Drug Action
Polatuzumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate that contains polatuzumab covalently linked to MMAE, a cytotoxic microtubule disrupting agent.
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Drug reference
Polatuzumab vedotin is an antibody-drug conjugate that contains polatuzumab covalently linked to MMAE, a cytotoxic microtubule disrupting agent.
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Relapsed or refractory diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (in combination with bendamustine and rituximab) (specialist use only) ▶BY INTRAVENOUS INFUSION ▶Adult: (consult product literature)
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Active severe infection
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High tumour burden—risk of tumour lysis syndrome. patients may need pre-medication to mimimise infusion-related reactions. peripheral neuropathy. rapidly proliferating tumours—risk of tumour lysis syndrome CAUTIONS, FURTHER INFORMATION ▶Pre-medication Manufacturer advises pre-medication with an antihistamine and antipyretic to minimise the development of infusion-related reactions —consult product literature.
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Polatuzumab vedotin is a biological medicine. Biological medicines must be prescribed and dispensed by brand name, see Biological medicines and Biosimilar medicines, under Guidance on prescribing p. 1; manufacturer advises to record the brand name and batch number after each administration. l HANDLING AND STORAGE Store in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and protect from light—consult product literature for further information regarding storage conditions after reconstitution and dilution.
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→Appendix 1: monoclonal antibodies
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▶Common or very common Anaemia. appetite decreased. arthralgia. asthenia. bone marrow disorders. chills. constipation. cough. decreased leucocytes. diarrhoea. dizziness. electrolyte imbalance. fever. gait abnormal. gastrointestinal discomfort. hypoalbuminaemia. increased risk of infection. infusion related reaction. nausea. neutropenia. peripheral neuropathy. pneumonitis. pruritus. sensation abnormal. sepsis. thrombocytopenia. vision blurred. vomiting. weight decreased ▶Frequency not known Gastrointestinal toxicity. hepatic disorders. progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). reactivation of infection
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Manufacturer advises females of childbearing potential should confirm pregnancy status before treatment and use effective contraception during treatment and for 9 months after last Immune system and malignant disease treatment; male patients should use effective contraception during treatment and for 6 months after last treatment if their partner is pregnant or of childbearing potential. See also Pregnancy and reproductive function in Cytotoxic drugs p. 938
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Manufacturer advises avoid unless potential benefit outweighs risk—toxicity in animal studies. See also Pregnancy and reproductive function in Cytotoxic drugs p. 938
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Manufacturer advises avoid breast feeding during treatment and for at least 2 months after treatment.
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Manufacturer advises avoid in moderate to severe hepatic impairment. Manufacturer advises monitor liver enzymes and bilirubin levels (risk of hepatic toxicity)—consult product literature.
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Dose adjustments Manufacturer advises no dose adjustment required if creatinine clearance is more than 30 mL/minute; no established dose if creatinine clearance less than 30 mL/minute—no information available.
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Manufacturer advises monitor complete blood counts prior to each dose; more frequent monitoring may be required—consult product literature for treatment adjustment.
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There can be variation in the licensing of different medicines containing the same drug. Powder for solution for infusion EXCIPIENTS: May contain Polysorbates, sucrose A ▶Polivy (Roche Products Ltd) Polatuzumab vedotin 140 mg Polivy 140mg powder for concentrate for solution for infusion vials | 1 vial P £11,060.00 (Hospital only)
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Driving and skilled tasks Manufacturer advises patients and carers should be counselled on the effects on driving and other skilled tasks—increased risk of infusion-related reactions, peripheral neuropathy, fatigue, and dizziness.
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(consult product literature)
First-line fragment. Read the complete Indications and Dose section above.
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