When doctors diagnose you or someone close to you with cancer, it's common to feel confused and even scared about the treatment options. Today, we're going to talk about a somewhat unique drug called Avelumab, which is used to treat several types of cancer. Let's talk about the issues and things you need to know about this drug in a simple, clear way.
What is this drug called Avelumab?
Simply put, Avelumab (brand name: BAVENCIO) is a vaccine that belongs to a special class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies . Think of it like a trained soldier that helps our body's own immune system. What this drug does is help our immune system recognize cancer cells, attack them, and destroy them.
This drug is mainly used to treat three types of cancer:
- Merkel cell carcinoma: This is a rare but fast-spreading type of skin cancer.
- Renal cell cancer: This is a type of cancer that occurs in the kidneys.
- Urothelial cancer: A type of cancer that occurs in the bladder or other parts of the urinary system.
In addition to this, your doctor may also prescribe this medicine for other medical conditions. If you have any questions about it, ask your doctor.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
This is very important. Before starting treatment with Avelumab, it is essential that you tell your doctor about your complete health history. Do not hide anything. Be sure to tell your doctor if you have any of the following conditions.
- If you have an autoimmune disease: Simply put, this is a disease in which the immune system attacks the body's own healthy cells. For example, diseases like Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus.
- If you have had or are planning to have a stem cell transplant: especially an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
- If you have heart disease, high blood pressure, or high blood cholesterol levels.
- If there is a history of organ transplant.
- If you have diseases related to the nervous system: For example, conditions like `myasthenia gravis` or `Guillain-Barre syndrome`.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to avelumab or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- If you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding: This is extremely important.
How can I give you this medicine?
This is not a medicine you can take home. Avelumab is an injection that is given slowly into your body through a vein (infusion into a vein) . It is like giving you saline. This treatment is given in a hospital or clinic, under close supervision by a doctor or trained nursing staff .
Before each treatment session, you will be given a special information leaflet (MedGuide) about this medicine. It is important to read and understand it carefully each time.
What if you take too much medicine? (Overdosage)
This is given in a hospital setting so the chances of this happening are very low. However, if you think you have taken too much of this medicine, inform the medical staff immediately. Otherwise, call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital , or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
Things to consider during treatment
Your doctor will monitor you closely throughout your treatment, and you will likely need to have regular blood tests to monitor the effects of the treatment and any side effects.
Be especially careful during pregnancy and breastfeeding!
This is a very important matter.
- Avoid becoming pregnant completely while taking this medicine and for at least one month after stopping treatment. Women should be especially careful about this, as this medicine can cause serious harm to an unborn baby.
- Also, avoid breastfeeding your baby while taking this medicine and for at least one month after the last dose.
If you have any questions about this, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
What are the possible side effects of this medicine?
Like any medicine, Avelumab can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. Some side effects can be serious, so it is important to be aware of them. Let's understand these clearly in the table below.
| Type of side effect | Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to your doctor or nursing staff immediately | |
| Allergic reactions and immune system problems | Difficulty breathing, chest tightness, body aches, fever, feeling cold, skin redness, blisters (can also occur inside the mouth), joint pain, extreme fatigue. |
| Digestive system problems | Stomach pain, severe diarrhea (bloody or watery), constipation, black or tarry stools, nausea, vomiting. |
| Symptoms of kidney damage | Decreased or changed amount of urine output, difficulty urinating, swelling in the legs or ankles. |
| Symptoms of liver damage | Dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing of the eyes or skin, pain in the upper right side of the abdomen, loss of appetite, and feeling lethargic. |
| Other serious symptoms | Back pain, vision changes, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, excessive sweating, weight loss, hair loss, excessive hunger or thirst. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Minor injuries | Headache, bone pain, muscle pain, loss of appetite. |
This list does not include all possible side effects. If you experience anything different, please tell your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Avelumab is a special vaccine that stimulates our immune system and is given for several types of cancer.
- Before starting treatment, tell your doctor about all your medical conditions, medications you are taking, and allergies without hiding anything.
- It is absolutely essential to avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking this medicine and for at least one month after stopping it.
- Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects such as difficulty breathing, skin blistering, severe diarrhea, or yellowing of the eyes.
- Don't miss your doctor's appointments. If you can't make it, let them know in advance and make another appointment.
- It is your right to talk openly with your doctor about any questions or concerns you may have.
👩🏽⚕️ Additional questions (FAQs)
💬 What are Felodipine / Plendil tablets used for?
This is a highly effective and powerful blood pressure pill (Calcium Channel Blocker - CCB) in the world, designed to control 'severe high blood pressure'! This pill is designed to be absorbed very slowly (Extended-release), so it keeps the pressure low throughout the day (24 hours).
💬 How does taking this blood pressure pill (Felodipine) instantly lower our blood pressure?
For a blood vessel to contract/contract and the pressure to rise, 'Calcium' particles must definitely enter the blood vessel! As soon as this pill enters the blood, all the calcium gates (L-type calcium channels) in those blood vessels are blocked/closed 100% and locked. Since calcium does not enter, the blood vessel does not contract and becomes very loose (Vasodilation). Then, blood flows easily like a river and the pressure drops.
💬 What are the annoying side effects of taking this medicine (Felodipine)? Why is it said not to eat grapefruit?
The biggest problem is that you should never drink 'Grapefruit/Grapefruit juice (a type of sweet orange)' while taking this pill! If you drink it, the absorption of the medicine into the body will increase abnormally by 100% and the pressure may eventually drop and you may collapse (CYP3A4 Inhibition)! The other biggest annoying side effects are that this will definitely cause 'Swelling of the ankles/legs (Peripheral Edema)' and rapid heartbeat/redness of the chest (Flushing).
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