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Top Polivy Side Effects: What You Need to Know

Polivy, also known as polatuzumab vedotin-piiq, is a medication used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While it has shown promise in treating this disease, it's essential to be aware of the potential side effects associated with its use. In this article, we'll explore the top Polivy side effects and what you can expect if you're considering this treatment option.

What is Polivy?

Polivy is a monoclonal antibody-drug conjugate (ADC) that targets CD79b, a protein found on the surface of certain cancer cells. It's designed to deliver a toxic payload directly to these cells, reducing the risk of harm to healthy tissues.

Common Side Effects

While Polivy can be an effective treatment for non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it's not without its side effects. According to the manufacturer's prescribing information, some common side effects of Polivy include:

* Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or lacking energy is a common side effect of Polivy. This can be managed with rest and relaxation techniques.
* Nausea and vomiting: Many patients experience nausea and vomiting after taking Polivy. Anti-nausea medications can help alleviate these symptoms.
* Diarrhea: Loose, watery stools are a common side effect of Polivy. Patients may need to take medication to control diarrhea.
* Rash: A rash can occur on the skin, often in the form of hives or redness. In severe cases, a rash can be a sign of an allergic reaction.
* Infections: Polivy can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Patients should take precautions to avoid exposure to germs.

Less Common but Serious Side Effects

While rare, some serious side effects of Polivy can occur. These include:

* Neutropenia: A decrease in white blood cells can increase the risk of infection. Patients may need to take medication to boost their white blood cell count.
* Thrombocytopenia: A decrease in platelets can increase the risk of bleeding. Patients may need to take medication to boost their platelet count.
* Hypersensitivity reactions: In rare cases, patients may experience a severe allergic reaction to Polivy, which can be life-threatening.
* Tumor lysis syndrome: Polivy can cause a rapid breakdown of cancer cells, leading to a buildup of uric acid in the blood. This can cause kidney damage and other complications.

Managing Side Effects

While side effects can be uncomfortable, they can often be managed with medication and other treatments. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing side effects.

What to Expect During Treatment

Polivy is typically administered intravenously every 3 weeks. Patients may experience side effects during or after treatment. It's essential to follow the treatment plan and attend all scheduled appointments to ensure the best possible outcome.

Conclusion

Polivy is a powerful medication that can help treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While it's not without its side effects, many of these can be managed with medication and other treatments. Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing side effects and achieving the best possible outcome.

Key Takeaways

* Polivy is a medication used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
* Common side effects of Polivy include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and infections.
* Less common but serious side effects of Polivy include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and tumor lysis syndrome.
* Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing side effects and achieving the best possible outcome.

FAQs

1. What is Polivy used to treat?

Polivy is used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. What are the common side effects of Polivy?

Common side effects of Polivy include fatigue, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, rash, and infections.

3. Can Polivy cause serious side effects?

Yes, Polivy can cause serious side effects, including neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, hypersensitivity reactions, and tumor lysis syndrome.

4. How is Polivy administered?

Polivy is typically administered intravenously every 3 weeks.

5. How can I manage side effects of Polivy?

Patients should work closely with their healthcare provider to develop a plan for managing side effects. This may include medication and other treatments.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Polatuzumab Vedotin-Piiq (Polivy) - Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent/US-103-...</>

Note: The above article is a sample and may not reflect the actual content or tone of the final article.