TECENTRIQ
ATEZOLIZUMAB
What it does
Atezolizumab is a medication used to help the immune system fight certain types of cancer.
Commonly used for: bladder cancer, lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), triple-negative breast cancer
Read more in plain English ↓Plain-language summary for general understanding - not medical advice. Always follow your pharmacist/doctor.
Ask about this medicine
Answers come only from this medicine's registration record, BNF monograph and interaction data - not medical advice.
Medicine sourcing is available in Kenya only. We don't sell or dispense medicines - licensed pharmacies do.
Sourcing - Kenya onlyRegistration & product details
Source: Food and Drugs Authority · fetched 2026-04-18 08:33:01 · updated 2026-09-15 04:00:11
About this medicine
Atezolizumab is a medication used to help the immune system fight certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- bladder cancer
- lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer)
- triple-negative breast cancer
How it works
It works by blocking a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells, allowing the body to better fight the cancer.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with specific types of cancer who may benefit from immune system treatment.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Atezolizumab
BNF-referencedAtezolizumab is a monoclonal antibody that targets programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1). By binding to PD-L1, it inhibits the interaction between PD-L1 and its receptors, programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) and CD80, thereby reactivating T-cell responses against tumor cells. This mechanism is crucial in allowing the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells.
Indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (specialist use only)
- Urothelial carcinoma (specialist use only)
- Small cell lung cancer (specialist use only)
- Breast cancer (specialist use only)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (specialist use only)
Dosage
Adults: Consult product literature for specific dosing information.
Mechanism of action
Atezolizumab binds to PD-L1, blocking its interaction with PD-1 and CD80, which leads to the reactivation of T-cell responses against tumor cells. This mechanism enhances the immune response to malignancies.
Pharmacodynamics
As an immune checkpoint inhibitor, atezolizumab enhances T-cell mediated immune responses, which can lead to tumor regression. The blockade of PD-L1 allows for increased T-cell proliferation and activation, resulting in a more robust immune surveillance against cancerous cells.
Pharmacokinetics
Atezolizumab is administered via intravenous infusion. It has a half-life of approximately 27 days, allowing for infrequent dosing. The pharmacokinetics can be influenced by patient factors such as body weight and the presence of anti-drug antibodies, which may affect the drug's efficacy and safety profile.
Adverse effects
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions (SCARs)
- Appetite decreased
- Asthenia
- Constipation
- Diarrhoea
- Dizziness
- Dry eye
- Electrolyte imbalance
- Hypoalbuminaemia
- Increased risk of infection
- Infusion-related reactions
- Mucositis
- Myalgia
- Nail disorders
Precautions
- Infusion-related reactions can occur; administer only when appropriately trained staff and resuscitation facilities are available.
- Pre-medication with an antipyretic, antihistamine, and corticosteroid is recommended.
- Patients should limit sun exposure during treatment and for 2 months after last treatment.
- Patients should be advised to discontinue contact lens use until worsening eye symptoms are evaluated.
- Patients and carers should be counselled on the effects on driving and performance of skilled tasks due to increased risk of dizziness and visual impairment.
Pregnancy
Avoid during pregnancy; no information available on safety.
Breast-feeding
Avoid during treatment and for 3 months after last treatment; no information available.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2-8°C) and protect from light; consult product literature for storage conditions after preparation of the infusion.
Formulations
- Atezolizumab 1200 mg per 20 ml solution for infusion vials
- Atezolizumab 840 mg per 14 ml solution for infusion vials
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.
This drug in other countries
The same active ingredient registered across other registries we cover - including different brands.