Our Therapies

IMFINZI® Infusion Therapy

Next-generation infusion care - Violet Health Infusion Care

About IMFINZI® Infusion Therapy

IMFINZI® (durvalumab) is a biologic medication known as a PD-L1 blocking antibody, given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells, rather than attacking the cancer directly.

Depending on your diagnosis and treatment plan, IMFINZI® is typically given as a 1,500 mg infusion every three or four weeks, sometimes on its own and sometimes alongside chemotherapy. Your oncologist sets the schedule.

Conditions treated by this therapy

IMFINZI® is FDA-approved for the treatment of several adult cancers, used either alone or in combination with chemotherapy or other immunotherapies. Your care team may consider this therapy if you have:

Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), including unresectable Stage III disease and resectable disease treated before and after surgery
Small cell lung cancer (SCLC), both limited-stage and extensive-stage
Biliary tract cancer (BTC), given with gemcitabine and cisplatin
Bladder cancer, including high-risk non-muscle-invasive disease and muscle-invasive disease
Endometrial cancer, given with carboplatin and paclitaxel
Gastric or gastroesophageal junction cancer that can be removed by surgery
Hepatocellular carcinoma (liver cancer), given in combination with IMJUDO® (tremelimumab-actl)

Your oncologist will confirm whether IMFINZI® is right for you, and which regimen fits your diagnosis, before treatment begins.

IMFINZI® Price

The cost of prescription medications can vary depending on your insurance coverage. If you're concerned about the price of your medication:

Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage
Ask your doctor or pharmacist about lower-cost alternatives
Check with the drug manufacturer about financial assistance programs
Explore patient assistance options if you're uninsured or underinsured

Remember, many resources exist to help patients access necessary medications. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're struggling with medication costs. No patient should go without necessary treatment due to financial limitations. If you have questions about financial assistance opportunities, contact a member of our Violet Health team.

What to Expect During IMFINZI® Infusion Therapy

When you arrive at our Violet Health location, you'll settle into a private, welcoming space designed with your comfort and peace of mind in mind. Before and during your intravenous infusion, our experienced team will:

Review your current health status and any symptoms you've noticed
Check your vital signs and review recent lab work before treatment begins
Place your IV using gentle, practiced technique
Administer your IMFINZI® infusion over about one hour with our nursing team at your side
Monitor you closely for any infusion-related reactions
Protect your privacy and comfort throughout the visit

IMFINZI® is usually given every three or four weeks, depending on your regimen and whether it is combined with chemotherapy. Your oncologist determines how many cycles you will receive. Plan to be with us for a few hours on chemotherapy days, and for a shorter visit when IMFINZI® is given on its own.

IMFINZI® Side Effects

As with any medication, IMFINZI® may cause side effects. Being informed helps you know what to watch for and when to contact your healthcare team. Common Side Effects:

Fatigue or weakness
Cough and shortness of breath
Nausea and vomiting
Constipation or diarrhea
Rash and itching
Muscle or bone pain
Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Decreased appetite
Upper respiratory tract infections
Hair loss, when given with chemotherapy
Fever
Changes in liver function tests and blood electrolyte levels

IMFINZI® can cause your immune system to attack healthy organs and tissues. These immune-mediated reactions can become severe or life-threatening, can affect more than one organ at a time, and may occur during treatment or after it has ended. Please alert our clinical staff or seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following:

Lung inflammation (pneumonitis), including new or worsening cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath
Intestinal inflammation (colitis), including diarrhea, stool changes, severe abdominal pain, or blood or mucus in the stool
Liver problems (hepatitis), including yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, or pain on the right side of the abdomen
Hormone gland problems, including headaches, extreme tiredness, weight changes, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness or fainting, constipation, hair loss, or feeling cold
Kidney problems (nephritis), including changes in the amount or color of your urine or swelling in the ankles
Serious skin reactions, including rash, blistering or peeling skin, painful sores or ulcers in the mouth, nose, throat, or genital area, fever or flu-like symptoms, and swollen lymph nodes
Infusion reactions, including chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, wheezing, dizziness, feeling faint, fever, and back or neck pain
Other immune-mediated problems affecting the heart, nerves, eyes, muscles, or pancreas, including irregular or rapid heartbeat, muscle pain or weakness, eye problems, or numbness and tingling

Pregnancy warning: IMFINZI® may harm an unborn baby. Tell your care team if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Use effective birth control during treatment and for three months after your last dose, and do not breastfeed during treatment or for three months after your last dose.

IMFINZI® Infusion Therapy at Violet Health

Your comfort during IMFINZI® infusion therapy at Violet Health is our priority. Our patients enjoy walk-up parking, complimentary entertainment and snacks, and a team of highly trained providers during each treatment. Plus, Violet Health's evening and weekend hours and convenient city and rural locations make it easier to schedule your appointments.