Tecentriq Injection belongs to a group of medicines called monoclonal antibodies. It is used in the treatment of non-small cell lung cancer, small cell lung cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and melanoma.
Tecentriq Injection is given as an injection into veins under the supervision of a doctor. Your doctor will decide what dose is necessary and how often you need to take it. This will depend on what you are being treated for and may change from time to time. You should take it exactly as your doctor has advised. Taking it in the wrong way or taking too much can cause very serious side effects. It may take several weeks or months for you to see or feel the benefits but do not stop taking it unless your doctor tells you to. The most common side effects of this medicine include fatigue, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, cough, and shortness of breath. Some side effects such as chest pain, diarrhea, and dark urine might require immediate action. Inform your doctor if it bothers you, as there may be a way to prevent the side effects. Before taking it, tell your doctor if have heart disease, liver, or kidney problems or are taking any medicines to treat infections. Many other medicines can affect, or be affected by, this medicine so let your healthcare team know all medications you are using. This medicine is not recommended during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. Use of effective contraception by both males and females during treatment is important to avoid pregnancy. "There is a Patient Support Program / Patient Assistance Program available in India for this medicine, being managed by Tata 1mg. Please contact your prescribing doctor to know more about the same. You may also call on (1800-102-1618) for more details."
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) is a disease in which malignant (cancer) cells form in the lung tissues. The addition of atezolizumab to chemotherapy in the first-line treatment of extensive-stage small-cell lung cancer has been found to result in significantly longer overall survival and progression-free survival than chemotherapy alone.
Side effects of Tecentriq Injection
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them
Common side effects of Tecentriq
Fatigue
Weakness
Decreased appetite
Nausea
Cough
Breathlessness
Constipation
How to use Tecentriq Injection
Your doctor or nurse will give you this medicine. Kindly do not self administer.
How Tecentriq Injection works
Tecentriq Injection is a type of monoclonal antibody. It works by blocking the activity of a protein located on the T cells- a type of white blood cells that regulate the functioning of the immune system. In the presence of Tecentriq Injection, the killing power of T-cells is restored and the immune response is stimulated to locate and destroy cancer cells.
Safety advice
Alcohol
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether it is safe to consume alcohol with Tecentriq Injection. Please consult your doctor.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Tecentriq Injection may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breast feeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Tecentriq Injection is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.
Driving
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
It is not known whether Tecentriq Injection alters the ability to drive. Do not drive if you experience any symptoms that affect your ability to concentrate and react.
Kidney
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Tecentriq Injection in patients with kidney disease. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
There is limited information available on the use of Tecentriq Injection in patients with liver disease. Please consult your doctor.
All substitutes
For informational purposes only. Consult a doctor before taking any medicines.
No substitutes found for this medicine
Quick tips
It is given as IV infusion under the supervision of a doctor.
Don't drive or do anything that requires mental focus until you know how Tecentriq Injection affects you.
Inform your doctor if you notice shortness of breath, chest pain, loss of appetite, and dark urine while taking this medicine.
Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor consultation.
Fact Box
Chemical Class
Peptides
Habit Forming
No
Therapeutic Class
ANTI NEOPLASTICS
Action Class
Programmed Cell Death 1 (PD-1) Checkpoint Inhibitors
Patient concerns
What is the purpose of Chemotherepy given at the time of radiotherapy in ca lung small cell carcinoma
Dr. Vijay Sharnangat
Medical Oncology and Hematology
This is given to enhance the therapeutic effect of radiation therapy which is curative for small cell lung cancer.
I seem to have lung cancer , becoz all the symptoms are same as lung cancer. I test my blood, they suggests me that it is highly probable to lung cancer. Sir what can i do now. This is in preliminary stage
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
Do you think that lung cancer is diagnosed from blood
i am attach our report please suggest what is treatment and near about expans?
Dr. Sanjay Singh Rai
Medical Oncology and Hematology
This is squamous cell carcinoma Now cancer specialist has to examine u to know extent of diseaseThen treatment plan is made whether surgery or RadiotherapyCost of treatment depends on type of treatment
What is the most important information about Tecentriq Injection?
