Imfinzi Side Effects
Generic name: durvalumab
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Apr 20, 2022.
Note: This document contains side effect information about durvalumab. Some of the dosage forms listed on this page may not apply to the brand name Imfinzi.
For the Consumer
Applies to durvalumab: intravenous solution
Side effects requiring immediate medical attention
Along with its needed effects, durvalumab (the active ingredient contained in Imfinzi) 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
- Bladder pain
- bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
- bloody or cloudy urine
- depressed mood
- difficult, burning, or painful urination
- difficulty having a bowel movement
- dry skin and hair
- feeling cold
- fever
- frequent urge to urinate
- hair loss
- hoarseness or husky voice
- lower back or side pain
- muscle cramps and stiffness
- pain
- rapid weight gain
- slowed heartbeat
- stomach cramps
- tenderness
- tingling of the hands or feet
- unusual tiredness or weakness
- unusual weight gain or loss
- watery or bloody diarrhea
Less common
- Chest pain
- chills
- cough
- dark urine
- difficult breathing
- general feeling of discomfort or illness
- light-colored stools
- nausea
- nervousness
- sensitivity to heat
- sweating
- thickening of bronchial secretions
- trouble sleeping
- upper right abdominal or stomach pain
- vomiting
- weight loss
- yellow eyes and skin
Less common or rare
- Back, leg, or stomach pains
- black, tarry stools
- bleeding gums
- bloody nose
- blurred vision or other changes in vision
- chest tightness
- eye redness, irritation, or pain
- general body swelling
- headache
- heavier menstrual periods
- loss of appetite
- nosebleeds
- pale skin
- pinpoint red spots on the skin
- redness of the eye
- sensitivity of the eye to light
- skin rash
- sore throat
- stiff neck or back
- tearing
- unusual bleeding or bruising
Rare
- Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
- dizziness
- drowsiness
- fainting
- joint or muscle pain
- red skin lesions, often with a purple center
- red, irritated eyes
- sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
- swollen glands
Side effects not requiring immediate medical attention
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:
Less common
- Decreased appetite
- muscle or joint pain
For Healthcare Professionals
Applies to durvalumab: intravenous solution
Endocrine
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
More about Imfinzi (durvalumab)
- Drug interactions
- Dosage information
- During pregnancy or Breastfeeding
- Drug images
- Pricing & coupons
- En español
- Drug class: anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies
- FDA approval history
Patient resources
Professional resources
Related treatment guides
References
1. "Product Information. Imfinzi (durvalumab)." Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals (2017):
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.