Durvalumab – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Last updated: February 8, 2026Reviewed date: February 8, 2026Reading time: 33 min read
Durvalumab - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction
Patient Tools

Read, save, and share this guide

Use these quick tools to make this medical article easier to read, print, save, or share with a family member.

On this page11 sections

Article Summary

Durvalumab is an antineoplastic monoclonal antibody used to treat urothelial carcinoma and locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. It is a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) with the PD-1 (CD279). Durvalumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) monoclonal antibody and a novel immune-checkpoint inhibitor for cancer treatment.[rx] Produced by recombinant DNA technology...

Key Takeaways

  • This article explains Mechanism of action in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Indications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Contraindications in simple medical language.
  • This article explains Dosage in simple medical language.
Before reading

RX Patient Tools

Use these quick guides before reading the article, or return to them when you need help preparing questions for a doctor.

Start here Choose the right pathway for symptoms, reports, medicines, or urgent warning signs. Disease article roadmap Read this topic step by step: meaning, symptoms, warning signs, diagnosis, treatment, prevention, and follow-up. Treatment planner Prepare questions about treatment choices, benefits, risks, side effects, and follow-up. Family & caregiver guide Organize symptoms, reports, medicines, questions, and follow-up safely. Nutrition & diet guide Prepare food, hydration, supplement, and medicine-timing questions safely. Prevention guide Organize risk factors, protective habits, screening, and warning signs. Recovery guide Prepare a safe plan for activity, rehabilitation, warning signs, and follow-up.
Educational health guideWritten for patient understanding and clinical awareness.
Reviewed content workflowUse writer and reviewer profiles for stronger trust.
Emergency safety firstUrgent warning signs are highlighted below.
Choose your reading view

Patient View highlights a simple learning journey. Clinical View reveals structure, evidence, and editorial completeness.

Definition

Durvalumab is an antineoplastic monoclonal antibody used to treat urothelial and locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer. It is a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) monoclonal antibody that blocks the interaction of programmed cell death ligand 1 (PD-L1) with the PD-1 (CD279).

Durvalumab is a human immunoglobulin G1 kappa (IgG1κ) monoclonal antibody and a novel immune-checkpoint inhibitor for cancer treatment.[rx] Produced by recombinant DNA technology in Chinese Hamster (CHO) cell suspension culture,[rx] durvalumab is a programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody that works to promote normal immune responses that attack cells.[rx,rx]

Durvalumab is marketed under the brand name Imfinzi, which is available for intravenous injections. It was granted accelerated approval by the FDA in May 2017 [rx] for the treatment of selected patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma.[rx] In September 2018, durvalumab was approved by the EMA for the treatment of adult patients with locally advanced, unresectable non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), only if PD-L1 is expressed in ≥ 1% of tumor cells and there was no observable following platinum-based chemoradiation therapy.[rx,rx[ On March 27, 2020, durvalumab was approved by the FDA for use in combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin as first-line treatment of patients with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC).[rx]

Durvalumab (dur val’ ue mab) is a human recombinant monoclonal IgG1 kappa-isotype antibody to the ligand for the programmed cell death receptor (PD-L1), which has distinctive immunomodulatory activity and is used as a checkpoint inhibitor in cancer . The programmed cell death receptor 1 (PD-1) is an important checkpoint molecule that is expressed on activated T and B cells. The binding of the ligand to PD-1 activates programmed cell death pathways that terminate or down-regulate cytotoxic T-cell responses. Monoclonal antibody binding to PD-L1 prevents its engagement with the PD-1 receptor and subsequent induction of the cellular pathways that down-regulate T-cell responses. Inhibition of this pathway allows for a continued activation and proliferation of cytotoxic T cells and proinflammatory cytokines. The enhancement of cytotoxic reactivity may play a beneficial role in cancer immunotherapy by breaking immunological tolerance to cancer cell neo-antigens. In several large multicenter studies, durvalumab therapy resulted in a prolongation of -free survival in patients with advanced, metastatic, or unresectable urothelial carcinoma. Durvalumab was granted accelerated approval for use in advanced urothelial cancer in the United States in 2017. This specific was withdrawn in 2021 when postmarketing trials failed to show improvement in survival with durvalumab therapy more than with conventional therapy. However, indications for durvalumab were expanded to include advanced, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (SCLC), and it continues to be evaluated as a therapy for other advanced malignancies. Durvalumab is available as a solution in single-use vials of 120 and 500 mg (50 mg/mL) under the brand name Imfinzi. The typical regimen is 10 mg/kg by intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 2 weeks or 1500 mg every 4 weeks until disease progression or intolerance occurs.

