Managing Side Effects of Libtayo: Strategies to Cope
Libtayo, a brand-name prescription medication, has been approved by the FDA to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC). While this medication has shown promise in treating these conditions, it's essential to be aware of its potential long-term side effects.
Common Long-Term Side Effects
In clinical studies, common long-term side effects of Libtayo include fatigue (reported in 26.1–34.7% of patients), diarrhea (21.2–27.5%), nausea (17.0–23.8%), pruritus (itching, 21.2%), arthralgia (joint pain, 13.3–17.6%), constipation (11.5–14.5%), rash (10.3–16.6%), and bone or muscle pain (not specified).
More Serious Side Effects
More severe side effects, such as Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), include hypertension (3.6–4.7%), pneumonia (3.6–4.1%), cellulitis (4.1%), and anemia (4.1%) [1]. Approximately one-third of TEAEs may be serious, and 7.3% of patients discontinued therapy due to TEAEs in long-term analyses [1].
Immune-Related Adverse Events
Libtayo, being a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocker, can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that may affect multiple organ systems. Common irAEs include pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies (e.g., hypothyroidism, adrenal insufficiency), and skin reactions. However, detailed rates for Libtayo in NSCLC are not specified in the available data [1].
Management and Monitoring
If you experience any symptoms of high blood pressure during treatment with Libtayo, check your blood pressure and inform your doctor if it's increased. Your doctor may recommend a blood pressure medication if needed. If you notice symptoms of diarrhea, such as watery stool, bloating, and abdominal pain, be sure to tell your doctor. Your doctor may advise you to stay hydrated and may recommend a medication to help ease diarrhea, such as loperamide (Imodium).
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Libtayo is not safe to use during pregnancy or while breastfeeding. If you become pregnant during your treatment with Libtayo, inform your doctor immediately. Due to the possible risks, your doctor will likely recommend that you do not breastfeed while receiving Libtayo and for at least 4 months after your last dose.
Birth Control
During your treatment with Libtayo and for at least 4 months after your last dose, use an effective form of birth control.
FDA Approval
Libtayo was FDA-approved in 2018.
Important Note
This article provides an overview of the long-term side effects of Libtayo. For more detailed information on management, long-term monitoring recommendations, or for the latest clinical trial data, consult the full prescribing information.
[1] https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2020/761075s000lbl.pdf
- Libtayo, used in treatment for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC), cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC), and basal cell carcinoma (BCC), can have long-term side effects such as fatigue, diarrhea, nausea, itching, joint pain, constipation, rash, and bone or muscle pain.
- More severe side effects, like Grade ≥3 treatment-emergent adverse events (TEAEs), have been reported with Libtayo and include hypertension, pneumonia, cellulitis, and anemia.
- Libtayo can cause immune-related adverse events (irAEs) that may affect multiple organ systems, including pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, and skin reactions, although specific rates are not readily available.
- Patients undergoing Libtayo treatment should monitor their blood pressure and report any symptoms of high blood pressure to their doctor. Effective diarrhea management may include staying hydrated and taking medication like loperamide (Imodium) during treatment.
- It is not recommended to use Libtayo during pregnancy or while breastfeeding, and a reliable form of birth control should be used during treatment and for at least 4 months after the last dose.
