Uses

What is Tecentriq used for?

Tecentriq (atezolizumab) and Tecentriq Hybreza (atezolizumab/hyaluronidase-tqjs) are commonly used to treat certain cancers, including the following. 

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

How does Tecentriq work (mechanism of action)?

Tecentriq is a type of medicine known as immunotherapy. It turns on your body’s own immune system so it can fight against cancer cells that have a specific receptor called programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1). Tecentriq allows your immune system to find these cancer cells and kill them to slow or stop tumors from growing. 

Tecentriq Hybreza also contains hyaluronidase. The hyaluronidase helps allow the medicine to reach the cells when it is given as an injection under the skin.

How is Tecentriq supplied (dosage forms)?

Brands and other names

  • Tecentriq
  • Tecentriq Hybreza

Tecentriq is available as an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Tecentriq?

Tecentriq 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 Tecentriq?

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

  • Tiredness
  • Loss of appetite
  • Nausea
  • Cough
  • Shortness of breath

 

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

  • Tiredness
  • Cough
  • Loss of appetite
  • Shortness of breath
  • Muscle and bone pain
  • Rash
  • Headache
  • Nausea and vomiting
  • High blood pressure
  • Constipation
  • Dizziness
  • Bleeding
  • Diarrhea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Stomach pain
  • Low thyroid levels
  • Fever
  • Anxiety
  • Abnormal or skipping heartbeat

 

There may be other side effects of Tecentriq 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 888-249-4918.

 

What are the serious side effects of Tecentriq?

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

Severe Allergic Reactions. Tecentriq may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. 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

Immune System Reactions. Tecentriq 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 pancreas (pancreatitis): Severe stomach pain, nausea, vomiting

Infusion Reactions. Tecentriq 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

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Tecentriq?

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

  • Tecentriq
  • Tecentriq Hybreza
  • Atezolizumab
  • Hyaluronidase
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

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

What should I know about Tecentriq before using it?

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

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

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Tecentriq?

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 Tecentriq 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. 

Pregnancy. Tecentriq 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 Tecentriq. If you can become pregnant, use effective birth control while using Tecentriq and for at least five months after your last dose.

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

Infertility. Tecentriq may cause fertility problems in people who are able to get pregnant. Talk with your healthcare provider if this is a concern for you. 

How can I get more information about Tecentriq?

For more information about Tecentriq, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.tecentriq.com or call them at 877-436-3683.

Interactions

Does Tecentriq interact with foods or drinks?

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

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Tecentriq.

Does Tecentriq interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Tecentriq 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 Tecentriq (atezolizumab) 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 Tecentriq?

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

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

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

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