Avelumab

Avelumab is a prescription medicine used to treat specific types of advanced cancers, such as Merkel cell carcinoma (a rare skin cancer) and cancers of the bladder or urinary tract. It is also used in combination with other prescription therapies to treat advanced kidney cancer. This medicine helps by empowering your body's immune system to recognise and fight cancer cells.

This medicine is given as an intravenous infusion by a healthcare professional on a regular schedule determined by your doctor. Because this is an injection directly into your vein, it can be given without regard to meals. To support your body during therapy, it is helpful to stay hydrated, eat a balanced diet, and get adequate rest.

While receiving Avelumab, you may experience common side effects like tiredness, muscle pain, nausea, or diarrhoea. However, because this medicine affects your immune system, it can sometimes cause your body to attack normal tissues, leading to serious problems. If you notice any unusual shortness of breath, yellowing of your skin or eyes, severe stomach pain, or new skin rashes, contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Do not take this if you have had a severe, life-threatening allergic reaction to this medicine in the past. Before starting, talk to your doctor if you have had an organ transplant, a history of lung or breathing problems, liver damage, or active autoimmune diseases like lupus or inflammatory bowel disease.

It is important to discuss all other medicines, supplements, or vaccines you are taking with your healthcare provider, as some can interfere with how this medicine works. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should not receive this medicine due to risks of harm to the baby, and elderly individuals should talk to their doctor to closely monitor their physical tolerance during therapy.

Avelumab helps your immune system recognise and fight advanced cancer cells, supporting disease control and improving treatment outcomes. The key benefits of Avelumab are as follows:

• Supports the Immune System: By blocking the pathways that cancer cells use to hide from your body's natural defences, Avelumab helps your immune system work harder against advanced cancer cells, slows the spread of the disease, and can help shrink existing tumours.
• Relieves Cancer-Related Symptoms: For many patients, tumour shrinkage can relieve physical pressure and pain caused by advanced cancer, leading to improved comfort and daily physical function.
• Professionally Managed Treatment: Because the therapy is managed and given by healthcare professionals in a clinic, you do not have to worry about managing complex daily dosing schedules at home.

• Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication.
• Avelumab will be administered by a doctor or nurse in a healthcare facility.
• Do not self-administer.

Common Side Effects (Usually mild):

• Feeling very tired or weak
• Nausea, diarrhoea, or decreased appetite
• Muscle, bone, or joint pain
• Mild skin rash or itching
   

Serious Side Effects (Consult your doctor right away):

• Signs of lung problems, such as a new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Signs of liver damage, including yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or severe right-sided stomach pain
• Severe bowel issues, including intense stomach pain, fever, or bloody diarrhoea
• Infusion reactions during or shortly after the injection, such as shaking, chills, fever, dizziness, or flushing
• Hormonal changes, such as extreme fatigue, rapid heart rate, unexplained weight changes, or deep voice changes