Amivantamab is used to treat cancer of the lungs for those whose tumour has spread to other parts of the body and those who have received previous chemotherapy.
Amivantamab injection is to be given intravenously (into the vein). It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer the injection for you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the course of treatment depending on the type and severity of your condition and your response to the medication.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Amivantamab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Do not use Amivantamab if you ever had an allergic reaction (e.g. rashes, breathlessness, swollen eyes) to this medicine.
Inform your doctor if you have a condition called interstitial lung disease or pneumonitis (inflammation of the lungs).
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
It is important that you do not get pregnant while being treated with this medicine. You may wish to discuss birth control methods with your doctor or pharmacist.
Avoid breastfeeding during treatment and for 3 months after your final dose of this medicine.
Why is it important to keep my appointments with the doctor?
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor needs to monitor your condition and check your response to the medication regularly.
- Pregnancy tests and hepatitis B screening must be done before treatment to know if this medicine is suited for you to use.
- Routine tests (e.g. eye examination) may be done while you are being treated with this medicine. Your doctor will advise you about how often you need to have these tests.
- Regular monitoring for signs and symptoms of pneumonitis, infusion-related reactions, allergic reactions, and eye problems may also be needed.
Amivantamab may cause dizziness, tiredness, or blurred vision. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert or need to see clearly.
Other side effects include any of the following: nausea, vomiting, headache, constipation, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, decreased appetite, skin acne, itching or dryness, infected skin around the nails, pain in the back, bone, joint, muscle or neck, and swelling of hands, feet or legs.
This medicine may also make your skin more sensitive to sunlight. Apply sunscreen when going outdoors and avoid prolonged exposure to sunlight and UV lamps.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- rashes with peeling of the skin or blistering of the lips, mouth or eyes accompanied by fever
- signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions e.g. nausea, vomiting, flushing, chills, chest discomfort, shortness of breath, and low blood pressure
- signs and symptoms of pneumonitis e.g. fever, cough, and shortness of breath
- dry and itchy eyes, eye redness, problems with vision, inflammation inside the eye and cornea (front part of the eye), growth of eyelashes
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements, and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow Amivantamab to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used.
Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
As Amivantamab is a cancer medicine, always return any unused or expired medicine to the clinic, hospital, or pharmacy for disposal. Do not throw it away in the household waste.