Our Therapies

TEVIMBRA® Infusion Therapy

Next-generation infusion care - Violet Health Infusion Care

About TEVIMBRA® Infusion Therapy

TEVIMBRA® (tislelizumab-jsgr) is a biologic medication known as a PD-1 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.

TEVIMBRA® offers more than one dosing rhythm, and your oncologist selects the schedule that fits your regimen. The most common is 200 mg every three weeks, with 150 mg every two weeks, 300 mg every four weeks, and 400 mg every six weeks also available. Your first infusion runs over 60 minutes, and later infusions may be shortened to about 30 minutes if you tolerate the first one well. Treatment continues until your disease progresses or side effects become difficult to manage.

Conditions treated by this therapy

TEVIMBRA® is FDA-approved for the treatment of adults with certain cancers of the esophagus and stomach. Your care team may consider this therapy if you have:

Unresectable or metastatic esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) whose tumors express PD-L1 (score of 1 or higher), as a first treatment given with platinum-containing chemotherapy
Unresectable or metastatic ESCC that has been treated with prior systemic chemotherapy that did not include a PD-1 or PD-L1 inhibitor, with TEVIMBRA® given on its own
Unresectable or metastatic HER2-negative gastric or gastroesophageal junction (G/GEJ) adenocarcinoma whose tumors express PD-L1 (score of 1 or higher), as a first treatment given with platinum and fluoropyrimidine-based chemotherapy
HER2-positive gastric, gastroesophageal junction, or esophageal adenocarcinoma, given with zanidatamab-hrii and chemotherapy

Because eligibility depends on PD-L1 and HER2 testing, your oncologist will confirm your biomarker results and which regimen fits your diagnosis before treatment begins. TEVIMBRA® has not been studied in children, and it is not known whether it is safe or effective in patients under 18.

TEVIMBRA® 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 TEVIMBRA® 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, including liver enzymes, kidney function, and thyroid function, before treatment begins
Place your IV using gentle, practiced technique
Administer your TEVIMBRA® infusion through a line with an in-line filter, over 60 minutes for your first dose and about 30 minutes for later doses if your first infusion goes smoothly
Give TEVIMBRA® before your chemotherapy on days when both are scheduled
Monitor you closely for any infusion-related reactions
Protect your privacy and comfort throughout the visit

TEVIMBRA® may be given every two, three, four, or six weeks depending on the dose your oncologist selects and whether chemotherapy is part of your regimen. Plan to be with us for a few hours on chemotherapy days, and for a shorter visit when TEVIMBRA® is given by itself.

TEVIMBRA® Side Effects

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

Low red blood cell count (anemia)
Fatigue or feeling generally unwell
Muscle and bone pain
Weight loss
Cough
Decreased appetite
Nausea and vomiting
Diarrhea and abdominal pain
Mouth sores (stomatitis)
Rash and itching
Low thyroid hormone levels (hypothyroidism)
Low white blood cell and platelet counts
Changes in blood test results, including blood sugar, sodium, potassium, calcium, liver enzymes, and kidney function
Numbness, tingling, pain, or burning in the hands or feet (peripheral neuropathy)
Trouble swallowing and fever

Side effects tend to be broader when TEVIMBRA® is given with chemotherapy. When it is used on its own, the most common effects are anemia, fatigue, muscle and bone pain, weight loss, and cough, along with changes in routine blood work.

TEVIMBRA® 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, bruising or bleeding more easily, or pain on the right side of the abdomen
Hormone gland problems affecting the thyroid, adrenal glands, or pituitary, including headaches, extreme tiredness, weight changes, increased hunger or thirst, dizziness or fainting, constipation, hair loss, mood changes, or feeling cold
New-onset type 1 diabetes, including increased thirst, frequent urination, or diabetic ketoacidosis
Kidney problems (nephritis), including changes in the amount or color of your urine, blood in the 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, shortness of breath, 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 redness or sensitivity to light, or numbness and tingling

Before treatment, tell your care team if you have an immune system condition such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus, if you have had or plan to have an organ or donor stem cell transplant, if you have received radiation to your chest, or if you take medicines that suppress your immune system. Fatal and other serious complications have occurred in patients who received an allogeneic stem cell transplant before or after PD-1 blocking therapy, and organ transplant rejection has been reported.

Pregnancy warning: TEVIMBRA® 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 four months after your last dose, and do not breastfeed during treatment or for four months after your last dose.

TEVIMBRA® Infusion Therapy at Violet Health

Your comfort during TEVIMBRA® 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.