Atezolizumab: A Comprehensive Medication Profile

Summary or Key Points

Atezolizumab, a targeted immunotherapy medication, is primarily used to treat various types of cancers such as Urothelial Carcinoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Small Cell Lung Cancer, Triple-Negative Breast Cancer, and Hepatocellular Carcinoma. This article provides detailed information about its dosing, administration, possible side effects, and more. It’s crucial to always consult your healthcare provider, possibly via a quick telemedicine appointment, before making any adjustments to your treatment regimen.

Names of Medication

US Brand Name: Tecentriq (Atezolizumab)

In medical terms, the ‘generic name’ is the standard name given to a medication regardless of its brand name. It helps in identifying the active ingredient in the drug. The name in parenthesis above is the generic name of the medication.

Pharmacologic Category

Atezolizumab belongs to a class of medications known as PD-L1 inhibitors. Other medications in this category include:

• Durvalumab
• Pembrolizumab
• Nivolumab

Dosing

Atezolizumab is indicated for the treatment of the following conditions in adults. The dose, frequency, and length of treatment are as follows:

• Urothelial Carcinoma: 1200 mg every 3 weeks, continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: 1200 mg every 3 weeks, continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer: 1200 mg every 3 weeks, continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: 840 mg every 2 weeks, continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: 1200 mg every 3 weeks, continued until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity.

It’s essential to consult your healthcare provider, or better yet, schedule a quick telemedicine appointment with one of our providers before adjusting your dose.

Dosage Forms and Strengths

Atezolizumab is available in the following dosage form and strength:

• Injection: 1200 mg/20 mL (60 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial.

Administration Instructions

Atezolizumab is administered by healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion, usually over 60 minutes. Never attempt to self-administer Atezolizumab. If you’re unsure about your next administration, don’t hesitate to consult your healthcare provider or connect with one of our trusted healthcare professionals via telemedicine.

Adverse Reactions and Side Effects

Atezolizumab, like any medication, may cause side effects. Here are some potential side effects and their frequency:

• Common (may affect more than 1 in 10 people): Fatigue, nausea, cough, shortness of breath, decreased appetite.
• Uncommon (may affect up to 1 in 100 people): Skin rash, liver function abnormalities, infusion-related reactions.
• Rare (may affect up to 1 in 1,000 people): Serious immune-related side effects involving different body organs.

Should you experience any side effects or adverse reactions, immediately consult your healthcare provider or reach out to one of our professionals through our telemedicine service.

Contraindications

In medical terms, a ‘contraindication’ is a specific situation in which a drug, procedure, or surgery should not be used, because it may be harmful to the patient. Atezolizumab has the following contraindications:

• Allergy to Atezolizumab or its components: Patients who have shown hypersensitivity reactions to Atezolizumab or any of its components should avoid this medication to prevent potential allergic reactions.
• Severe immune-related reactions: If a patient has experienced severe immune-related reactions with the use of PD-L1 inhibitors in the past, Atezolizumab may not be advisable due to the risk of recurrence of these reactions.

Before starting Atezolizumab, make sure to discuss any concerns with your healthcare provider. Alternatively, you can schedule a telemedicine consultation with one of our specialists.

Drug to Drug Interactions

As of now, Atezolizumab does not have any significant known drug interactions. However, always inform your healthcare provider about all the medications you are currently taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements.

Atezolizumab in Pregnancy

It’s important to note that Atezolizumab may cause harm to the unborn baby when administered to a pregnant woman. Therefore, if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, consult with your healthcare provider or one of our telemedicine professionals to evaluate potential risks and benefits.

Atezolizumab while Breastfeeding

It is not known whether Atezolizumab is excreted in human milk. Due to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants, a decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug, taking into account the importance of the drug to the mother.

Estimated Cost of Medication

The estimated cost for a 30-day supply of Atezolizumab (Tecentriq), using a GoodRx coupon and without insurance, is approximately $12,000. Prices can vary based on the pharmacy and location.

Possible Alternatives

For each of the diseases mentioned, there might be alternative treatments or lifestyle changes that could help. It’s crucial to discuss these options with your healthcare provider before making any changes to your treatment plan:

• Urothelial Carcinoma: Alternative treatments could include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or other immunotherapies. Lifestyle changes such as maintaining a healthy weight and quitting smoking could also help.
• Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: Other treatment options could include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapy, or other immunotherapies. Smoking cessation and a healthy lifestyle can contribute to better outcomes.
• Small Cell Lung Cancer: Other forms of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or surgery could be options. Quitting smoking is essential for patients with lung cancer.
• Triple-Negative Breast Cancer: Alternatives might include surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or other targeted therapies. A balanced diet and regular exercise can improve general health.
• Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Other treatments could include surgery, liver transplant, ablation therapies, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy. Reducing alcohol consumption and maintaining a healthy weight can help prevent liver diseases.

Our telemedicine service is readily available to help you discuss these alternative treatments and lifestyle changes with a healthcare professional.

Recent Updates on Atezolizumab Research

Recent research on Atezolizumab is promising. Studies suggest its effectiveness in combination with other treatments for colorectal cancer and melanoma, with clinical trials currently underway. Another exciting development is in the area of biomarkers to identify which patients may benefit the most from this treatment. This article will be updated as more information becomes available.

Brief Legal Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not intended as medical advice. Always consult a healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment. Reliance on the information provided here is at your own risk.