AVELUMAB 200MG INJECTION (BAVENCIO)

Side effects of Bavencio (Avelumab 200mg Injection)

This medicine may cause some serious and unwanted side effects. It requires immediate medical attention otherwise it can also lead to higher risk. Discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with a medical advisor before starting the treatment. 

Common side effects 

• Bloating 

• Blurred vision 

• Fatigue 

• Dizziness 

• Diarrhea 

• Constipation 

• Fever 

• Irregular heartbeat 

• Vomiting 

• Dark urine 

• Chest pain 

• Itching 

• Skin rash 

• Sore throat 

• Allergies 

• Indigestion 

• Weight loss 

• Muscle pain 

• Drowsiness 

• Loss of appetite 

• Abdominal pain 

• Anemia 

• High blood pressure 

• Headache 

• Pale skin 

• Shortness of breath 

• Swelling 

• Cough 

• Pounding in the ears. 

• Difficulty in moving 

• Mouth ulcers 

• Change in vision 

• Urinary tract infection 

Note:- Immediate medical attention is required if any side effect occurs.  ​

Dosage

Take this injection as prescribed by your doctor. Do not self administer.  The injection is given as an infusion into your vein by a doctor or nurse. 

Missed dose 

•  It is advisable not to miss a dose. If you miss an appointment for a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Overdose 

• In case of an overdose, the doctor will provide emergency medical treatment. 

Usage of Bavencio (Avelumab)

Bavencio is used to treat types of cancer. This medication works by changing the action of your immune system and directing it to attack cancerous cells. It is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every two weeks. It must be given slowly and take at least 60 minutes to complete. Bavencio injection is also used to treat a certain type of cancer in the bladder called urothelial carcinoma. This medicine is used in combination to treat a type of kidney cancer that has spread in other areas of the body and cannot be removed by surgery. The use of this injection is not recommended in pregnant women. The recommended dose of this medicine is decided by your doctor according to your medical condition and response to the treatment. 

Warnings of Bavencio 

Before starting treatment with Bavencio, please inform your doctor about your previous medical history. If you experience any symptoms while receiving this medication, do not ignore those symptoms because it may lead to higher risk. 

•  Contraception 

  • Use effective methods of contraception to prevent pregnancy while taking this medicine. 

• Children and adolescents 

  • This medicine is advisable for the treatment of a type of skin cancer called Markel cell carcinoma in adults and children at least 12 years old. 

Warnings for female 

• Pregnancy 

  • Bavencio shouldn’t be used by pregnant women. Avelumab may cause harm to an unborn baby. It is recommended that this medicine should be avoided during pregnancy. 

• Breastfeeding 

  • This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary. Please consult your medical advisor before starting treatment with this medication.

General warning and precautions 

• This medicine may cause immune-related problems. 

• This medicine may contain inactive ingredients which may cause some allergic reactions. 

• This drug may cause dizziness. 

• Before starting treatment tell the doctor about your previous medical history. 

• Do not receive any vaccinations before consulting with your doctor.

Cautions

• Do not drive or operate machinery. 

• Do not self administer this medicine.

• Do not breastfeed while receiving this medication. 

• Not safe for pregnant women. 

Q1. What is Bavencio (Avelumab 200mg Injection)? 

Ans. Bavencio (Avelumab 200mg Injection) is a cancer medicine that interferes with the growth of cancerous cells in the body. Bavencio is used to treat a certain type of skin cancer called Merkel cell carcinoma cells that have spread in other areas of the body.

Q2. How does Bavencio (Avelumab 200mg Injection) works? 

Ans. This medication works by changing the action of your immune system and directing it to attack cancerous cells. 

Q3. What are the side effects? 

Ans. Some common side effects are:- fever, bloating, diarrhea, fatigue, anemia, sore throat, allergies, weight loss, indigestion, etc. 

Q4. In what strength is it available? 

Ans. It is available in the strength of 200mg/10ml. 

Q5. What should I avoid while receiving this medicine? 

Ans. Follow your doctor’s instructions about any restrictions. 

Q6. What are the self-care tips? 

Ans. Maintain good nutrition and keep yourself hydrated. 

Q7. What happens if I miss a dose? 

Ans. If you miss a scheduled dose of this medicine, contact your doctor immediately. 

Q8. How do I take Bavencio (Avelumab) injection? 

Ans. It is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every two weeks. It must be given slowly and take at least 60 minutes to complete.   

Q9. Can I consume alcohol while taking this medicine? 

Ans. It is not known whether it is safe or not. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Q10. Can I drive after taking this medicine? 

Ans. This medicine may decrease your ability to drive or affect your vision. Do not drive if any symptoms occur. 

Q11. Can I take this medicine during pregnancy? 

Ans. This medicine is not recommended for pregnant women. 

Q12. Can I take this medicine during breastfeeding? 

Ans.  This medicine is not recommended in breastfeeding unless it is necessary.

Interactions

Interactions may change how your medication works and increase the risk for side effects. Don’t forget to disclose your previous medical history with the doctor. 

Medicine interaction 

• Thalidomide 

• Lenalidomide 

• Pomalidomide

Disease interaction  

• Renal dysfunction 

• Diabetes 

• Hepatic impairment 

• Colitis 

• Pneumonitis 

• Thyroid disease 

Alcohol interaction 

• Interaction with alcohol is unknown. Please consult your doctor before consuming alcohol. 

Contraindications

• Bavencio injection is not recommended for use in patients with a known allergy to Avelumab.  

• This medicine is contracted in patients known to be hypersensitive.