AMIVANTAMAB
Background and Date of Approval
Amivantamab is an anticancer drug that belongs to the class of medications called bispecific antibodies.FDA approved it on May 21, 2021, for the treatment of a type of lung cancer called non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Uses
Amivantamab is an intravenously administered drug. It is used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), which spreads to other parts of the body and has certain changes in a gene called EGFR. It is also used if it cannot be removed by surgery and has worsened during or after treatment with other anticancer medications.
How is it administered?
It will be given to you by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting trained in cancer chemotherapy. It is given as an intravenous infusion drip (into your vein) for several hours. Do not self-administer the injection. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the treatment based on your disease severity, body weight, and other factors.
Side Effects
The common side effects of amivantamab are swelling in the face, hands, and feet, inflammation in the nails, constipation, nausea, vomiting, inflamed and sore mouth, musculoskeletal pain, cough, shortness of breath, and tiredness. Other common side effects include severe rashes in the skin, eye pain and infection, inflammation of the lungs, and infusion reactions.
Warnings
The drug is intended to cause lung inflammation. Report to your physician if you face any symptoms of sudden difficulty in breathing, cough, or fever that may suggest inflammation of the lungs. Amivantamab can cause potential harm to the fetus; inform your physician if you are pregnant, suspecting, or planning for pregnancy before initiating the treatment. This injection may cause severe infusion reactions; notify your physician if you face any allergic reactions like itching, swelling in your face or hands, tingling in mouth or throat, chest tightness, difficulty in breathing, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness should be informed immediately.
Precautions
Inform your physician if you have kidney problems, liver or lung problems before initiating the therapy. This medicine may cause harm to the fetus hence use effective contraception during the treatment. Using an effective birth control method during the treatment and for 3 months after your last dose is necessary. Do not take this injection if you are allergic to amivantamab or any other ingredients of this medicine. This medicine is not recommended for children or young people below 18 years of age. Your healthcare professional may advise you to take certain blood tests to monitor the effectiveness and side effects of the therapy.
Word of Advice
Store amivantamab in the refrigerator (2°C to 8°C). Do not freeze. Keep the injection away from the reach of children and pets. If you have missed any dosing appointments, inform your doctor and schedule immediately. To reduce skin problems, limit sun exposure during and for 2 months after treatment, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen and moisturizers that are alcohol-free regularly on your skin and nails while taking this medicine. Contact your doctor or nurse immediately if you have eye pain or vision problems. Consult your doctor before using contact lenses when you are taking this medicine. Do not breastfeed during the treatment and for 3 months after the last dose. Your doctor may advise you to take certain tests to check for the effectiveness of the therapy.
References
Rybrevant (amivantamab) 50mg/mL concentrate for solution for infusion - Patient Information Leaflet (PIL) - (emc). www.medicines.org.uk. [revised on 2021] [cited 2023 Apr 6]. Available from: https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/product/13084/pil HIGHLIGHTS OF PRESCRIBING INFORMATION - amivantamab. [revised on 2021] [cited 2023 Apr 6]. Available from: https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2021/761210s000lbl.pdf Park K, Haura EB, Leighl NB, Mitchell P, Shu CA, Girard N, et al. Amivantamab in EGFR Exon 20 InsertionâMutated NonâSmall-Cell Lung Cancer Progressing on Platinum Chemotherapy: Initial Results from the CHRYSALIS Phase I Study. Journal of Clinical Oncology [revised on 2021 Aug 2] [cited 2023 Apr 6];39(30):JCO.21.00662. Available from: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/34339292/
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the infusion reactions that might happen during amivantamab infusion?
Allergic reactions like itching, swelling in your face or hands, tingling in mouth or throat, chest tightness, difficulty breathing, fever, chills, cough, sore throat, body aches, unusual bleeding, bruising, or weakness should be informed to your doctor immediately.
How long should I have to take amivantamab?
Amivantamab is given as a cycle therapy. Your doctor will decide the dose and duration of the therapy based on your disease severity and condition.
How long does amivantamab infusion take?
Your first dose (the infusion on Day 1 and Day 2) can take about 4 to 6 hours. Infusions can get shorter starting on Week 2 and can take about 2 to 4 hours. Your doctor will decide the infusion rate based on your disease and other factors.
What are the eye problems that may occur while taking amivantamab?
Eye pain, dry eyes, eye redness, blurred vision, changes in vision, itchy eyes, excessive tearing, and sensitivity to light are the eye problems that may occur with this treatment. Inform your physician if you face any of the symptoms.
Why should I avoid sun exposure during the treatment with amivantamab?
Amivantamab can cause skin reactions. You should limit your time in the sun during your treatment with this medicine.
Can I take vitamin supplements with amivantamab?
Certain medications may interact with the effectiveness of amivantamab including prescription, over-the-counter medicines, vitamin or nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Inform your physician about your medication history.