Atezolizumab is an anticancer drug belonging to the group of medicines called Programmed death ligand – 1 inhibitor (PDL-1). It was officially approved for its medical use in the year 2016.

Atezolizumab is indicated for various types of cancer as a monotherapy and also along with other anticancer medications. It is usually prescribed to treat urothelial carcinoma, liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), small cell and non-small cell lung cancer, triple-negative breast cancer, and melanoma.

Atezolizumab Injection is intended for intravenous administration. Your physician will inject this medicine as an infusion for the first 60 minutes and if it is well tolerated, the subsequent infusions will be administered for 30 minutes.

Atezolizumab Injection is available as a single-use vial in doses 840mg/14ml and 1200mg/20ml. The ideal dosing for urothelial carcinoma, non-small cell and small cell lung cancers, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma is 840mg every two weeks, 1200mg every 3 weeks, or 1680mg every four weeks.

The most common side effects associated with administration of Atezolizumab Injection are tiredness, decreased appetite, nausea, vomiting, cough, and breathlessness. When administered in combination with other anticancer drugs for treating lung cancer, a person is more likely to experience adverse reactions of hair loss, constipation, diarrhea, high blood pressure, proteinuria, and swelling.

Immune-mediated reactions are quite common in patients undergoing Atezolizumab therapy. The reaction may vary according to the individual. Your healthcare provider will conduct regular blood tests to check how the medicine is working in your body and monitor its effects on major organs. Report to your physician immediately if you experience severe cough, chest pain or breathlessness.

Atezolizumab Injection can cause harm to an unborn baby. Hence, it is advisable for both men and women to follow proper contraceptive methods if they are planning to have a baby in the near future. Continue contraception for 5 months after the last dose of Atezolizumab Injection. Avoid breastfeeding your baby while you are on the treatment as it is not known if Atezolizumab passes into the breast milk.

Atezolizumab Injection can cause immune-mediated reactions during or after the therapy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you experience any skin reactions or allergies. If you experience any infusion-related reactions, your physician might slow the rate of infusion or stop the medication altogether.

1. Genentech, Inc., [Revised on 2021] [Accessed on 6th Aug 2022],  https://www.gene.com/download/pdf/tecentriq_prescribing.pdf
2. US Food & Drug Administration, [Accessed on 6th Aug 2022], https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/atezolizumab-tecentriq
3. Abdul Aleem, Hiral Shah, Statpearls [Internet], [Revised on May 2022], [Accessed on 6th Aug 2022], https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK567758/
4. Drugs.com, [Revised on May 2022], [Accessed on 6th Aug 2022], https://www.drugs.com/medical-answers/effective-atezolizumab-tecentriq-3552927/ 

The drug information on this page is not a substitute for medical advice, it is meant for educational purposes only. For further details consult your doctor about your medical condition to know if you are eligible to receive this treatment.