Tevimbra (tislelizumab-jsgr) is an immunotherapy medicine used to treat certain cancers, including some cancers of the stomach and esophagus.
Like other cancer treatments, Tevimbra can cause side effects. Some are common and may be manageable, while others can become serious and require medical treatment.
Keep reading to learn about possible Tevimbra side effects, ways to manage them, and when to contact your health care provider.
This article does not include every possible side effect of Tevimbra. Tell your health care provider about any new or worsening symptoms during treatment, even if they are not listed here.
Common Tevimbra Side Effects
Common side effects can vary depending on the type of cancer being treated and whether Tevimbra is used alone or with other cancer medicines.
Commonly reported side effects and lab test changes include:
- Tiredness
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Weight loss
- Muscle or bone pain
- Cough
- Mouth sores
- Anemia or other changes in blood cell counts
- Changes in blood sugar or electrolyte levels
- Changes in liver or kidney blood tests
Not everyone will have all of these side effects, and some may be caused partly by other medicines given with Tevimbra.
Tell your health care provider if the side effects bother you, do not improve, or interfere with eating, drinking, or sleeping.
Serious Side Effects of Tevimbra
Tevimbra works by activating your immune system. In some cases, this can cause the immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues. These reactions can happen during treatment or even after treatment has ended and can sometimes be severe or life-threatening.
Potentially serious side effects of Tevimbra include:
- Immune system reactions
- Infusion reactions
- Allergic reactions
If you think you may be having a serious side effect, contact your health care provider or seek medical care right away.
Tips for Managing Tevimbra Side Effects
Some Tevimbra side effects can be managed with supportive care, while others need medical treatment. Your health care provider may pause or stop treatment depending on the type and severity of your symptoms.
The following sections will take a closer look at some possible side effects of Tevimbra and tips to help prevent or manage them.
Immune system reactions
Tevimbra is an immunotherapy medicine that can cause your immune system to attack healthy organs or tissues, resulting in side effects that may be severe. These reactions can affect almost any part of the body and may start during treatment or after treatment has ended. Symptoms can vary depending on what parts of your body may be affected.
The key is to report new or worsening symptoms early, even if you are not sure they are related to Tevimbra. Examples include a new cough, shortness of breath, rash, diarrhea, vision changes, severe muscle weakness, chest pain, and major changes in energy or mood.
Also contact your health care provider right away if you have severe stomach pain, yellowing of the skin or eyes, changes in urination, severe rash or skin peeling, or an irregular or pounding heartbeat.
Treatment depends on the organ affected and how severe the reaction is. Many immune-related side effects are treated with prescription corticosteroids, which reduce inflammation and immune system activity. Other treatments may be needed in some cases. Tevimbra may also be paused or stopped by your health care provider.
Tiredness
Fatigue is common during immunotherapy, but it can have many causes. For example, anemia, hormone changes, lung or heart inflammation, and muscle problems can also cause tiredness. Cancer itself can also contribute to low energy.
Your health care provider may use blood tests and other exams to look for the cause and suggest ways to cope.
These tips may help:
- Follow a regular sleep schedule.
- Plan important activities for times when you tend to have more energy.
- Eat regularly, and drink enough fluids.
- Try light activity, such as walking, if your health care provider says it is okay.
- Take short rest breaks as needed.
Tell your health care provider if your tiredness is severe, suddenly worsens, or happens with shortness of breath or dizziness.
Nausea, vomiting, or low appetite
Nausea, vomiting, and decreased appetite can happen during treatment, especially when Tevimbra is used with chemotherapy. Mild symptoms may improve with changes to what and how you eat.
Your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help prevent nausea and vomiting. Be sure to take them as directed, or let your prescriber know if they’re not helping enough.
The following tips can also help:
- Eat smaller meals more often.
- Choose bland foods that are easier on the stomach.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods.
- Take small sips of fluids throughout the day to try to stay hydrated.
- Try softer foods or nutrition shakes if eating solid food is hard.
Tell your health care provider if vomiting continues, you cannot keep fluids down, or you are losing weight without trying. They may do tests to check for immune-related reactions and suggest ways to help you eat and drink enough.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea can happen while using Tevimbra. However, diarrhea can also be a sign that the immune system is causing inflammation in the intestines.
It helps to know what your usual bowel habits are so you can recognize a change. Keep track of how often you have bowel movements and whether they become looser or more watery than usual.
For mild diarrhea, your health care team may recommend that you:
- Drink more fluids than usual.
- Temporarily eat lower-fiber, lactose-free foods.
- Choose foods such as bananas, rice, applesauce, or toast.
- Use an antidiarrheal medicine if your health care provider recommends one.
Contact your health care provider if your diarrhea is severe, becoming more frequent, or does not go away. Also contact them if you have blood or mucus in your stool, black stools, or severe stomach pain or tenderness.
Infusion reactions
Tevimbra can cause reactions during or shortly after an infusion. These reactions are usually mild or manageable, but some can be serious.
Tell your health care team right away if you notice any unusual symptoms during your infusion. Possible symptoms include fever, chills, dizziness, rash or itching, flushing, shortness of breath, wheezing, and feeling faint.
Depending on how severe the reaction is, they may slow or stop the infusion and give treatment for your symptoms. More serious reactions may require Tevimbra to be stopped.
Your health care team may give you medicines to help prevent or treat these reactions.
A small but helpful thing you can do is bring a few comfort items to your infusion appointments. For example, an extra sweater or blanket can help if you feel chilly. Ask your health care team if there are other tips they recommend to help you prepare for your infusions.
Changes in blood counts and lab tests
Tevimbra can cause changes in blood cell counts, blood sugar and electrolyte levels, and liver or kidney test results. Many of these changes may not cause noticeable symptoms but can help your health care team catch problems early.
Your health care provider will use blood tests to check for these problems during treatment. Keep all appointments for blood tests and follow-up visits during Tevimbra treatment and after treatment ends.
Reducing Your Risk of Tevimbra Side Effects
You cannot prevent every Tevimbra side effect, but you can help your health care team catch and manage problems early.
- Know what is normal for you. Pay attention to your usual energy level, bowel habits, weight, breathing, and other symptoms so changes are easier to spot.
- Report new symptoms early. Do not wait for a symptom to become severe, even if it seems unrelated to your cancer treatment. Some immune-related reactions can worsen quickly.
- Keep your appointments. Blood tests before and during treatment can find some side effects before you notice symptoms.
- Make sure all of your health care providers know you receive Tevimbra. Experts recommend carrying an immunotherapy wallet card or a written list of your treatment and cancer care team’s contact information.
- Tell your health care team about your health history. This is especially important if you have had an organ or stem cell transplant or have a history of autoimmune, lung, heart, liver, kidney, or hormone problems.
Some immune-related side effects can happen after Tevimbra treatment has ended. Continue to tell your health care providers about your past Tevimbra treatment and contact your cancer care team about new or worsening symptoms.
