Avelumab
Avelumab is a monoclonal antibody immunotherapy drug that works by blocking the PD-L1 protein, helping the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used to treat certain cancers including Merkel cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, and renal cell carcinoma.
Avelumab is an immunotherapy drug that blocks PD-L1 to help the immune system fight certain cancers.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FF04
- RxNorm
- 1875534
- Generic
- Avelumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Bavencio
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 500mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 250mg twice daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 12 hours
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 400mg daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
10 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks to the fetus
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound assessments
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
discontinue therapy if pregnancy occurs or avoid initiating during pregnancy
continuous fetal monitoring throughout pregnancy
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingnot applicable
discontinue breastfeeding during treatment and for at least 1 month after last dose
not applicable
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 plusno specific dose adjustment required
use with caution due to increased susceptibility to immune-mediated adverse reactions
enhanced monitoring for immune-related adverse events
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children under 12not recommended
safety and efficacy not established in pediatric patients under 12 years
not applicable - not recommended for use
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pediatric_age
adolescents 12 17dose individualization required
use only in approved pediatric indications; monitor closely for immune-mediated adverse events
regular monitoring for immune-related adverse events and growth development
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeno specific guidance available
use with caution; limited data available for severe renal impairment
increased monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dose adjustment needed
no dose adjustment required for mild hepatic impairment
routine liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderate severeuse with caution
use with caution; limited data available for moderate to severe hepatic impairment
frequent liver function tests and monitoring for hepatotoxicity
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
First FDA approval date for Avelumab
Drug class
Immunotherapy drug class information
Common uses
Approved therapeutic indications
Mechanism of action
Pharmacological mechanism
Avelumab is approved for treating metastatic Merkel cell carcinoma, locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, and advanced renal cell carcinoma. It may be used alone or in combination with other therapies depending on the cancer type and stage.
Avelumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to PD-L1 protein on tumor cells and immune cells. By blocking PD-L1 from interacting with PD-1 and B7.1 receptors on T cells, it removes the brake on the immune system, allowing T cells to recognize and destroy cancer cells.
Common side effects include fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, rash, nausea, and infusion-related reactions. Immune-related adverse events can affect various organs including lungs, liver, kidneys, and hormone-producing glands. Treatment requires careful monitoring by healthcare providers experienced with immunotherapy.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy