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Avelumab is available as a 200 mg/10 mL (20 mg/mL) solution for IV use.

Avelumab is a PD-L1 inhibitor and is used for the following:

• Metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma in people aged 12 years and older
• Locally advanced or metastatic bladder cancer that’s currently or previously treated with platinum-containing chemotherapy
• Advanced kidney cancer, given with Inlyta (axitinib)

Avelumab is a type of immunotherapy called a PD-L1 inhibitor. It works against a specific protein on cancer cells called programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1). Cancer cells that have PD-L1 can hide from the body’s immune system. This means that the immune system can’t detect, attack, and kill these cancer cells. As a result, the cancer is able to grow. When Avelumab attaches to PD-L1 on cancer cells, the cancer cells can’t hide from the immune system anymore. This helps the immune system find and kill cancer cells better. This type of immunotherapy is also known as an immune checkpoint inhibitor.

Avelumab is typically dosed as 800 mg as an infusion through the vein (intravenous or IV) once every 2 weeks.

Avelumab is a safe and effective treatment when used for FDA licensed indications. However, like all medications, they may give you unwanted side effects. You should always discuss potential side effects with your physician to ensure the medication is suitable and right for you.

Common side effects of Avelumab:

• Diarrhea
• Fatigue
• High blood pressure
• Higher liver enzymes in the blood
• Muscle and bone pain
• Nausea
• Lower appetite
• Rash
• Low thyroid hormone levels
• Cough
• Shortness of breath
• Infusion-related reaction
• Stomach pain
• Headache

Serious side effects are rare with Avelumab. Contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience any of the following.

• Immune-related side effects: cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, rash, diarrhea, stomach pain, mucus or blood in stool
• Serious infusion reactions: trouble breathing, itching, hives, flushing, swelling, chest pain, fast heartbeat, dizziness, fainting
• Heart problems: shortness of breath; swelling in hands, feet, and ankles; new chest pain; feeling dizzy or lightheaded; pain in your arms, neck, or back

There are no major drug interactions listed for Avelumab. However, always let your physician and pharmacist know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that you are currently taking.

Various FDA-approved generic manufacturers

Based on its mechanism of action, Avelumab can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Females that can become pregnant should use effective contraception during treatment with Avelumab and for at least 1 month after the last dose of Avelumab.

• Bavencio