Mechanism of action

Because cancer cells express antigens that are recognized and taken up by antigen-presenting cells (APCs), the immune responses prime and activate cytotoxic T cells and allow them to travel to the site of the to destroy cancer cells. However, tumors often evade T-cell-mediated immune responses to enhance their survival.[rx] Inflammatory mediators, such as IFN-gamma, induce the expression of programmed cell death ligand-1 (PD-L1), which is a type 1 transmembrane protein expressed on tumor cells and tumor-associated immune cells in the tumor microenvironment.[rx,rx] PD-L1 acts as an immune checkpoint to regulate immune responses. PD-L1 is a ligand to PD-1, which is a cell surface receptor expressed on activated T cells in peripheral tissues following antigen exposure.[rx,rx] Both PD-L1 and PD-1 are co-inhibitory molecules involved in blocking T cell-mediated immune responses. PD-L1 also interacts with CD-80, which is a receptor constitutively expressed by T cells and is upregulated early after T cell activation.[rx]

The expression of PD-L1 is an adaptive immune response by tumour cells, resulting in the over-expression of the molecule in some cancers.[rx] PD-L1 interacts with PD-1 and CD80, which leads to blocked cytotoxic T-cell activation, T-cell proliferation, and cytokine production.[rx] By binding to PD-L1 and preventing its association with PD-1 and CD80, durvalumab activates the immune responses mediated by cytotoxic T cells that attack tumour cells.[rx] Durvalumab displays selective and high affinity toward PD-L1 but not PD-L2, which is a regulatory ligand expressed in tumor cells to a lesser extent and involved in regulating and differentiation of T cells.[rx]

Durvalumab is an anticancer antibody that works to promote the antitumor responses mediated by immune cells. By blocking the action of PD-L1, durvalumab exerts its anticancer effects by increasing T-cell activation and enhancing the detection and ablation of tumor cells.[rx] In in vitro assays, durvalumab inhibited the activity of PD-L1 in a concentration-dependent manner.[rx] In co-engrafted human tumor and immune cell xenograft mouse models, durvalumab was effective in decreasing tumor size. Durvalumab does not mediate antibody-dependent cell-mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC).7

Indications

Durvalumab is indicated for the treatment of adults with the following conditions:

  • Unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based and .[rx]
  • Metastatic NSCLC with no sensitizing epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutations or anaplastic kinase (ALK) genomic tumor aberrations, in combination with tremelimumab and platinum-based chemotherapy.[rx]
  • Extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC) in combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin as first-line therapy.[rx]
  • For patients with unresectable Stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy
  • Locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC) in combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin.[rx]
  • Unresectable hepatocellular carcinoma (uHCC) in combination with tremelimumab.[rx]
  • Adults with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma either have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy or have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy.
  • Adults with unresectable, Stage III non-small cell lung cancer whose disease has not progressed following concurrent platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
  • In combination with etoposide and either carboplatin or cisplatin, as first-line treatment for adults with extensive-stage small cell lung cancer.
  • In combination with gemcitabine and cisplatin for adults with locally advanced or metastatic biliary tract cancer (BTC)
  • Extensive-stage Small Cell Lung Cancer (SCLC)
  • Locally Advanced Biliary Tract Cancer
  • Metastatic Biliary Tract Cancer
  • Metastatic Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
  • Unresectable Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC)
  • Unresectable Stage III Non-small Cell Lung Cancer
  • Unresectable, locally advanced PD-L1 positive Lung Cancer Non-Small Cell Cancer (NSCLC)

Use in Cancer

Durvalumab is approved to treat adults with:

  • Biliary tract cancer, including cholangiocarcinoma and  cancer, has spread. It is used with gemcitabine hydrochloride and cisplatin.
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). It is used:
    • Alone in patients with stage III cancer that cannot be removed by surgery but has not worsened after platinum-based chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
    • Tremelimumab-act and platinum-based chemotherapy in patients with cancer that has spread to other parts of the body and do not have an abnormal EGFR gene or ALK gene.
  • Small cell lung cancer. It is used with etoposide phosphate and either carboplatin or cisplatin as the first treatment in patients with extensive-stage cancer.