This medicine can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues in any area of your body and can affect the way they work. These problems can sometimes become severe or life-threatening. You can have more than one of these problems at the same time. These problems may happen anytime during your treatment or even after your treatment has ended. Discuss in detail with your doctor.
When should I call my doctor right away?
Get medical help right away if you have chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, chills or shaking, double vision, blurry vision, persistent or severe muscle pain or weakness, and muscle cramp.
Can Tecentriq Injection be used during pregnancy?
No, this medicine should not be used during pregnancy as it can harm your unborn baby. Avoid getting pregnant and use an effective method of birth control during your treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq Injection.
Can Tecentriq Injection be used during breastfeeding?
No, do not use this medicine while breastfeeding as it might pass into breast milk and could therefore harm your baby. Avoid breastfeeding for at least 5 months after the last dose of Tecentriq Injection.
Can Tecentriq Injection affect my fertility?
Yes, this medicine may cause fertility problems in females of reproductive potential, which may affect the ability to have children. Talk to your doctor if you have concerns about fertility.
Does Tecentriq Injection cause hair loss?
Yes, while taking this medicine, your hair may become brittle and break. You may also experience patchy hair loss or thinning. These conditions tend to resolve once treatment is stopped. Be gentle when brushing and washing hair to manage hair loss.
How will you know that Tecentriq Injection is working?
Keep taking this medicine exactly as directed until your doctor tells you to stop. Regular scans will reveal whether your tumor is responding to the treatment. Your doctor will determine when those scans should be scheduled.
I have noticed some changes in my skin after taking Tecentriq Injection? What should I do?
Use a moisturizer to get relief from rashes, dry and itchy skin. Avoid direct sunlight, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen with (SPF more than 15) whenever you step outdoors. Do not go swimming if you have a rash because the chlorine in the water can make it worse. Avoid hot water bath and wear loose and cotton fabric clothes. Your skin will tend to become better once treatment is stopped.
How to relieve constipation during the treatment?
To relieve constipation, include fiber in your diet (fruits and vegetables), drink 8-10 glasses of fluids a day, and keep active. A stool softener (with a doctor's prescription) once or twice a day may prevent constipation. If you do not have a bowel movement for 2-3 days, consult your doctor.
I am experiencing nausea and extreme tiredness. Is this due to Tecentriq Injection?
Nausea and fatigue or tiredness are some of the common side-effects of this medicine. Eat smaller, more frequent meals to reduce the feeling of nausea. Avoid food that is salty, spicy, fried, or fatty. Take plenty of rest and do light exercise daily to keep yourself active and reduce fatigue.
I am noticing a change in my taste. How shall I improve my taste?
You may experience a metallic taste or find that food has no taste at all. You may dislike foods or beverages that you liked before receiving cancer treatment. Rinse your mouth with a solution of salt and bicarbonate of soda before mealtimes to neutralize the bad taste in your mouth. You can also add extra flavor or seasonings to your food.
What should I avoid during my treatment with Tecentriq Injection?
During your treatment, it is advisable to avoid caffeine as it can make you feel dehydrated, avoid fatty fried, spicy and overly sweet foods, as they may induce nausea, avoid alcohol and smoking. It is also advisable to avoid crowds or people with colds, as you may be at risk of infection as well as sun exposure to prevent rashes and dry skin. Do not have immunizations/vaccinations without the consent of your doctor. Use caution with sharp objects like razors or nail cutters and avoid activities such as contact sports to lower the chance of getting cut, bruised or injured.
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Disclaimer:
Tata 1mg's sole intention is to ensure that its consumers get information that is expert-reviewed, accurate and trustworthy. However, the information contained herein should NOT be used as a substitute for the advice of a qualified physician. The information provided here is for informational purposes only. This may not cover everything about particular health conditions, lab tests, medicines, all possible side effects, drug interactions, warnings, alerts, etc. Please consult your doctor and discuss all your queries related to any disease or medicine. We intend to support, not replace, the doctor-patient relationship.
References
Atezolizumab [FDA Label]. South San Francisco, CA: Genentech, Inc.; 2016. [Accessed 18 Oct. 2019] (online) Available from: