Tudriqev is a type of immunotherapy used to treat melanoma, which is a form of skin cancer. Like other cancer medicines, Tudriqev can cause side effects and may interact with other medicines, supplements, or alcohol.
Keep reading to learn about the possible side effects of Tudriqev, how to manage them, and which medicines may interact with Tudriqev.
This article does not include all possible side effects or interactions. Tell your health care provider about any symptoms that concern you or do not improve.
Tudriqev Side Effects
Common side effects
The most common side effects reported with Tudriqev include:
- Tiredness
- Fever, chills, or flu-like symptoms
- Infections
- Muscle or joint pain
- Nausea or vomiting
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Pain, itching, swelling, redness, or discoloration near the injection site
- Headache
- Cough
- Rash or itching
- Decreased appetite
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Bleeding
- Fluid retention
- Stomach pain
Serious side effects
While less common, potentially serious side effects of Tudriqev include:
- Allergic reactions
- Herpes infection
- Problems at the injection site
If you have symptoms that feel serious or life-threatening, seek medical care right away.
How to Manage Tudriqev Side Effects
While not a complete guide, the following tips can help you prevent or manage potential side effects of Tudriqev.
Herpes infection
There is a possible risk that Tudriqev may cause a new herpes infection. If you have had herpes in the past, Tudriqev might cause it to become active again. If others come in contact with the treated area, it also increases the risk of spreading a herpes infection to them.
Possible symptoms include:
- Any unusual bumps, blisters, or sores in or around the mouth or around your genitals
- Flu-like symptoms, such as fever, body aches, or headache
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Sore throat
To help prevent spreading herpes to others you should:
- Keep the injection site area covered with a dressing for at least 48 hours, and if it falls off, put it or a new bandage on.
- Avoid touching or scratching the injection area.
- Wear gloves when touching the bandage or injection area.
- Seal dressings, gloves, and any other supplies in a plastic bag before throwing them away.
To reduce their risk of exposure to herpes, your close contacts should also avoid direct contact with treated area, dressings, and bodily fluids. If someone else accidentally touches or comes in contact with the treated area or dressings, the area should be cleaned with soap and water. Also, any new or unusual symptoms should be reported to their health care provider.
Nausea or vomiting
Nausea and vomiting affected many people treated with Tudriqev in clinical studies.
Symptoms of nausea may include an upset stomach, queasiness, or a feeling like you may throw up.
Mild nausea and vomiting may improve as your body adjusts to treatment. The following tips may help relieve these side effects:
- Eat smaller, more frequent meals.
- Snack on bland foods such as crackers.
- Avoid greasy, spicy, or strong-smelling foods.
- Take small sips of water throughout the day to stay hydrated.
In some cases, your health care provider may prescribe medicines to help prevent or manage nausea. Contact your health care provider right away if vomiting is ongoing, severe, or if you have signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, dry mouth, or dark-colored urine.
Constipation
Constipation is a common side effect of Tudriqev. Symptoms may include fewer bowel movements, hard stools, or straining during bowel movements.
These tips may help manage constipation:
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
- Moving your body can help move your bowels. Try to get more exercise, such as walking or swimming.
- Slowly add or increase high-fiber foods into your diet, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, and whole grains. Most adults should aim for 25-38 grams of fiber each day.
- Ask your health care provider if an over-the-counter (OTC) stool softener, laxative, or fiber supplement such as psyllium may help.
- Try to follow a regular bathroom schedule.
Muscle or joint pain
Musculoskeletal pain is a common side effect of Tudriqev. It is usually mild to moderate, but some people may have more severe pain.
Symptoms may include:
- Aching muscles
- Joint stiffness
- Bone pain
- General body aches
Symptoms may improve over time or with supportive care at home. The following tips may help relieve muscle or joint pain:
- Try gentle stretching or light activity, if approved by your health care provider.
- Use a heating pad or warm bath to ease soreness, or apply a cold pack for up to 10 minutes at a time.
- Rest during pain flare-ups.
- Stay physically active when possible to help reduce stiffness.
Some people may benefit from OTC pain relievers, but ask your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure they are safe for you.
Fever
Fever is a common side effect of Tudriqev. It happens when you have a brief rise in body temperature. Symptoms may include chills, feeling cold or shivering, sweating, or flushing.
It may be a good idea to dress in layers for your infusion appointment in case you get a fever and feel hot or cold.
To help prevent fever, you may be given certain medicines before the infusion. Your health care team will monitor you during and after the infusion. If you become feverish, they may slow or pause your infusion. They may also give you a fever-reducing medicine, such as acetaminophen (Tylenol).
Make sure you have a thermometer at home in case you need to check your temperature. Let your health care provider know right away if you have a fever, especially if it does not come down with medicine or reaches a temperature of 102 F or higher.
Headache
Headache is a commonly reported side effect of Tudriqev. Symptoms may include mild-to-moderate head pain or pressure.
To help manage headaches:
- Rest in a quiet, dark room if needed.
- Drink enough fluids throughout the day.
- Try relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing.
- Maintain a regular sleep schedule.
- Minimize stress.
- Drink enough fluids, and eat regular meals or snacks.
An OTC pain reliever may help ease your headache, but check with your health care provider or pharmacist first to make sure it is safe for you.
Fluid retention
Fluid retention (edema) is a common Tudriqev side effect. Symptoms may include swelling, puffiness, or a feeling of heaviness in your legs.
Some things you can do at home to reduce fluid retention include the following:
- Wear support or compression stockings.
- Raise your legs when sitting or resting.
- Avoid standing or sitting in one position for long periods.
- Limit salty foods if recommended by your health care provider.
- Wear loose, comfortable clothing and shoes.
Your health care provider may prescribe a treatment for edema, such as a diuretic, also called a water pill. Tell your health care provider if fluid retention doesn’t improve.
Tudriqev Interactions
Tudriqev can interact with other medicines.
An interaction happens when a substance changes how a medicine works or affects the body. Some interactions may make Tudriqev less effective.
This may not be a full list of interactions, but the following are important to know about while taking Tudriqev.
Medicines that make Tudriqev less effective
Antivirals are used for certain infections. Using Tudriqev while taking an antiviral medicine may make Tudriqev less effective.
Tudriqev is a weakened, modified version of the herpes virus. Its purpose is to grow and multiply within tumor cells to kill them. Antiviral medicines are built to do the opposite. They stop herpes viruses from multiplying. An antiviral medicine cannot tell the difference between the real herpes virus and Tudriqev.
Examples of antivirals include:
- Acyclovir
- Famciclovir
- Valacyclovir
These medicines should usually not be taken together. If you must take an antiviral medicine, your health care provider may change the timing of when you get Tudriqev to reduce the likelihood that the antiviral will interfere with your treatment.
Do not stop or change any medicines without talking with your health care provider first.
Reducing Your Risk of Side Effects and Interactions
You can help reduce your risk of side effects and interactions by following all of your health care provider’s instructions during treatment with Tudriqev.
Helpful tips include:
- Always tell your health care provider and pharmacist about all prescription drugs, OTC medicines, and any vitamins, herbs, or other supplements you use.
- Ask your health care provider before you start or stop any medicine, vitamin, or supplement.
- Keep all follow-up appointments and lab tests.
- Report any new or worsening symptoms to your health care provider.
Your health care provider can review your treatment plan and make adjustments if needed to help make sure that this medicine is safe for you.
