For US Healthcare Professionals

How can I prepare for my infusion?

Preparing for infusions with POLIVY® (polatuzumab vedotin-piiq)

Before being treated with POLIVY, you can properly prepare for your infusion by:

  • Completing necessary blood tests: Your doctor will require you to take certain blood tests. Blood tests will need to be administered within 72 hours of the first treatment cycle, and may be repeated before future infusions at your doctor's request
  • 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

Prepare to be at the infusion center for at least two hours on your first visit, and one hour for every other visit.

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

These may not be all the side effects you may experience with POLIVY. Your doctor will help you identify and manage your side effects, so please be sure to inform your healthcare team of any symptoms and take all necessary tests. Please also see the full Prescribing Information for additional Important Safety Information

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Possible Side Effects of POLIVY

Learn about side effects most frequently seen with POLIVY+BR

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How Is POLIVY Administered?

See the infusion process and dosing schedule for POLIVY+BR

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Financial Support

Learn about financial assistance and other resources to help you access POLIVY

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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 progressed after at least 2 prior therapies.

The conditional approval of POLIVY is based on a type of response rate. There are ongoing studies to establish how well the drug works.

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.

  • Nerve problems in your arms and legs: This may happen as early as after your first dose and may worsen with every dose. Your doctor will monitor for signs and symptoms, such as changes in your sense of touch, numbness or tingling in your hands or feet, nerve pain, burning sensation, any muscle weakness, or changes to your walking pattern
  • Infusion-related reactions: You may experience fever, chills, rash, breathing problems, low blood pressure, or hives within 24 hours of your infusion
  • Infections: If you have a fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher, chills, cough, or pain during urination, contact your healthcare team. Your doctor may also give you medication before giving you POLIVY, which may prevent some infections, and will monitor your blood counts throughout treatment with POLIVY. Treatment with POLIVY can cause severe low blood cell counts
  • 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 at least 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.