WHY is this medicine prescribed?
Retifanlimab-dlwr injection is used to treat certain types of Merkel cell carcinoma (MCC; a type of skin cancer) and anal cancer (cancer that starts in the anus [the opening at the end of the digestive system]). Retifanlimab-dlwr is in a class of medications called monoclonal antibodies. It works by helping your immune system to slow or stop the growth of cancer cells.
HOW should this medicine be used?
Retifanlimab-dlwr comes as a solution (liquid) to be injected slowly into a vein over 30 minutes by a doctor or nurse. It is given once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends that you receive treatment.
Retifanlimab-dlwr injection may cause serious reactions during the infusion of the medication. You may be given other medications to treat or help prevent reactions to retifanlimab-dlwr. A doctor or nurse will monitor you carefully while you are receiving the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms during the infusion: chills or shaking, itching, rash, flushing, shortness of breath, wheezing, dizziness, feeling faint, back or neck pain, or fever. Your doctor may need to slow down your infusion or delay or permanently stop your treatment if you experience these side effects.
Your doctor may permanently or temporarily stop your treatment, or treat you with other medications if you experience other side effects. Be sure to tell your doctor how you are feeling during your treatment with retifanlimab-dlwr injection.
You will be given you the Medication Guide. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm 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.
What SPECIAL PRECAUTIONS should I follow?
Before receiving retifanlimab-dlwr injection,
What SPECIAL DIETARY instructions should I follow?
Unless your doctor tells you otherwise, continue your normal diet.
What should I do IF I FORGET to take a dose?
If you miss an appointment to receive retifanlimab-dlwr injection, call your doctor as soon as possible.
What SIDE EFFECTS can this medicine cause?
Retifanlimab-dlwr 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:
Retifanlimab-dlwr may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking 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).
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.
What OTHER INFORMATION should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your doctor will order certain lab tests to check your body's response to retifanlimab-dlwr injection.
Keep a written list of all of the prescription and nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicines, vitamins, minerals, and dietary supplements you are taking. Bring this list with you each time you visit a doctor or if you are admitted to the hospital. You should carry the list 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, 2025. 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: October 15, 2025.