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Overview: Polivy is an intravenous (IV) medicine used to treat certain types of B-cell lymphoma (a type of white blood cell cancer). Common side effects include pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet. If you can become pregnant or get your partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are using Polivy and for several months after your last dose.

Uses

What is Polivy used for?

Polivy (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq) is commonly used for certain types of B-cell lymphoma, a type of white blood cell cancer.

Your Guide to Polivy for Lymphoma

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

How does Polivy work (mechanism of action)?

In B-cell lymphoma, your B cells (a white blood cell) grow and multiply even if you do not need more of them. Polivy is an antibody (CD79-b) attached to a medicine (polatuzumab) that binds with B cells that are growing and multiplying. Once it attaches to the B cell, the medicine moves inside of the B cell and kills it. 

How is Polivy supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Polivy

Dosage forms and strengths

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

How should I store Polivy?

Polivy 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 Polivy?

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

  • Nerve problems (see below)
  • Nausea, diarrhea, constipation
  • Tiredness
  • Hair loss
  • Mouth sores
  • Blood disorders (see below)
  • High blood uric acid levels
  • Fever
  • Decreased appetite
  • Lung infections (pneumonia)

There may be other side effects of Polivy 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 Polivy?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Polivy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Polivy 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

Nerve Problems. Nerves are the fibers that carry sensations from your body to the brain. Damage to these nerves, called peripheral neuropathy, can happen in people who are using Polivy. If you already have nerve problems, Polivy may make the problems worse. Tell your healthcare provider if your nerve problems get worse or if you develop pain, burning, tingling, numbness, or weakness in your arms, hands, legs, or feet.

Infusion Reactions. Polivy can cause reactions that can be serious when it is given to you. These reactions can happen within 24 hours of getting a dose of Polivy. You will likely get other medicines before Polivy to reduce your risk of an infusion reaction. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion or in the next 24 hours.

  • Fever or chills
  • Trouble breathing
  • Chest pain
  • Itching
  • Rash

Blood Disorders. Polivy can cause blood disorders, such as low levels of red blood cells (anemia), low platelet levels (thrombocytopenia), and low white blood cell levels (neutropenia). Keep all appointments, including those for lab tests, while you are using Polivy. Stop using Polivy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of blood disorders.

  • Fever
  • Shortness of breath
  • Pale or yellowish skin
  • Easy bruising or bleeding
  • Frequent infection
  • Unusual weakness or tiredness
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Headache
  • Fast or abnormal heartbeat

Infections. Polivy can increase your risk of infections, including serious infections. Keep all appointments, including those for lab tests, while you are using Polivy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have an infection or any of the following symptoms.

  • Burning or stinging when you pee 
  • Cough or coughing up blood
  • Fever, sweats, chills, or muscle aches
  • Shortness of breath
  • Diarrhea or stomach pain
  • Weight loss

Progressive Multifocal Leukoencephalopathy (PML). People using Polivy may develop a rare brain disease called PML. It is caused by a virus called the JC virus. PML is very serious and can lead to death. Stop using Polivy and call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of PML.

  • Clumsiness or loss of coordination
  • Difficulty walking or speaking
  • Dizziness
  • Facial drooping
  • Vision problems
  • Thinking, memory, or personality changes
  • Weakness on one side of your body that gets worse
  • Seizures

Tumor Lysis Syndrome. Polivy can cause a fast breakdown of cancer cells. This can lead to a condition called tumor lysis syndrome, which can be serious. It is important to drink plenty of water while receiving Polivy and to keep all appointments for blood work, so your healthcare provider can see how your body is responding to Polivy. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following signs of tumor lysis syndrome while using Polivy. 

  • Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
  • Weakness
  • Swelling or fluid retention
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle cramps
  • Seizures

Liver Damage. Liver damage, also called hepatotoxicity, can happen when using Polivy. Your risk for liver damage may be higher if you already have liver problems or take other medicines that can cause liver damage. Keep all appointments, including those for lab tests, while you are using Polivy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of liver damage.

  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain
  • Fever
  • Weakness or unusual tiredness
  • Itching
  • Loss of appetite
  • Light-colored poop
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Polivy?

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

  • Polatuzumab vedotin-piiq
  • Polivy
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Polivy before using it?

Polivy is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will likely receive medicines before your Polivy infusion to reduce your risk of side effects.

Polivy may make it difficult for you to get pregnant or get your partner pregnant. However, your ability to become pregnant will likely return after you stop using Polivy. It is not known if your ability to get your partner pregnant will return after you stop using Polivy. Talk to your healthcare provider if you have any concerns about this. 

If you can get pregnant or get your partner pregnant, you should use effective birth control while you are using Polivy. If you can get pregnant, you should use birth control while using Polivy and for three months after your last dose. If you can get your partner pregnant, you should use birth control while you are using Polivy and for five months after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options. See the Pregnancy section for more details.

People who are 65 or older can be at greater risk for some side effects from Polivy. Talk to your healthcare provider about your risks if you are in this age group.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Polivy?

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 Polivy 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.

  • Peripheral neuropathy
  • Liver problems
  • Low blood cell counts like platelets or neutrophils
  • Anemia

Other Medicines and Supplements. Polivy may interact with other medicines and supplements. Before using Polivy, tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. See the Interactions section for more details.

Pregnancy. Polivy may cause harm to an unborn baby. You may need to have a negative pregnancy test before you start using Polivy. You should use effective birth control while you are using Polivy and for three months after your last dose. Talk to your healthcare provider about your birth control options. Tell your healthcare provider if you are, think you are, or plan to become pregnant.

Breastfeeding. Do not breastfeed while you are using Polivy and for two months after your last dose. It is not known if Polivy passes into breast milk. Talk to your healthcare provider about how best to feed your baby. 

How can I get more information about Polivy?

For more information about Polivy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.polivy.com/newly-diagnosed/rchp.html or call them at 877-GENENTECH (877-436-3683).

Interactions

Does Polivy interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Polivy. The risk of tiredness may be increased if you drink alcohol while using Polivy.

Does Polivy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

In particular, make sure that you discuss if you are using any of the following before using Polivy.

  • Ketoconazole, which is a medicine used for fungal infections
  • Rifampin (Rifadin), which is a medicine commonly used to treat an infection called tuberculosis

Many other medicines may alter the blood levels of Polivy. Tell your healthcare provider about all medicines that you take or have recently taken.

This may not be a complete list of medicines that can interact with Polivy. Always check with your healthcare provider.

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 Polivy?

If you or someone else has used too much Polivy, 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 Polivy?

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

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

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