Atezolizumab

Atezolizumab

Why is it prescribed?

Atezolizumab is used to treat several different types of cancer.  The information here will be specific to Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC).
Atezolizumab may be used in combination with other medications to treat:

  • NSCLC that has spread or grown and is a specific type of lung cancer: non-squamous non-small cell lung cancer as long as the cancer does not have an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene
  • NSCLC treated with platinum which was not effective or no longer effective 
  • NSCLC with an abnormal EGFR or ALK gene which did not respond or is no longer responding to first-line treatment

Products that have this ingredient include •Tecentriq® •

See other drugs used in the treatment of •non-small cell lung cancer •

Very common:

  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • fever
  • chills
  • diarrhea
  • vomiting
  • rash
  • shortness of breath
  • cough
  • itching of the skin
  • stomach pain
  • joint pain
  • back pain
  • urinary tract infection

Common:

  • lack of energy
  • elevated liver enzymes - may be a sign of an inflamed liver (shown in blood tests)
  • low blood sugar, potassium or sodium levels in the blood (shown in blood tests)
  • flu-like illness
  • low blood pressure
  • pain in the muscles and bones
  • low platelet count, which may make you more likely to bruise or bleed
  • hypothyroidism
  • nasal congestion
  • low oxygen levels which may cause shortness of breath
  • inflammation of the lungs

Atezolizumab attaches to a specific protein in the body called PD-L1. This protein makes the immune system not work as well. By attaching to the protein, it helps the immune system fight cancer.


To help avoid side effects and ensure proper use, talk to your healthcare professional before you take atezolizumab if you:

  • have immune system problems such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
  • have had an organ transplant
  • have breathing or lung problems such as inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis)
  • have liver problems
  • have heart problems
  • have kidney problems
  • have muscle weakness and muscle pain
  • have problems with your hormone producing glands including your thyroid, pituitary, adrenal glands, and pancreas
  • have diabetes
  • have a condition that affects your nervous system, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré Syndrome
  • have or have had chronic viral infection of the liver, including hepatitis B (HBV) or hepatitis C (HCV)
  • have human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection or acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS)
  • are taking medicine(s) that affect the immune system such as a steroid
  • have been given a live, attenuated vaccine
  • are taking medicine to treat an infection
  • have any other medical conditions

Safety in pregnancy: Atezolizumab may harm the fetus.  An effective method of birth control is necessary during and for at least 5 months after treatment.

Safety in breastfeeding:  Atezolizumab may pass into breast milk. Breastfeeding should not be attempted for at least 5 months after the last dose.