Polatuzumab Vedotin Side Effects
Medically reviewed by Drugs.com. Last updated on Mar 20, 2024.
Applies to polatuzumab vedotin: intravenous powder for solution.
Serious side effects of polatuzumab vedotin
Along with its needed effects, polatuzumab vedotin 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 side effects
- 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 polatuzumab vedotin
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 side effects
- 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 side effects
- blurred vision
For healthcare professionals
Applies to polatuzumab vedotin: intravenous powder for injection.
Hematologic adverse events
- 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]
References
1. (2019) "Product Information. Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin)." Genentech
More about polatuzumab vedotin
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Further information
Polatuzumab vedotin 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.