Durvalumab is an anticancer drug that belongs to the category of medicines known as Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies. It was approved by the FDA in May 2017 to treat certain types of cancer.

Durvalumab is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer(has not spread outside your chest ), small cell lung cancer(has spread within your lungs), and biliary tract cancers(cancer of the bile ducts).

Durvalumab is a prescription drug available in injection form. This injection will be given intravenously into a vein in your arm or hand by a healthcare professional in a hospital setting. Do not self-administer this medicine. The dose of the injection will be decided by your doctor based on your disease condition and other factors. During the infusion, you will be monitored for any side effects or reactions to the medication. The infusion usually takes a few hours to complete, and you may need to receive multiple infusions over the course of several weeks.

The common side effects that are likely to occur with this injection are cough, upper respiratory tract infections, feeling tired, shortness of breath, inflammation in the lungs, and rash. This medicine may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated adverse reactions like pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and nephritis have also been reported.

Durvalumab is not recommended for pregnant women, because it may harm the developing fetus. If you have a medical history of blood clots, heart disease, liver disease, kidney disease this injection should be used with caution by your healthcare professionals. In case you're allergic to this injection, report with your doctor immediately.  Those who have received an organ transplant or have a history of stem cell transplant should use this drug with caution as it may increase the risk of graft rejection.

It is not known whether Durvalumab can be administered to patients with liver problems. Consult your doctor if you have any liver diseases before starting the treatment. It is unsafe to drive vehicles or operate heavy machinery after taking this injection because it may cause dizziness and impair your concentration.

Durvalumab injections have the tendency to cause harm to the unborn foetus. Inform your healthcare provider before starting this treatment if you are pregnant, or have a partner who can become pregnant. Your healthcare provider will conduct a pregnancy test before you start treatment with durvalumab. Discuss effective birth control methods with your healthcare provider and use them during treatment and for 8 weeks after your last dose. It is not known if Durvalumab passes into breast milk. Hence, it is not recommended to breastfeed during this treatment. This drug can increase your risk of sunburn and skin damage, so it is important to wear protective clothing and sunscreen while moving outdoors.  If you experience any gastrointestinal symptoms, such as diarrhea, abdominal pain, or nausea, be sure to inform your doctor immediately.

1. AstraZeneca Pharmaceuticals LP, US Food and Drug Administration, [ Revised on Sep 2022] [ Accessed on 28th March 2023], https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/761069s035lbl.pdf
2. AstraZeneca UK Limited, Electronic medicines compendium (emc), [ Revised on Dec 2020] [ Accessed on 28th March 2023], https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/files/pil.9495.pdf
3. Ema (2022) Imfinzi, European Medicines Agency. Available at: https://www.ema.europa.eu/en/documents/product-information/imfinzi-epar-product-information_en.pdf [Accessed on 28th March 2023].

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 can receive this treatment.