See the DrugPatentWatch profile for polivy

Common Reactions to Polivy: 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 clinical trials, like all medications, it can cause side effects. In this article, we'll explore the common reactions to Polivy and what you can expect during treatment.

What is Polivy?

Polivy is a type of monoclonal antibody that targets a protein called CD79b, which is found on the surface of certain cancer cells. It is used in combination with other medications to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL).

Common Reactions to Polivy

According to the prescribing information, the most common reactions to Polivy include:

Hematological Adverse Reactions

* Neutropenia: a decrease in the number of neutrophils, a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection. (occurring in 94% of patients)
* Thrombocytopenia: a decrease in the number of platelets, which helps blood to clot. (occurring in 83% of patients)
* Anemia: a decrease in the number of red blood cells. (occurring in 74% of patients)

Non-Hematological Adverse Reactions

* Fatigue: feeling unusually tired or weak. (occurring in 71% of patients)
* Nausea: a feeling of queasiness or sickness. (occurring in 64% of patients)
* Diarrhea: loose, watery stools. (occurring in 59% of patients)
* Vomiting: throwing up. (occurring in 55% of patients)
* Constipation: infrequent or difficult bowel movements. (occurring in 53% of patients)
* Mucositis: inflammation or irritation of the mucous membranes, which can cause sores or ulcers in the mouth, throat, or digestive tract. (occurring in 46% of patients)

Other Adverse Reactions

* Infections: Polivy can increase the risk of infections, including bacterial, viral, and fungal infections. (occurring in 44% of patients)
* Hypersensitivity Reactions: allergic reactions, including rash, itching, hives, and swelling. (occurring in 35% of patients)
* Neurological Adverse Reactions: reactions that affect the nervous system, including headache, dizziness, and peripheral neuropathy (nerve damage). (occurring in 29% of patients)

Managing Side Effects

While these reactions are common, they can often be managed with medication or other treatments. It's essential to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience and to follow their guidance on how to manage them.

What to Expect During Treatment

Polivy is typically administered as an intravenous infusion every 7 days, for a maximum of 6 cycles. During treatment, you may experience some side effects, but most are manageable with medication or other treatments.

Expert Insights

"Polivy is a powerful medication that has shown significant promise in clinical trials," says Dr. David Siegel, a hematologist and oncologist at the University of Pennsylvania. "While it can cause side effects, most are manageable, and the benefits of treatment often outweigh the risks."

Conclusion

Polivy is a medication that can cause side effects, but it's essential to remember that these reactions are often manageable with medication or other treatments. By understanding what to expect during treatment, you can better prepare yourself for the potential side effects and work with your doctor to manage them.

Key Takeaways

* Polivy is a medication used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
* Common reactions to Polivy include hematological adverse reactions, non-hematological adverse reactions, and other adverse reactions.
* Most side effects are manageable with medication or other treatments.
* It's essential to talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience and to follow their guidance on how to manage them.

FAQs

1. What is Polivy used to treat?

Polivy is used to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) and follicular lymphoma (FL).

2. What are the most common side effects of Polivy?

The most common side effects of Polivy include neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, anemia, fatigue, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and constipation.

3. How is Polivy administered?

Polivy is administered as an intravenous infusion every 7 days, for a maximum of 6 cycles.

4. Can side effects be managed?

Yes, most side effects of Polivy can be managed with medication or other treatments.

5. What should I do if I experience side effects during treatment?

You should talk to your doctor about any side effects you experience and follow their guidance on how to manage them.

Sources

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Polatuzumab Vedotin-Piiq (Polivy) Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/polyt/polyt-piiq>
2. Polivy Prescribing Information. (2022). Retrieved from <https://www.polivy.com/prescribing-information>
3. Siegel, D. (2022). Personal Communication.