Durvalumab is also being studied in the treatment of other types of cancer.

Contraindications

  • a bad
  • overactive gland
  • a condition with low thyroid hormone levels
  • severely decreased function of cortex of
  • inflammation of the large intestine
  • abnormal function tests
  • pregnancy
  • a patient who is producing milk and breastfeeding
  • lung tissue problem
  • inflammation of the

Strengths: 50 mg/mL

Urothelial Carcinoma

  • 10 mg/kg IV over 60 minutes every 2 weeks until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

Uses: For the treatment of patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who:

  • Have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy
  • Have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer

  • 10 mg/kg IV over 60 minutes every 2 weeks until disease progression, unacceptable toxicity, or a maximum of 12 months

Small Cell Lung Cancer

30 kg or less:

  • 20 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks (21 days) for 4 cycles, followed by 20 mg/kg every 4 weeks as a single agent until weight increases to greater than 30 kg

NOTE: When this drug is given in combination with chemotherapy, administer this drug prior to chemotherapy on the same day; refer to the Prescribing Information for etoposide and carboplatin or cisplatin for dosing information.

Greater than 30 kg:

  • 1500 mg IV every 3 weeks (21 days) for 4 cycles, followed by 1500 mg every 4 weeks as a single agent until disease progression or unacceptable toxicity

NOTE: When this drug is given in combination with chemotherapy, administer this drug prior to chemotherapy on the same day; refer to the Prescribing Information for etoposide and carboplatin or cisplatin for dosing information.

Dose Adjustments

  • Dose escalation or reduction is not recommended.
  • Dose withholding or discontinuation may be required based on safety and tolerability.

PNEUMONITIS:

  • GRADE 2: Withhold dose; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 3 OR 4: Permanently discontinue therapy; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 4 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day

:

  • GRADE 2 alanine aminotransferase (ALT) or aspartate aminotransferase (AST) greater than 3 to 5 times upper limit of normal (ULN) or total greater than 1.5 to 3 x ULN OR Grade 3 ALT or AST less than or equal to 8 x ULN or total bilirubin less than or equal to 5 x ULN: Withhold dose; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 3 ALT or AST greater than 8 x ULN or total bilirubin greater than 5 x ULN OR concurrent ALT or AST greater than 3 x ULN and total bilirubin greater than 2 x ULN with no other cause: Permanently discontinue therapy; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified)

OR :

  • GRADE 2: Withhold dose; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 3 OR 4: Permanently discontinue therapy; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified)

OR :

  • GRADE 2 TO 4: Withhold dose until clinically stable; initiate symptomatic management

, HYPOPHYSITIS/HYPOPITUITARISM:

  • GRADE 2 TO 4: Withhold dose until clinically stable; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified) and hormone replacement as clinically indicated

TYPE 1 DIABETES MELLITUS:

  • GRADE 2 TO 4: Withhold dose until clinically stable; initiate therapy with insulin as clinically indicated

NEPHRITIS:

  • GRADE 2 creatinine greater than 1.5 to 3 x ULN: Withhold dose; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 3 creatinine greater than 3 to 6 x ULN OR Grade 4 creatinine greater than 6 x ULN: Permanently discontinue therapy; initiate prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified)

RASH OR DERMATITIS:

  • GRADE 2 for longer than 1 week OR Grade 3: Withhold dose; consider initiating prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified); initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 4: Permanently discontinue therapy; consider initiating prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 2 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified)

INFECTION:

  • GRADE 3 OR 4: Withhold dose; initiate symptomatic management; treat with anti-infectives for suspected or confirmed infections

