly caused by harmful UV radiation from the sun. Malignant melanoma is common in fair-skinned and freckled individuals. It results in mole formation, typically on the skin of the face. Atezolizumab is used in combination with ipilimumab in adults and children above 12 years of age.
FAQs
Atezolizumab is used to treat Non-small cell lung cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Biliary tract cancer, Small cell lung cancer and Metastatic melanoma.
Atezolizumab contains Atezolizumab, which works by inhibiting the action of a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-L1) that causes the multiplication of cancerous cells.
Atezolizumab may alter the function of your immune system and trigger an attack on healthy organs and tissues in any part of your body. These issues can occasionally worsen or even become dangerous. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during your treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Therefore, please consult your doctor if you experience any changes in your body or if you have any concerns.
You should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following severe side effects Such as chest pain, severe shortness of breath, or difficulty breathing.
Atezolizumab is not recommended for use during pregnancy as it may cause embryo-fetal toxicity and harm foetus. Hence, if you are pregnant or planning to be pregnant, inform your doctor before receiving Atezolizumab.
It is unknown whether Atezolizumab passes into human milk. Therefore, Atezolizumab is not recommended during breastfeeding and for at least 5 months after the last dose. However, if you are breastfeeding, take your doctor’s advice.
Yes, Atezolizumab may affect fertility in women which may affect the ability to have children. Therefore, please inform your doctor if you have any concerns.
Yes, Atezolizumab can cause hair loss (alopecia) as a side effect. This tends to resolve once treatment is stopped. However, please consult your doctor if you have any concerns.
Reduction in the size of the tumour or slowing of its growth can be a sign that the treatment is effective. Improvement in symptoms such as pain, breathing difficulties, or other cancer-related symptoms. Regular blood tests and other scans such as CT, MRI, or PET scans can show changes in tumour markers or other indicators of cancer activity.
To relieve rashes and dry, itchy skin, use a moisturizer. Wear protective clothes, stay out of direct sunlight, and use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15. If you have a rash, avoid swimming because the chlorine in the water can worsen it. Avoid hot water baths and dress comfortably in cotton clothing. After therapy ends, your skin will usually improve.
Increase fluid intake by drinking plenty of fluids, especially water, to help soften stools. Include high-fibre foods such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, legumes, and nuts. Engage in regular physical activity, such as walking, to help stimulate bowel movements. Limit foods and beverages that can cause gas, such as broccoli, cabbage, and carbonated drinks.
Yes, nausea and extreme tiredness (fatigue) are common side effects of Atezolizumab. These symptoms occur because Atezolizumab affects your immune system, which can lead to various side effects. To reduce nausea, eat smaller, more frequent meals. Stay away from oily, hot, salty, and fried foods.
Changes in taste is a common side effect of Atezolizumab. To improve your taste, brush your teeth, gums, and tongue gently with a soft-bristled toothbrush and mild toothpaste. Rinse your mouth frequently with a mild solution of water, baking soda, and salt. You can also add different seasonings and flavours to find what tastes good to you.
Avoid coffee, which can cause dehydration, and foods that are fatty, fried, spicy, or excessively sweet, as these might cause nausea. Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption. Do not take any other medicines and vaccines without consulting your doctor.
The common side effects of Atezolizumab are fatigue, cough, diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, tiredness, itching, rash, headache, fever, shortness of breath, muscle/joint pain, abdominal pain, loss of appetite (hunger) and injection site reactions. If any of these side effects persist or worsen, please consult your doctor.
It is given as a liquid infusion directly into a vein (intravenously) by a trained healthcare professional in a clinical setting. Talk to your doctor for more details.
The first infusion is usually given slowly over 60 minutes. If you tolerate it well, future infusions may be given over 30 minutes. Talk to your doctor.
While there is no direct chemical interaction, alcohol can worsen side effects like fatigue or dehydration and strain your liver. Talk to your doctor.
The dosing schedule depends on your specific treatment plan, often occurring once every 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Talk to your doctor.
Yes, this medicine can cause your immune system to attack your thyroid gland, leading to an underactive or overactive thyroid. Your doctor will monitor your thyroid levels with regular blood tests. Talk to your doctor.
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