IMFINZI 50MG/ML INJECTION
DURVALUMAB
What it does
Durvalumab is a medication used to help the body's immune system fight certain types of cancer.
Commonly used for: bladder cancer, non-small cell lung cancer
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-06-28 18:58:11 · updated 2026-09-25 02:04:01
About this medicine
Durvalumab is a medication used to help the body's immune system fight certain types of cancer.
What it treats
- bladder cancer
- non-small cell lung cancer
How it works
Durvalumab works by blocking a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells, allowing the immune system to better fight the cancer.
Who it's for
This medicine is for adults with specific types of cancer that may respond to immune therapy.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Durvalumab
BNF-referencedDurvalumab is a human monoclonal antibody that selectively binds to the programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), thereby inhibiting its interaction with programmed cell death protein-1 (PD-1) and CD80. This blockade enhances the immune response against tumor cells, leading to anti-tumor activity. It is used primarily in oncology to treat certain types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer and urothelial carcinoma.
Indications
- Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Other PD-L1 expressing malignancies
Dosage
Children: null
Adults: 500 mg every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 1 g every 6 weeks from week 13 onwards, with adjustments based on side effects and infusion-related reactions.
Mechanism of action
Durvalumab binds to PD-L1, preventing its interaction with PD-1 and CD80 receptors. This action enhances T-cell activation and proliferation, promoting a stronger immune-mediated response against tumor cells.
Pharmacodynamics
The binding of Durvalumab to PD-L1 interrupts the inhibitory signals that normally dampen T-cell responses. This mechanism leads to increased T-cell activity against tumor cells, which can result in tumor regression. Clinical studies have shown improved overall survival rates in patients with PD-L1 expressing tumors treated with Durvalumab.
Pharmacokinetics
Durvalumab exhibits a biphasic pharmacokinetic profile, with a distribution half-life of approximately 12-20 days and an elimination half-life of around 18 days. It is administered via intravenous infusion, and its pharmacokinetics may be influenced by factors such as patient-specific characteristics and co-administered therapies. Durvalumab is primarily eliminated through a combination of target-mediated drug disposition and non-specific clearance.
Adverse effects
- Adrenal insufficiency
- Anaemia
- Arthralgia
- Autoimmune haemolytic anaemia
- Chills
- Durvalumab-related infusion reaction
- Diarrhoea
- Enterocolitis
- Haemorrhagic fever
- Gastrointestinal disorders
- Hyperthyroidism
- Hypertransaminasaemia
- Hypothyroidism
- Myalgia
- Nausea
- Pancreatitis
Precautions
- History of severe or life-threatening cutaneous adverse reactions associated with other immunostimulant antineoplastic drugs
- Patients who receive an allogeneic haematopoietic stem cell transplant before or after durvalumab treatment may be at an increased risk of transplant-related complications and should be closely monitored
- Increased risk of rejection in solid organ transplant recipients
Pregnancy
Avoid-limited information available.
Breast-feeding
Avoid during treatment and for at least 4 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 dilution.
Formulations
- Solution for infusion, 500 mg/10 mL concentrate
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.