INFUSION-RELATED REACTIONS:

  • GRADE 1 OR 2: Interrupt or slow the rate of infusion; consider premedication with subsequent doses
  • GRADE 3 OR 4: Permanently discontinue therapy

OTHER IMMUNE-RELATED ADVERSE REACTIONS:

  • GRADE 3: Withhold dose; initiate symptomatic management (Based on severity of the adverse reaction, therapy should be withheld and a corticosteroid taper administered; consider increasing dose of corticosteroids and/or other systemic immunosuppressants if there is worsening or no improvement; initiate corticosteroid when adverse reaction improves to less than Grade 1 and continue over at least 1 month; resume therapy when reaction is Grade 1 or less and the corticosteroid dose is less than 10 mg prednisone or equivalent per day
  • GRADE 4: Permanently discontinue therapy; consider initiating prednisone or equivalent at an initial dose of 1 to 4 mg/kg/day followed by a taper (unless otherwise specified)

NOTE: For myasthenia gravis permanently discontinue this drug if the adverse reaction does not resolve to Grade 1 or less within 30 days or if there are signs of respiratory and/or autonomic insufficiency.

PERSISTENT GRADE 2 OR 3 ADVERSE REACTION (EXCLUDING ENDOCRINOPATHIES):

  • GRADE 2 OR 3 adverse reaction that does not recover to Grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks after the last dose: Permanently discontinue therapy.

INABILITY TO TAPER CORTICOSTEROID:

  • GRADE 2 OR 3 adverse reaction that does not recover to Grade 0 or 1 within 12 weeks after the last dose: Permanently discontinue therapy.

RECURRENT GRADE 3 OR 4 ADVERSE REACTION:

  • RECURRENT GRADE 3 OR 4 (severe or life-threatening) adverse reaction: Permanently discontinue therapy.

Administration advice:

  • Administer IV over 60 minutes through an IV line containing a sterile, low-protein binding 0.2 or 0.22 micron in-line filter.
  • Administer infusion solution immediately after preparing; if the infusion is not administered immediately and needs to be stored, the total time from vial puncture to the start of the administration should not exceed 24 hours in a refrigerator at 2C to 8C (36F to 46F) or 4 hours at room temperature up to 25C (77F).
  • Do not shake the prepared solution.

Side Effects

The Most Common

  • swelling of your arms or legs
  • constipation
  • hair loss
  • trouble falling asleep or staying asleep
  • new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
  • yellowing of your eyes or skin, bleeding or bruising easily, decreased appetite, dark (tea-colored) urine, pain in the upper right part of the stomach, extreme tiredness, nausea or vomiting
  • diarrhea, stomach pain, or black, tarry, sticky, or bloody stools
  • decreased urination, blood in urine, swelling in your ankles, decreased appetite
  • fever, cough, chills, flu-like symptoms, frequent or painful urination, or other signs of infection
  • headaches that won’t go away or unusual headaches; extreme tiredness; weight loss or gain; increased hunger or thirst; feeling dizzy or faint; feeling cold; deepening of voice; or constipation; hair loss; changes in mood or behavior such as decreased sex drive, feeling irritable, confused, or forgetful; increased urination; increased sweating; stomach pain
  • fast or irregular heartbeat
  • numbness or tingling in the arms or legs
  • persistent muscle pain, weakness, or muscle cramps
  • rash or itching, scaling or blistering skin
  • sores in the mouth, nose, throat, or genital area
  • swollen glands
  • neck stiffness
  • blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, or other vision problems, eye redness or pain

More common

  • Bladder pain
  • bloating or swelling of the face, arms, hands, lower legs, or feet
  • bloody or cloudy urine
  • body aches or pain
  • chest pain or tightness
  • chills
  • cough
  • depressed mood
  • difficult, burning, or painful urination
  • difficulty having a bowel movement
  • dry skin and hair
  • ear congestion
  • feeling cold
  • fever
  • frequent urge to urinate
  • general feeling of discomfort or illness
  • hair loss
  • headache
  • hoarseness, husky, or loss of voice
  • lower back or side pain
  • muscle cramps and stiffness
  • nervousness
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • sensitivity to heat
  • slowed heartbeat
  • sneezing
  • sore throat
  • stomach cramps
  • sweating
  • tenderness
  • thickening of bronchial secretions
  • tingling of the hands or feet
  • trouble breathing
  • trouble sleeping
  • unusual tiredness or weakness
  • unusual weight gain or loss
  • watery or bloody diarrhea

