Imjudo injection is an FDA-approved cancer medication. It is used with other cancer medications to treat certain types of liver cancer and lung cancer. In this article, you will learn about its mechanism of action, side effects, cost, and more.
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Imjudo Introduction and Uses
Imjudo is a brand-name prescription medication. The active ingredient in this product is tremelimumab-actl, which belongs to a drug class called monoclonal antibodies (mAbs).
Imjudo is an immunotherapy drug, meaning it uses the body’s immune system to identify and kill cancer cells.
The US FDA approved Imjudo in 2022 to treat adults with:
- A type of liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma) that cannot be removed with surgery. For this purpose, it is used with another monoclonal antibody medicine called durvalumab (brand: Imfinzi).
- A specific type of lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer or NSCLC) that has spread to other body parts. For this purpose, it is used with durvalumab and platinum-containing chemotherapy.
Imjudo Mechanism of Action
Tremelimumab works by blocking an immune checkpoint molecule called CTLA-4.
CTLA-4 acts as a “natural brake” to help prevent overactivation of our immune system by prohibiting the release of immune-fighting cells. A tightly regulated immune response is crucial for preventing the immune cells from attacking healthy tissues in the body.
However, cancer cells can use this “natural brake” to evade an attack from immune cells that specifically target cancer cells.
By blocking the CTLA-4 checkpoint, tremelimumab helps our immune cells activate, becoming more effective at recognizing and destroying cancer cells.
How Effective Is Imjudo?
FDA approval was supported by clinical trials demonstrating improved overall survival in certain patients with unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma and metastatic non-small cell lung cancer when Imjudo was used in combination with Imfinzi and, when appropriate, chemotherapy.
Imjudo Administration
Imjudo comes as a clear or colorless to slightly yellow liquid supplied in a carton. The carton contains one single-dose vial of the product. The following concentrations are available in the US:
- 25 mg/1.25 ml (20 mg/ml)
- 300 mg/15 ml (20 mg/ml)
Your healthcare provider will determine the number of treatment cycles depending on your needs. Then, they will inject the liquid into your vein. The medication is administered as an intravenous (IV) infusion in a healthcare setting and typically takes about 60 minutes.
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Talk to a Specialist To Find OutImjudo Side Effects
Common Side Effects
Call your healthcare provider if the following symptoms worsen or don’t go away:
- Joint, back, or bone pain
- Rash
- Tiredness
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Itchiness
- Abdominal pain
- Decreased appetite
Use During Pregnancy and Lactation
You should not become pregnant during treatment with this medication and for at least 90 days after the last dose. Call your provider immediately if you become pregnant while taking Imjudo. Contact your provider to learn about the best contraceptive methods for you.
You should not breastfeed during treatment with this medication and for at least 90 days after the last dose.
Important Imjudo Warnings
Imjudo can cause severe or life-threatening problems in any organ of your body. These problems may occur during treatment or several months after you have stopped taking this medication.
Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience the signs and symptoms of:
Lung Problems
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
Digestive Tract Problems
- Diarrhea
- Black, tarry stools or blood/mucus in stools
- Severe pain or tenderness in the abdomen
Liver Problems
- Yellowing of your skin or eyes
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Pain on the right side of the abdomen
- Tea-colored urine
- Unusual bleeding or bruising
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About Copay AssistanceHormone Gland Problems
- Persistent or unusual headaches
- Eye sensitivity to light
- Eye problems
- Rapid heartbeat
- Excessive sweating
- Exhaustion
- Unintended weight changes
- Excessive hunger or thirst
- Frequent urination
- Hair loss
- Increased sensitivity to cold temperatures
- Constipation
- Deeper voice
- Dizziness or fainting
- Decreased sex drive
- Irritability or forgetfulness
Kidney Problems
- Decreased urine volume
- Blood in your urine
- Swelling of the ankles
- Loss of appetite
Skin Problems
- Rash or itching
- Skin blistering or peeling
- Painful sores or ulcers in your mouth or nose, throat, or genital area
- Fever
- Flu-like symptoms
- Swelling of your lymph nodes
Pancreas Problems
- Pain in the upper abdomen
- Severe nausea or vomiting
- Loss of appetite
Depending on the affected organs and tissues, you may also experience other signs and symptoms. Call your healthcare provider immediately if you experience:
- Chest pain, abnormal heartbeats, shortness of breath, or swelling of your ankles
- Confusion, sleepiness, memory issues, changes in mood or behavior, stiff neck, balance problems
- Tingling, numbness, or weakness of the arms or legs
- Double vision, blurry vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain
- Long-lasting or severe muscle pain or weakness, muscle cramps, joint pain, joint stiffness, or swelling
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Severe or Life-Threatening Infusion Reactions
Inform your provider or tell your caregiver if you experience the following reactions during an infusion:
- Chills
- Flushing
- Shaking
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Wheezing
- Fever
- Itching
- Rash
- Pain in your back or neck
- A feeling like you are fainting
Before Taking Imjudo
Before you receive your first dose of Imjudo, inform your provider if you:
- Are allergic to this product or any product component
- Have or have ever had an autoimmune disorder, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
- Have or have ever had diabetes, thyroid problems, lung disease, liver or kidney problems, myasthenia gravis, or Guillain-Barre syndrome
- Are pregnant or plan to get pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed
Imjudo Cost
Cost can vary depending on your insurance plan, location, and pharmacy. Contact your insurance provider to find out whether your plan covers this medication or requires prior authorization.
AstraZeneca, the manufacturer of Imjudo, provides financial assistance to eligible patients through its IMFINZI Patient Savings Program.
Eligible commercially insured patients may qualify for copay assistance and may pay as little as $0 per infusion, subject to program terms and annual maximum benefits.
Contact us if you are interested in financial assistance or copay assistance for Imjudo.
Note: Support services for Imjudo are available only when your healthcare provider has prescribed it in combination with Imfinzi for specific FDA-approved conditions. Imjudo is not approved as a standalone therapy.
