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General Information

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Use

WHY is this medicine prescribed?

Atezolizumab injection is used alone or with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in adults. Atezolizumab injection is also used in combination with other chemotherapy medications to treat certain types of small cell lung cancer (SCLC), hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and melanoma (a type of skin cancer) in adults. Atezolizumab is also used alone to treat certain types of alveolar soft tissue sarcomas (cancer that forms in muscles, fat, or nerves) in adults and children 2 years of age or older. Atezolizumab injection is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by blocking the action of a certain protein in cancer cells. This helps the person's immune system to fight against the cancer cells, and helps to slow tumor growth.

Your doctor will review your specific type of cancer and past treatment history and other available treatments to determine if atezolizumab injection is right for you.

HOW should this medicine be used?

Atezolizumab injection comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected into a vein over 30 to 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. It is usually injected once every 2, 3, or 4 weeks depending on your dose. The length of your treatment will be decided by your doctor and depends on the type of cancer being treated, how well your body responds to the medication, and the side effects that you experience.

Atezolizumab injection may cause serious reactions during the infusion of the medication. A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the medication. If you experience any of the following symptoms, tell your doctor immediately: flushing, fever, chills, shaking, dizziness, feeling faint, shortness of breath, wheezing, difficulty breathing, itching, rash, back or neck pain, or swelling of the face or lips.

Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion, delay or stop your treatment, or treat you with other medications if you experience certain side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with atezolizumab injection.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer's patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with atezolizumab injection and each time you receive the medication. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer's website to obtain the Medication Guide.

Are there OTHER USES for this medication?

This medication may be prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist for more information.

Special

What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?

Before receiving atezolizumab injection,

What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?

Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.

Side Effects

What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?

Atezolizumab injection may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of these symptoms call your doctor immediately or get emergency medical treatment:

Atezolizumab injection may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while receiving this medication.

If you experience a serious side effect, you or your doctor may send a report to the Food and Drug Administration's (FDA) MedWatch Adverse Event Reporting program online (http://www.fda.gov/Safety/MedWatch) or by phone (1-800-332-1088).

Overdose

What should I do in case of OVERDOSE?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline at 1-800-222-1222. Information is also available online at http://www.poisonhelp.org/help. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services at 911.

Miscellaneous

What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?

Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests before and during your treatment with atezolizumab injection to check your body's response to the medication. For some conditions, your doctor will order a lab test before you begin your treatment to see whether your cancer can be treated with atezolizumab.

It is important for you to keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines you are taking, as well as any products such as vitamins, minerals, or other dietary supplements. You should bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to a hospital. It is also important information to carry with you in case of emergencies.

This report on medications is for your information only, and is not considered individual patient advice. Because of the changing nature of drug information, please consult your physician or pharmacist about specific clinical use.

The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. represents that the information provided hereunder was formulated with a reasonable standard of care, and in conformity with professional standards in the field. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. makes no representations or warranties, express or implied, including, but not limited to, any implied warranty of merchantability and/or fitness for a particular purpose, with respect to such information and specifically disclaims all such warranties. Users are advised that decisions regarding drug therapy are complex medical decisions requiring the independent, informed decision of an appropriate health care professional, and the information is provided for informational purposes only. The entire monograph for a drug should be reviewed for a thorough understanding of the drug's actions, uses and side effects. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists, Inc. does not endorse or recommend the use of any drug. The information is not a substitute for medical care.

AHFS® Patient Medication Information Copyright, 2023. The American Society of Health-System Pharmacists®, 4500 East-West Highway, Suite 900, Bethesda, Maryland. All Rights Reserved. Duplication for commercial use must be authorized by ASHP.

Selected Revisions: February 15, 2023.