Preparing for your infusion

How can I prepare for my infusion?

Infusion preparation image

Before being treated with POLIVY (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq), you can properly prepare for your infusion by:

Completing necessary blood tests: Your doctor will require you to take certain blood tests
Reporting medications: Tell your doctor about any prescriptions or over-the-counter medicines you are taking (including vitamins and supplements)
Bringing a companion: Arrange a ride with a trusted friend or family member as you may feel fatigued after the infusion
Dressing comfortably: Consider wearing loose clothing and bringing a book, headphones, or a snack so you can relax and feel comfortable during your infusion

What are the signs and symptoms of infusion-related reactions?

Side effects called infusion-related reactions can occur during or within 24 hours after an infusion. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any side effects, including symptoms of an infusion-related reaction.

Infusion-related reactions may include:
—Fever
—Chills
—Rash
—Breathing problems

Indication

POLIVY is a prescription medicine used with other medicines, bendamustine and a rituximab product, to treat diffuse large B-cell lymphoma in adults who have had at least 2 prior therapies.

The approval of POLIVY is based on a type of response rate. There is an ongoing study to confirm the clinical benefit of POLIVY.

Possible serious side effects

Everyone reacts differently to POLIVY therapy, so it’s important to know what the side effects are. Some people who have been treated with POLIVY have experienced serious to fatal side effects. Your doctor may stop or adjust your treatment if any serious side effects occur. Be sure to contact your healthcare team if there are any signs of these side effects.

Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Also, your doctor may give you medication, which may prevent some infections, before giving you POLIVY and monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with POLIVY
Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, or breathing problems within 24 hours of your infusion
Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. If you already have nerve pain, POLIVY may make it worse. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as numbness and tingling
Rare and serious brain infections: Your doctor will monitor closely for signs and symptoms of these types of infections. Contact your doctor if you experience confusion, dizziness or loss of balance, trouble talking or walking, or vision changes
Tumor lysis syndrome: Caused by the fast breakdown of cancer cells. Signs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and lack of energy
Potential harm to liver: Some signs include tiredness, weight loss, pain in the abdomen, dark urine, and yellowing of your skin or the white part of your eyes. You may be at higher risk if you already had liver problems or you are taking other medication

Side effects seen most often

The most common side effects during treatment were

Low blood cell counts (platelets, red blood cells, white blood cells)
Nerve problems in arms and legs
Tiredness or lack of energy
Diarrhea
Nausea
Fever
Decreased appetite
Infections

POLIVY may not be for everyone. Talk to your doctor if you are

Pregnant or think you are pregnant: Data have shown that POLIVY may harm your unborn baby
Planning to become pregnant: Women should avoid getting pregnant while taking POLIVY. Women should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 3 months after their last POLIVY treatment. Men taking POLIVY should use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after their last POLIVY treatment
Breastfeeding: Women should not breastfeed while taking POLIVY and for 2 months after the last dose

These may not be all the side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider for more information about the benefits and risks of POLIVY treatment.

You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088, or www.fda.gov/medwatch. You may also report side effects to Genentech at 1-888-835-2555.

Please see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information.