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Uses

What is Libtayo used for?

Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) is commonly used to treat certain types of cancer. It is used to treat certain types of skin cancers, including cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). It is also used to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).

Learn more about How Libtayo Works for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer.

Libtayo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Libtayo work (mechanism of action)?

Libtayo is a type of medicine known as immunotherapy. This means that it can help your body’s own immune system work to fight against cancer. Libtayo works by blocking a receptor called programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) on certain immune cells (T cells). This allows your T cells to target cancer cells more effectively, helping to slow or stop tumor growth.

How is Libtayo supplied (dosage forms)?

Libtayo is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Libtayo?

Libtayo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Libtayo?

The most common side effects of Libtayo are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Muscle or bone pain
  • Rash
  • Diarrhea
  • Low levels of red blood cells (anemia)

There may be other side effects of Libtayo that are not listed here. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Libtayo?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Libtayo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Libtayo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Libtayo and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Libtayo can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. These may be severe and even life-threatening. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Fever or chills
  • Joint or muscle pain
  • Redness of your face and neck
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Hives

Immune System Reactions. Libtayo may cause your immune system to attack healthy tissues or organs, causing inflammation. When tissues or organs become inflamed, they may not work as well as they should. These side effects of immunotherapy can lead to serious or even life-threatening problems. You may be able to prevent these problems from getting more serious if you get medical help right away. Keep all appointments to check your blood work. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs or symptoms even if you are no longer taking this medicine.

  •  Inflamed lungs (pneumonitis): Chest pain, shortness of breath, or new or worsening cough
  • Inflamed intestines (colitis): Severe stomach pain, diarrhea, blood or mucus in your stool or black, tarry stools
  • Inflamed liver (hepatitis): Severe nausea or vomiting, stomach pain on your right side, yellowish eyes or skin, dark urine (pee), or easy bleeding or bruising
  • Inflamed hormone glands (adrenal insufficiency, thyroiditis, type 1 diabetes): Headache, fast or irregular heartbeat, sweating, tiredness, weight gain or loss, hair loss, changes in mood or behavior, peeing more than usual, feeling cold
  • Inflamed kidneys (nephritis): Peeing less than usual, bloody urine, or swelling in your ankles
  • Skin inflammation (dermatitis): Skin rash, itching, blistering, or peeling or painful sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or genitals
  • Heart or blood vessel inflammation: Chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat
  • Inflamed nerves: Weakness, numbness, or tingling in your arms or legs
  • Inflamed muscles or joints: Pain, swelling, or stiffness in your muscles or joints
  • Inflamed eye (uveitis): Blurred or double vision, eye pain or redness, sensitivity to light, vision loss
  • Inflamed brain (encephalitis): Stiff neck, balance or memory problems, or confusion

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Libtayo?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Libtayo.

  • Cemiplimab
  • Libtayo
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Libtayo.

What should I know about Libtayo before using it?

Libtayo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic.

Your healthcare provider will do regular bloodwork while you are using Libtayo. It is important to attend all appointments so your healthcare provider can make sure it is safe for you to use Libtayo. If you miss any appointments, reschedule with your healthcare provider right away.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Libtayo?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Libtayo is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following. 

  • Immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis (UC), or lupus
  • Organ transplant
  • Prior or planned stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells
  • Prior radiation treatment to your chest
  • Nervous system conditions such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome

Pregnancy. Libtayo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. You must not be pregnant before starting Libtayo. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while using Libtayo and for at least four months after your last dose.

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Libtayo passes into breast milk. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while using Libtayo and for at least four months after your last dose.

How can I get more information about Libtayo?

For more information about Libtayo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.libtayo.com or call them at 877-734-6777.

Interactions

Does Libtayo interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Libtayo and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Libtayo.

Does Libtayo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Libtayo and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

 

Does interact with other drugs you are taking?

Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Libtayo?

If you or someone else has used too much Libtayo, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Libtayo?

Libtayo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Libtayo as scheduled. 

If you miss an appointment to get your Libtayo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.