Imfinzi

Imfinzi is given by a drip into your vein (called an intravenous infusion or ‘IV’) over about 1 hour, every 2, 3 or 4 weeks. Your doctor will work out your dose and schedule.

During the infusion

Most people have few side effects during the infusion. Very rarely, Imfinzi can cause a reaction while it's being given or up to one day after the infusion. You may experience fever, chills, flushing, dizziness, back or neck pain or have trouble breathing. Tell the nurse immediately if any of these occur. This reaction is usually mild and sometimes it can be controlled by giving Imfinzi more slowly.

Before starting Imfinzi, tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking including prescription, over-the-counter, vitamins, or herbal remedies.

Tell your doctor if you're pregnant (hapū) or may be pregnant before starting Imfinzi. Imfinzi isn't recommended for use during pregnancy, so you should avoid becoming pregnant while you are on it. Use effective birth control during treatment and for at least 3 months after your final dose of Imfinzi. Ask your doctor when you may safely become pregnant after therapy.

Tell your doctor if you're breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. It's not advisable to breastfeed during treatment with Imfinzi and for 3 months after your final dose.

Here are some things to know when you're taking Imfinzi. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

Vaccinations

• Since Imfinzi affects your immune system, you're at increased risk of infection. It's strongly advised that you're up-to-date with the annual flu vaccination and the Covid-19 vaccinations. These are non-live vaccines and are safe to have while you're receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment.
• Live vaccines such as MMR (measles, mumps and rubella) and varicella (chickenpox vaccine) should NOT be given while you are receiving immune checkpoint inhibitor treatment and for 6 months after treatment has stopped.

Treatment delays

There may be times when your treatment is delayed. This can happen:

• if your doctor thinks you may have severe side effects
• if you get severe side effects
• if your blood counts are affected
• if you're finding it hard to cope with the treatment.

Your doctor will tell you if you need any delays to your treatment and the reason why.

Like all medicines, Imfinzi can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Because Imfinzi affects the immune system, it may cause immune cells to attack healthy cells, triggering a variety of side effects.

You may experience side effects at any time during your treatment or even months after treatment has finished. Some side effects go away within a few days or weeks and some may be longer lasting. 

Note: To monitor your side effects, you will need regular reviews and blood tests. These will be done to check your thyroid, liver, kidneys and blood before you start treatment and while you are receiving treatment.