Rare

  • Back, leg, or stomach pains
  • black, tarry stools
  • bleeding gums
  • bloody nose
  • blurred vision or other changes in vision
  • dark urine
  • eye redness, irritation, or pain
  • general body swelling
  • heavier menstrual periods
  • light-colored stools
  • loss of appetite
  • nausea
  • nosebleeds
  • pale skin
  • pinpoint red spots on the skin
  • sensitivity of the eye to light
  • skin rash
  • stiff neck or back
  • tearing
  • unusual bleeding or bruising
  • upper right abdominal or stomach pain
  • vomiting
  • yellow eyes and skin
  • Blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin
  • dizziness
  • drowsiness
  • fainting
  • joint or muscle pain
  • red skin lesions, often with a purple center
  • sores, ulcers, or white spots in the mouth or on the lips
  • swollen glands

Drug Interactions

Pregnancy And Lactation

AU TGA pregnancy category: D
US FDA pregnancy category: Not assigned.

Pregnancy

This drug caused an increase in premature delivery, fetal loss, and premature neonatal death in animal studies. Human immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) crosses the placental barrier; therefore, this drug can be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. This drug can harm a developing fetus. Women of childbearing potential should use effective contraception during therapy and for at least 3 months after the last dose. If this drug is used during pregnancy, or if the patient becomes pregnant while taking this drug, the patient should be apprised of the potential harm to the fetus.

Lactation

There are no adequate studies in women for determining infant risk when using this medication during breastfeeding. Weigh the potential benefits against the potential risks before taking this medication while breastfeeding.

How should this medicine be used?

Durvalumab injection comes as a as a liquid to be injected into a vein over 60 minutes by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or medical facility. For the treatment of NSCLC, it is usually given once every 2 or 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends you receive treatment or for NSCLC up to one year. For the treatment of ES-SCLC, it is usually given once every 3 weeks for 4 cycles with the other medications, and then alone once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends you receive treatment. For the treatment of BTC, it is usually given once every 3 weeks for 8 cycles with the other medications, and then alone once every 4 weeks for as long as your doctor recommends you receive treatment.

Durvalumab injection may cause serious or life-threatening reactions during an infusion. A doctor or nurse will watch you closely while you are receiving the infusion and shortly after the infusion to be sure you are not having a serious reaction to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms that may occur during or after the infusion: chills or shaking, itching, rash, flushing, difficulty breathing, wheezing, dizziness, fever, feeling faint, back or neck pain, or swelling of your face.

Your doctor may slow down your infusion, delay or stop your treatment with durvalumab injection, or treat you with additional medications depending on your response to the medication and any side effects that you experience. Talk to your doctor about how you are feeling during your treatment.

Your doctor or pharmacist will give you the manufacturer’s patient information sheet (Medication Guide) when you begin treatment with durvalumab injection and each time you receive a dose. Read the information carefully and ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions. You can also visit the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) website (http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/DrugSafety/ucm085729.htm) or the manufacturer’s website to obtain the Medication Guide.

What special precautions should I follow?

