Bavencio works by causing your immune system to attack tumor cells. Avelumab may cause your immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues in your body. This could lead to serious or life-threatening side effects on your lungs, liver, pancreas, kidneys, intestines, thyroid, or adrenal glands.
Call your doctor at once if you have symptoms such as: fever, cough, flu symptoms, muscle pain or weakness, vision changes, chest pain, trouble breathing, severe stomach pain or diarrhea, skin rash, swelling in your ankles, increased or decreased urination, blood in your urine or stools, weight changes, hair loss, unusual bleeding, dark urine, or jaundice (yellowing of your skin or eyes).
Before taking this medicine
To make sure Bavencio is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have ever had:
a condition that affects your nervous system such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome;
an immune system disorder such as ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease;
lung problems or a breathing disorder;
liver or kidney disease;
heart problems or high blood pressure;
high cholesterol;
diabetes;
an organ transplant; or
if you have received or will receive a transplant of stem cells from a donor.
You should not use avelumab if you are pregnant. It could harm the unborn baby or cause birth defects. Use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy while you are using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
You should not breastfeed while using this medicine and for at least 1 month after your last dose.
How is Bavencio given?
Bavencio is given as an infusion into a vein, usually once every 2 weeks. A healthcare provider will give you this injection.
Bavencio must be given slowly and the IV infusion can take at least 60 minutes to complete.
You may be given other medication to prevent certain side effects that may occur during the infusion.
You may need frequent medical tests to check your heart or liver function, and to help your doctor determine how long to treat you with Bavencio.
