Polivy Side Effects

Generic name: polatuzumab vedotin

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 8, 2023.

Note: This document contains side effect information about polatuzumab vedotin. Some dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Polivy.

Applies to polatuzumab vedotin: intravenous powder for solution.

Serious side effects of Polivy

Along with its needed effects, polatuzumab vedotin (the active ingredient contained in Polivy) may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor or nurse immediately if any of the following side effects occur while taking polatuzumab vedotin:

More common

• Back pain
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• blood in urine or stools
• bone pain
• burning, numbness, tingling, or painful sensations
• chest pain or tightness
• confusion
• cough or hoarseness
• dry mouth
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever or chills
• flushing
• headache
• increased thirst
• lightheadedness or fainting
• loss of appetite
• lower back, side, or stomach pain
• mood or mental changes
• muscle pain or cramps
• nausea or vomiting
• numbness or tingling in the mouth, fingers, hands, or feet
• painful cold sores or blisters on the lips, nose, eyes, or genitals
• painful or difficult urination
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• seizures
• sore throat
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth
• stomach cramps
• swelling of the feet or lower legs
• swollen glands
• tremor
• trouble breathing
• ulcers, sores, or white spots in the mouth
• unsteadiness or awkwardness
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• weakness in the arms, hands, legs, or feet

Other side effects of Polivy

Some side effects of polatuzumab vedotin may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects.

Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

• Body aches or pain
• change in taste
• constipation
• cracked lips
• diarrhea
• difficulty in moving
• difficulty in swallowing
• dizziness
• ear congestion
• hair loss or thinning
• joint pain
• loss of voice
• muscle stiffness
• runny or stuffy nose
• skin rash
• sneezing
• sores, ulcers, or white spots on lips, tongue, or inside mouth
• weight loss

Less common

• Blurred vision

For Healthcare Professionals

Applies to polatuzumab vedotin: intravenous powder for injection.

Hematologic

Very common (10% or more): Neutropenia (49%), thrombocytopenia (49%), anemia (47%), lymphopenia (13%), febrile neutropenia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pancytopenia^[Ref]

Immunologic

Very common (10% or more): Infections (32%), herpesvirus infection (12%)

Common (1% to 10%): Cytomegalovirus infection

Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML), sepsis

Frequency not reported: Immunogenicity^[Ref]

Local

Very common (10% or more): Infusion-related reactions (e.g., fever, chills, flushing, dyspnea, hypotension, urticaria) (67%)

Common (1% to 10%): Infusion-related reactions^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

Common (1% to 10%): Arthralgia^[Ref]

Ocular

Common (1% to 10%): Blurred vision^[Ref]

Metabolic

Very common (10% or more): Anorexia (27%), weight loss (16%), hypokalemia (16%), hypoalbuminemia (13%), hypocalcemia (11%)

Common (1% to 10%): Hypophosphatemia

Frequency not reported: Tumor lysis syndrome (TLS)^[Ref]

Hepatic

Common (1% to 10%): Transaminase elevation^[Ref]

Respiratory

Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea (19%), upper respiratory tract infection (16%), lower respiratory tract infection (10%)

Common (1% to 10%): Pneumonitis^[Ref]

Other

Very common (10% or more): Pyrexia (33%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

Very common (10% or more): Peripheral neuropathy (40%), dizziness (13%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

Very common (10% or more): Diarrhea (38%), vomiting (18%)

Common (1% to 10%): Lipase increased^[Ref]

Further information

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Some side effects may not be reported. You may report them to the FDA.

Medical Disclaimer