Before receiving durvalumab injection,

  • tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to durvalumab, any other medications, or any of the ingredients in durvalumab injection. Ask your pharmacist or check the Medication Guide for a list of the ingredients.
  • tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking or plan to take. Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  • tell your doctor if you have ever had an organ or bone marrow transplant and if you have or have ever had radiation therapy to your chest area. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had an autoimmune disease (condition in which the immune system attacks a healthy part of the body) such as Crohn’s disease (condition in which the immune system attacks the lining of the digestive tract causing pain, diarrhea, weight loss, and fever), ulcerative colitis (condition that causes swelling and sores in the lining of the colon [large intestine] and rectum), or lupus (condition in which the immune system attacks many tissues and organs including the skin, joints, blood, and kidneys); any condition that affects your nervous system such as myasthenia gravis (a disorder of the nervous system that causes muscle weakness) or Guillain-Barré syndrome (weakness, tingling, and possible paralysis due to sudden nerve damage); any type of lung disease or breathing problems; diabetes; thyroid problems; or kidney or liver disease. Also tell your doctor if you have or have ever had cytomegalovirus (CMV; a viral infection that may cause symptoms in patients with weak immune systems).
  • tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while you are receiving durvalumab injection. You should use effective birth control to prevent pregnancy during your treatment with durvalumab injection and for at least 3 months after your final dose. Talk to your doctor about birth control methods that will work for you. If you become pregnant while receiving durvalumab injection, call your doctor immediately. Durvalumab injection may harm the fetus.
  • tell your doctor if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. You should not breastfeed while receiving durvalumab injection and for at least 3 months after your final dose.

References

  1. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2022/761069s035lbl.pdf
  2. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2018/761069s002lbl.pdf
  3. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/resources-information-approved-drugs/fda-approves-durvalumab-locally-advanced-or-metastatic-biliary-tract-cancer
  4. https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/durvalumab
  5. https://pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/substance/249565666
  6. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK548150/
  7. https://go.drugbank.com/drugs/DB11714
  8. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Durvalumab
  9. https://www.drugs.com/mtm/durvalumab.html
  10. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a617030.html
  11. https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/durvalumab-intravenous-route/side-effects/drg-20406270?p=1
  12. https://www.webmd.com/drugs/2/drug-173583/durvalumab-intravenous/details/list-contraindications
  13. https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/cancer-in-general/treatment/cancer-drugs/drugs/durvalumab

RX Medical Knowledge Graph

Explore this medical topic

Continue through verified related conditions, investigations, medicines, and patient guides. These links are educational and do not replace professional medical advice.

More on this topic

Durvalumab - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction98% relationship confidence

Related medical topics

COVID‑19 Vaccine - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions83% relationship confidence Dosage of Filgrastim - Side Effects, Interaction83% relationship confidence Estrogen Drug - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction83% relationship confidence Filgrastim - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction83% relationship confidence Influenza Vaccines - Uses, Dosage, Side Effect, Interaction83% relationship confidence Lipegfilgrastim - Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction83% relationship confidence What Is Antacids? -Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction83% relationship confidence
More from this topic
  1. Vasodilator Drugs

    Vasodilator drugs relax and widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow. A few examples include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium channel blockers, and nitrates.   DefinitionVasodilators are medicines that dilate...

    June 9, 2025 • Drugs (A - Z)
  2. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

    Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine, an amphetamine and sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulating properties. Methamphetamine hydrochloride acts by facilitating the release of catecholamines, particularly noradrenaline and dopamine, from...

    June 5, 2025 • Drugs (A - Z)
  3. Methamphetamine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    Methamphetamine is a member of the class of amphetamines in which the amino group of (S)-amphetamine carries a methyl substituent. It has a role as a neurotoxin, a psychotropic drug,...

    June 5, 2025 • Drugs (A - Z)
  4. Vitamin D3 – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    DefinitionCholecalciferol is a steroid? hormone produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from dietary sources. The active form of cholecalciferol, 1,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol (calcitriol) plays an important role...

    March 10, 2025 • Drugs (A - Z)
  5. Imidazole – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    DefinitionImidazole is an imidazole tautomer which has the migrating hydrogen at position 1. It is a conjugate base of an imidazolium cation. It is a conjugate acid of an imidazolide. It is...

    October 20, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
  6. Carbimazole

    Carbimazole is a member of the class of imidazoles that is methimazole in which the nitrogen-bearing hydrogen is converted into its methoxycarbonyl derivative. A prodrug for methimazole, carbimazole is...

    October 20, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
  7. Methylthiouracil – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    DefinitionA thiourea antithyroid agent that inhibits the synthesis of thyroid? hormone. It is used in the treatment of hyperthyroidism?. Methylthiouracil is an organosulfur compound that is used in...

