What is Cemiplimab?
Cemiplimab can be used to treat certain skin cancers. Cemiplimab can also be used in combination with other chemotherapy drugs for the treatment of lung tumours that have not spread beyond your chest. Cemiplimab can be used to treat cancers that have spread (metastatic) or are resistant to chemotherapy, radiation, or surgery. Your doctor will likely perform a biopsy in order to check for a "PD-L1" protein or a genetic marker (such as an abnormal "EGFR," a "ROS1", or an "ALK" gene). Cemiplimab can be used in other ways not mentioned in this guide.
Side effects of Cemiplimab
If you experience any of the following signs and symptoms of an allergic reaction: difficulty breathing, hives, facial or throat swelling and difficulty swallowing or speech impediments - seek medical assistance immediately! If you experience a serious reaction to a drug, seek medical attention. This can include fever and other symptoms such as swollen lymph glands, muscle pains, and unusual bruising or yellowing in the skin or eyes. A sore throat may also cause burning eyes, skin discomfort, or red or purple skin. A rash that is blistered and peeling. Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your carer if you experience any of the following symptoms: nausea, dizziness, shakiness, nausea, fever, feeling light-headed or dizzy, itching, tingling, or a rash. Cemiplimab helps your body fight cancer by strengthening your immune system. It may also cause your immune system to attack healthy organs or tissues. You may experience serious or even life-threatening health problems.
Cemiplimab may cause serious side effects. If you experience:
- Shortness of breath or a new cough.
- You may experience painful sores on your nose or in the genital region.
- Fast or irregular heartbeats can cause chest pain.
- Swollen glands;
- Confusion, hallucinations, severe headaches
- Eye pain or redness (your eyes could be more sensitive to the light);
- Severe muscle pain, stiff neck, balance problems;
- Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, or bloody stools
- Unusual bruising
- Transplant rejection symptoms include mouth sores, stomach discomfort, nausea, swelling, or pain near the transplanted organ.
- Kidney problems: swelling in the ankles, bloody urine, or little or no urination.
- Liver problems--right sided upper stomach pain, loss of appetite, drowsiness, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine production and jaundice (yellowing of skin or eyes);
- Signs of hormonal disorders include: frequent or unusual headaches; dizziness; feeling very tired; mood or behaviour change; hoarseness or deepening voice; increased thirst or hunger; increased urination; constipation; hair fall; sweating; feeling cold; and weight gain.
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be permanently stopped or delayed.
Cemiplimab side effects may include:
- Tiredness;
- Hair loss;
- You may experience tingling, burning, or numbness in your feet or hands.
- Muscle or bone pain
- Rash;
- Nausea, diarrhoea, and loss of appetite
There may be other side effects. Call your physician immediately if experiencing side effects; alternatively, reach out to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 in order to report them.
Similar/related drugs
Opdivo, Rybrevant, methotrexate, cisplatin, Keytruda, Paclitaxel, and fluorouracil topical
Warnings
Cemiplimab helps your body fight cancer by strengthening your immune system. It may also cause your immune system to attack healthy organs or tissues. You may experience serious or even life-threatening health problems. If you experience any new or worsening symptoms, such as chest or back pain, coughing, breathing difficulties, swelling, nausea or vomiting, changes in weight or appetite, stomach pain or bruising, severe weakness or mood changes, vision or behaviour problems, severe fatigue, hair loss, decreased or increased urination or blood in the urine, dark urine, or yellowing skin or eyes, call your doctor immediately.
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following:
- An immune system disorder, such as lupus or ulcerative colitis
- A problem with the nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis and Guillain-Barre syndrome;
- Radiation treatment for your chest area
- An organ transplant.
Inform your doctor if a stem-cell transplant using donor cells has been performed or is planned. Before starting the treatment, you may need to take a pregnancy test. Cemiplimab can harm an unborn child. Prevent pregnancy by using effective contraception while taking cemiplimab and for 4 months following your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant. Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine or for 4 months following your last dose.
How to take Cemiplimab
Cemiplimab can be infused into a vein. This injection will be given by a healthcare provider. The infusion should take no more than 30 minutes. Cemiplimab can be given every 3 weeks or until the body stops responding to it. Medical tests will be required frequently.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you missed your appointment to receive your cemiplimab, call your doctor and ask for instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Cemiplimab will be administered by a health professional in a medical environment, so an overdose should not occur.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Interaction with other drug
Cemiplimab can be affected by other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking and those that you stop or start using.
