Imfinzi (Durvalumab)
What is a Generic Drug?
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
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Product Details
Description
Imfinzi (Durvalumab) is a type of immunotherapy drug used to treat certain forms of cancer, such as non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), biliary tract cancer, and hepatocellular carcinoma. For NSCLC, Imfinzi may be prescribed for patients whose cancer has not spread outside the chest, is not removable by surgery, and has either responded or stabilized following initial chemotherapy that includes platinum. It is classified as an immune checkpoint inhibitor drug, which helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking the programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) pathway.
Fact Table
Formula
C6502H10018N1742O2024S42
License
US DailyMed
Bioavailability
100%
Legal status
Rx-Only
Chemical Name
Durvalumab
Elimination half-life
18 days
Dosage (Strength)
50mg/mL (2.4-mL, 10-mL single-dose vials)
Pregnancy
Consult Doctor
Brands
Imfinzi
Protein binding
Unknown
PubChem CID
249565666
MedlinePlus
a617030
ChEBI
Not Assigned
ATC code
L01FF03
DrugBank
DB11714
KEGG
D10808
Routes of administration
Intravenous
Directions
Imfinzi is typically administered as an intravenous infusion by a qualified healthcare professional. The recommended dosage for Imfinzi can vary based on the indication and whether it is used as a single agent or in combination with chemotherapy. Follow your healthcare provider's specific recommendations about the dosage and treatment schedule. Before receiving each infusion, your doctor may perform blood tests and evaluate your overall health to determine if you are fit for treatment.
Ingredients
The active ingredient in Imfinzi is Durvalumab. The Imfinzi injection is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to opalescent, colorless to slightly yellow solution that is free from visible particles. In addition to Durvalumab, Imfinzi also contains several inactive ingredients that may support the formulation and packaging of the medication. These include L-histidine, L-histidine hydrochloride monohydrate, a,a-trehalose dihydrate, polysorbate 80, and water for injection.
Contraindications
The drug package insert does not list any contraindications for Imfinzi. However, patients who have had severe or life-threatening immune-mediated reactions to Durvalumab may need to avoid this medication.
Cautions
- Prior to initiating Imfinzi therapy, it is essential to inform your medical professional about:
- Any existing health issues, particularly those related to the immune or nervous systems.
- Whether you have undergone radiation treatment in the chest area or received an organ or stem cell transplant.
- Your pregnancy status or intention to become pregnant, as well as if you are currently breastfeeding.
- Imfinzi carries a risk of triggering severe immune-mediated reactions that may be life-threatening and can impact any body organ or system, including but not limited to pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, various endocrine disorders, skin issues, kidney problems, rejection of transplanted organs, and inflammation of the pancreas.
- Detecting adverse effects early is critical; therefore, tests to evaluate liver function, creatinine levels, and thyroid activity may be performed before and during the course of treatment.
- Therapeutic strategies may need to be adjusted, including pausing or stopping Durvalumab administration, due to immune-related adverse events.
- If an adverse reaction related to the infusion occurs, there may be a need to stop the infusion, decrease its rate, or halt the treatment altogether depending on how severe the reaction is.
- Patients who are either pre- or post-stem cell transplant may have an increased risk of severe complications, including death, when treated with PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors such as Durvalumab.
- Durvalumab has the potential to harm an unborn child, and thus, women who could become pregnant should be aware of this hazard and instructed on the importance of using reliable birth control methods.
Side Effects
Imfinzi treatment can lead to various adverse effects. Common side effects of Imfinzi may include persistent cough, fatigue, inflammation of the lungs or complications following lung radiation, upper respiratory infections, skin rash, and shortness of breath.
Additionally, Imfinzi has the potential to trigger serious side effects, including respiratory conditions characterized by chronic cough and chest discomfort, severe stomach ache or presence of blood in stools, liver problems evident through skin and eye discoloration and dark-colored urine, hormonal irregularities causing headaches or mood changes, and kidney problems. Seek immediate healthcare assistance for any of these serious conditions or if symptoms related to infusion reactions such as skin flushing, fever, and skin rash occur.
References:
- Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Imfinzi Package Insert. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2023.
- Imfinzi (Durvalumab) Drug Label Information. Wilmington, DE: AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals; 2023.
IMPORTANT NOTE: The above information is intended to increase awareness of health information and does not suggest treatment or diagnosis. This information is not a substitute for individual medical attention and should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. See your health care professional for medical advice and treatment.Product Code : 14401
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