Imfinzi

Durvalumab, the active ingredient in Imfinzi, is a PD‑L1 inhibitor presented as a solution for infusion for intravenous use. It treats certain advanced cancers, including stage III non‑small cell lung cancer after chemoradiotherapy, extensive‑stage small cell lung cancer in combination with chemotherapy, and locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum‑based chemotherapy.

GNH USA supplies Imfinzi as a licensed, GDP‑compliant international pharmaceutical supplier serving oncology centres, hospitals and pharmacies worldwide.

Imfinzi targets the PD‑L1 pathway in several advanced solid tumours.

- Stage III non‑small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after chemoradiotherapy: provides consolidation therapy to improve disease‑free survival. - Extensive‑stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC) in combination with chemotherapy: enhances overall response rates. - Locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma after platinum‑based chemotherapy: extends progression‑free survival as a subsequent line of therapy.

Imfinzi may cause a range of immune‑related adverse reactions.

Common Side Effects: - Fatigue: persistent tiredness affecting daily activities. - Nausea: feeling of sickness often accompanied by loss of appetite. - Diarrhoea: loose stools that may require supportive care. - Infusion‑related reactions: fever, chills, or rash during administration. - Decreased appetite: reduced desire to eat. - Skin rash: mild to moderate erythema or itching.

Serious or Rare Side Effects: - Pneumonitis: inflammation of lung tissue that can be life‑threatening. - Hepatitis: liver inflammation leading to elevated enzymes. - Colitis: severe inflammation of the colon causing abdominal pain. - Endocrine disorders: thyroiditis or adrenal insufficiency. - Severe infusion reactions: anaphylaxis or hypotension. - Stevens‑Johnson syndrome: rare severe skin reaction.

Before initiating Imfinzi, clinicians should assess patient suitability and monitor for immune‑mediated toxicities.

- Baseline organ function: evaluate liver, lung and endocrine status prior to therapy. - Autoimmune disease: use caution in patients with pre‑existing autoimmune conditions. - Live vaccines: avoid administration during treatment due to reduced immune response. - Concomitant immunosuppressants: may diminish therapeutic effect. - Discontinue therapy: if severe or life‑threatening adverse events occur. - Store at 2-8°C: keep refrigerated, protect from light, do not freeze or shake.

Durvalumab can interact with other agents that affect immune function or increase toxicity risk.

Major Interactions (Avoid): - Concurrent checkpoint inhibitors: additive immune‑related adverse events. - Live vaccines: heightened risk of infection. - Strong immunosuppressants: may reduce efficacy of Durvalumab.

Moderate Interactions (Monitor Closely): - Systemic corticosteroids: may mask immune‑mediated side effects. - Anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk with infusion reactions. - CYP450 inducers: potential indirect effects on concomitant medications.