    October 20, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
  8. Propylthiouracil – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    DefinitionPropylthiouracil is a Thyroid? Hormone Synthesis Inhibitor. The mechanism of action of propylthiouracil is as a Thyroid Hormone Synthesis Inhibitor. 6-propyl-2-thiouracil is a pyrimidine-thione consisting of uracil in which the...

    October 20, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
  9. Methimazole

    DefinitionMethimazole ( Metirox 5 and 10 mg) is a member of the class of imidazoles that it imidazole-2-thione in which a methyl group replaces the hydrogen that is attached to...

    October 20, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
  10. Mirogabalin – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions

    DefinitionMirogabalin has been used in trials studying the treatment of Post-herpetic Neuralgia?, Pain? Associated With Fibromyalgia?, and Diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. Mirogabalin is a medication designed...

    August 12, 2023 • Drugs (A - Z)
RX Clinical Pathway Engine

Continue through a complete learning pathway

Move from understanding the topic to symptoms, tests, treatment, medicines, monitoring, and prevention.

Search the complete library
  1. Understand the condition Begin with the essential facts and a clear explanation of the topic.
  2. Recognize symptoms Learn common symptoms, signs, and patterns of presentation.
  3. Know when to seek help Review urgent warning signs and when professional assessment may be needed.
  4. Understand causes and risks Explore causes, risk factors, mechanisms, and contributing conditions.
  5. Explore tests and diagnosis Learn how clinicians assess the condition and which investigations may be discussed.
  6. Learn treatment approaches Review general treatment categories and management principles.
  7. Understand medicines safely Continue to medicine education, uses, precautions, and monitoring.
  8. Plan monitoring and follow-up Understand monitoring, complications, rehabilitation, and follow-up learning.
  9. Review prevention and self-care Explore prevention, healthy routines, and questions to discuss with a clinician.

Conditions & Diseases

Background, symptoms, causes, diagnosis, and care.

Explore this library

Tests & Investigations

Laboratory, imaging, screening, and diagnostic education.

Explore this library

Medicines

Uses, safety, monitoring, and related medicine knowledge.

Explore this library

Cancer Knowledge

Cancer types, screening, oncology, and treatment education.

Explore this library
Doctor visit helper

Prepare before seeing a doctor

A simple rural-patient checklist to help you explain symptoms clearly, ask better questions, and avoid unsafe self-treatment.

Safety note: This is not a prescription or diagnosis. For severe symptoms, pregnancy danger signs, children with serious illness, chest pain, breathing difficulty, stroke-like weakness, or major injury, seek urgent care.

Which doctor may help?

Start with a registered doctor or the nearest qualified health center.

What to tell the doctor

  • Write when the problem started and how it changed.
  • Bring old prescriptions, investigation reports, and current medicines.
  • Write allergies, pregnancy status, diabetes, kidney/liver disease, and major past illnesses.
  • Bring one family member if the patient is weak, elderly, confused, or a child.

Questions to ask

  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which danger signs mean I should go to hospital quickly?
  • Which tests are necessary now, and which can wait?
  • How should I take medicines safely and what side effects should I watch for?
  • When should I come for follow-up?

Tests to discuss

  • Vital signs: temperature, pulse, blood pressure, oxygen saturation
  • Basic physical examination by a clinician
  • CBC, urine test, blood sugar, or imaging only when clinically needed

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not use antibiotics, steroid tablets/injections, or strong painkillers without proper medical advice.
  • Do not hide pregnancy, kidney disease, ulcer, allergy, or blood thinner use.
  • Do not delay emergency care when danger signs are present.

Medicine safety and first-aid guide

This section is for patient education only. It does not replace a doctor, pharmacist, or emergency care.

Safe first steps

  • Avoid heavy lifting, sudden bending, and prolonged bed rest.
  • Use comfortable posture and gentle movement as tolerated.
  • Discuss physiotherapy, X-ray, or MRI only when clinically needed.

OTC medicine safety

  • For mild back pain, pain-relief medicine may be discussed with a doctor or pharmacist.
  • Avoid repeated painkiller use if you have kidney disease, stomach ulcer, uncontrolled blood pressure, or are taking blood thinners.

