These tips are based on published general guidelines and are not specific to treatment with BAVENCIO® (avelumab) and INLYTA® (axitinib). You can find a list of side effects, including serious side effects, in the Safety Information section of this website.
Not all side effects are manageable. If you’re having side effects, your doctor may decide to adjust or stop your treatment. That’s why it’s important to tell your healthcare provider about ANY side effects you are experiencing.
He or she may give you ways to help manage it and may adjust or stop your treatment if needed.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea is defined as having loose or watery stools/bowel movements 3 or more times in 1 day. Call your healthcare provider if you have diarrhea.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Diarrhea can be the symptom of a more severe medical condition, so it’s important to call your healthcare provider right away. He or she may give you ways to help manage it and may adjust or stop your treatment if needed.
High blood pressure
BAVENCIO with INLYTA may cause your blood pressure to rise. In an INLYTA clinical trial, hypertension occurred as early as 4 days into treatment. On average, this increase was seen within the first month of treatment.
Follow your healthcare provider’s instructions about having your blood pressure checked regularly. Call your healthcare provider if your blood pressure is high.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
If you develop blood pressure problems, your healthcare provider may lower your dose, stop your treatment, or prescribe medicine to treat your high blood pressure. Tell your healthcare provider if you have high blood pressure or a history of heart disease.
Feeling tired
While on treatment, you may feel tired. Call your healthcare provider for a full evaluation if you feel tired while on your treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Nausea
It is best to call your healthcare provider at the first sign of nausea. Nausea is defined as feeling as if you are about to throw up. It is especially important to speak with your healthcare provider if these symptoms keep you from taking your treatment. Your healthcare provider may prescribe medicine for these symptoms.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Mouth Sores
While on your treatment, you may develop mouth sores. If you develop mouth sores, tell your healthcare provider immediately. He or she may tell you to stop your treatment.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Skin Conditions
Some patients may have blisters or a rash on the palms of their hands or soles of their feet. This is called hand-foot syndrome. Tell your healthcare provider if you start to develop skin problems. He or she may give you specific treatments, which may include lotions, moisturizers, or pain medicines.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Hoarseness
Hoarseness is when you have a weak, rough, or harsh voice.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Decreased Appetite
While on treatment, you may have less desire to eat. But maintaining good nutrition and a healthy weight are important to your overall health. Protein and calories are vital to someone with cancer.
Your healthcare provider may recommend that you:
Let your healthcare provider know right away if you’re experiencing any side effect. He or she may give you ways to help manage it and may adjust or stop your treatment if needed.