Durvalumab Side Effects

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Nov 5, 2023.

Applies to durvalumab: intravenous solution.

Serious side effects of durvalumab

Along with its needed effects, durvalumab 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 durvalumab:

More common side effects

• bladder pain
• bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
• bloody or cloudy urine
• body aches or pain
• chest pain or tightness
• chills
• cough
• depressed mood
• difficult, burning, or painful urination
• difficulty having a bowel movement
• dry skin and hair
• ear congestion
• feeling cold
• fever
• frequent urge to urinate
• general feeling of discomfort or illness
• headache
• hoarseness, husky, or loss of voice
• lower back or side pain
• muscle cramps and stiffness
• nervousness
• runny or stuffy nose
• sensitivity to heat
• slowed heartbeat
• sneezing
• sore throat
• stomach cramps
• sweating
• tenderness
• thickening of bronchial secretions
• tingling of the hands or feet
• trouble breathing
• trouble sleeping
• unusual tiredness or weakness
• unusual weight gain or loss
• watery or bloody diarrhea

Less common side effects

• back, leg, or stomach pains
• black, tarry stools
• bleeding gums
• bloody nose
• blurred vision or other changes in vision
• dark urine
• eye redness, irritation, or pain
• general body swelling
• heavier menstrual periods
• light-colored stools
• loss of appetite
• nausea
• nosebleeds
• pale skin
• pinpoint red spots on the skin
• sensitivity of the eye to light
• skin rash
• stiff neck or back
• tearing
• unusual bleeding or bruising
• upper right abdominal or stomach pain
• vomiting
• yellow eyes and skin

Rare side effects

• blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• fainting
• joint or muscle pain
• red skin lesions, often with a purple center
• sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
• swollen glands

Other side effects of durvalumab

Some side effects of durvalumab 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 side effects

• constipation
• lack or loss of strength
• loss or thinning of the hair

For healthcare professionals

Applies to durvalumab: intravenous solution.

Endocrine adverse events

• Common (1% to 10%): Immune-mediated endocrinopathies (e.g., hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism, adrenal insufficiency, type 1 diabetes mellitus, hypophysitis/hypopituitarism)^[Ref]

Dermatologic

• Very common (10% or more): Rash (dermatitis, dermatitis acneiform, dermatitis psoriasiform, psoriasis, rash maculopapular, rash pruritic, rash papular, rash pustular, skin toxicity, eczema, erythema, erythema multiforme, rash erythematous, acne, lichen planus) (11%)^[Ref]

Cardiovascular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Immune-related myocarditis^[Ref]

Hematologic

• Very common (10% or more): Lymphopenia (11%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Anemia^[Ref]

Genitourinary

• Very common (10% or more): Urinary tract infection (e.g., cystitis, candiduria, urosepsis) (15%)^[Ref]

Gastrointestinal

• Very common (10% or more): Constipation (21%), nausea (16%), abdominal pain (upper, lower, flank) (14%), diarrhea/colitis (13%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Dehydration
• Frequency not reported: Immune-mediated colitis^[Ref]

Hepatic

• Common (1% to 10%): Liver injury, immune-mediated hepatitis
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Increased ASO, increased ALT, hyperbilirubinemia
• Frequency not reported: Immune-mediated hepatitis^[Ref]

Metabolic

• Very common (10% or more): Decreased appetite/hypophagia (19%), hyponatremia (12%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Deterioration of general physical health, increased alkaline phosphatase, hypermagnesemia, hypercalcemia, hyperglycemia, neutropenia, hyperkalemia, hypoalbuminemia^[Ref]

Local

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

Immunologic

• Common (1% to 10%): Infections (e.g., sepsis, necrotizing fasciitis, osteomyelitis)^[Ref]

Ocular

• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Uveitis and keratitis^[Ref]

Musculoskeletal

• Very common (10% or more): Musculoskeletal pain (e.g., back pain, musculoskeletal chest pain, musculoskeletal pain and discomfort, myalgia, neck pain) (24%)^[Ref]

Nervous system

• Common (1% to 10%): Pyrexia/tumor associated fever
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Immune-related aseptic meningitis^[Ref]

Other

• Very common (10% or more): Fatigue (e.g., asthenia, lethargy, malaise) (39%), peripheral edema (e.g., edema, localized edema, edema peripheral, lymphedema, peripheral swelling, scrotal edema, scrotal swelling) (15%), pyrexia/tumor associated fever (14%)
• Common (1% to 10%): Embryofetal toxicity^[Ref]

Renal

• Common (1% to 10%): Acute kidney injury, increased creatinine^[Ref]

Respiratory

• Very common (10% or more): Dyspnea/exertional dyspnea (24%), cough/productive cough (10%)
• Uncommon (0.1% to 1%): Immune-mediated pneumonitis^[Ref]

Frequently asked questions

• What type of drug is Imfinzi?

Further information

Durvalumab side effects can vary depending on the individual. Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Note: Medication side effects may be underreported. If you are experiencing side effects that are not listed, submit a report to the FDA by following this guide.

Medical Disclaimer