Avoid these mistakes

  • Do not start antibiotics without a proper medical decision.
  • Do not use steroid tablets or injections casually for quick relief.
  • Do not delay emergency care because of home remedies.

Get urgent help if

  • Back pain with leg weakness, numbness around private area, loss of urine/stool control, fever, cancer history, or major injury needs urgent care.
Medicine names, dose, and timing must be decided by a qualified clinician or pharmacist after checking age, pregnancy, allergy, other diseases, and current medicines.

For rural patients and family caregivers

Patient health record and symptom diary

Write your symptoms, medicines already taken, test results, and questions before visiting a doctor. This note stays on your device unless you print or copy it.

Doctor to discuss: Medicine doctor / pediatrician for children / qualified clinician
Tests to discuss with doctor
  • Temperature chart and hydration assessment
  • CBC with platelet count if fever persists or dengue/other infection is possible
  • Urine test, malaria/dengue tests, chest evaluation, or blood culture only when clinically indicated
Questions to ask
  • What is the most likely cause of my symptoms?
  • Which warning signs mean I should go to emergency care?
  • Which tests are really needed now?
  • Which medicines are safe for my age, pregnancy status, allergy, kidney/liver/stomach condition, and current medicines?
  • Do I need antibiotics, or is this more likely viral?

Emergency warning signs such as chest pain, severe breathing difficulty, sudden weakness, confusion, severe dehydration, major injury, or loss of bladder/bowel control need urgent medical care. Do not wait for online information.

Safe pathway to proper treatment

Care roadmap for: Durvalumab – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction

Use this simple roadmap to understand the next safe steps. It is educational and does not replace examination by a doctor.

Go to emergency care if you notice:
  • Severe or rapidly worsening symptoms
  • Breathing difficulty, chest pain, fainting, confusion, severe weakness, major injury, or severe dehydration
Doctor / service to discuss: Qualified healthcare provider; specialist depends on symptoms and examination.
  1. Step 1

    Check danger signs first

    If danger signs are present, seek emergency care and do not wait for online information.

  2. Step 2

    Record the symptom story

    Write when symptoms started, severity, medicines already taken, allergies, pregnancy status, and test results.

  3. Step 3

    Visit a qualified clinician

    A doctor, nurse, or qualified healthcare provider can examine you and decide which tests or treatment are needed.

  4. Step 4

    Do only useful tests

    Do tests after clinical assessment. Avoid unnecessary tests, random antibiotics, or repeated medicines without diagnosis.

  5. Step 5

    Follow up and return early if worse

    If symptoms worsen, new warning signs appear, or treatment is not helping, return for review quickly.

Rural patient practical tips
  • Take a written symptom diary and all previous prescriptions/test reports.
  • Do not hide medicines already taken, even herbal or over-the-counter medicines.
  • Ask which warning signs mean urgent referral to hospital.

This roadmap is for education. A real diagnosis and treatment plan requires history, examination, and clinical judgment.

Internal learning pathway

Explore related RX articles

Related guides from RX Harun are grouped to help readers move from overview to symptoms, tests, treatment, and safe next steps.

Drugs (A - Z)
  1. Vasodilator Drugs Vasodilator drugs relax and widen blood vessels, increasing blood flow. A few examples include ACE inhibitors, ARBs, calcium…
  2. Methamphetamine Hydrochloride – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interaction Methamphetamine Hydrochloride is the hydrochloride salt form of methamphetamine, an amphetamine and sympathomimetic amine with CNS stimulating properties. Methamphetamine…
  3. Methamphetamine – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions Methamphetamine is a member of the class of amphetamines in which the amino group of (S)-amphetamine carries a methyl substituent.…
  4. Vitamin D3 – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions DefinitionCholecalciferol is a steroid? hormone produced in the skin when exposed to ultraviolet light or obtained from…
  5. Imidazole – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects, Interactions DefinitionImidazole is an imidazole tautomer which has the migrating hydrogen at position 1. It is a conjugate base of…
  6. Carbimazole Carbimazole is a member of the class of imidazoles that is methimazole in which the nitrogen-bearing hydrogen is…