Key Takeaways
- Common side effects of Tecentriq when used alone include cough, decreased appetite, fatigue or weakness, nausea, and shortness of breath.
- Tecentriq can cause serious immune system reactions that may affect multiple organs, including the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and intestines. These reactions require close monitoring by healthcare professionals during treatment.
- Using Tecentriq with other cancer medications can lead to different side effect profiles. For example, when used with Avastin to treat liver cancer, common effects include fatigue, high blood pressure, and protein in your urine.
If you have certain types of cancer, your doctor might suggest Tecentriq (atezolizumab) as a treatment option for you.
Tecentriq is a prescription medication used to treat the following cancers in adults in certain situations:
It may also be prescribed for some children for certain types of soft tissue cancers.
Depending on the condition you’re using Tecentriq to treat, you may receive the drug alone or with other cancer medications. This includes chemotherapy. Whether you receive Tecentriq alone or with other cancer drugs can affect your risk of certain side effects.
Tecentriq contains the active ingredient atezolizumab. Tecentriq is a biologic, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms.
Based on your particular situation, Tecentriq may be a short-term or long-term treatment.
Like other drugs, Tecentriq can cause mild or serious side effects. Keep reading to learn more.
The following lists contain a few of the more common side effects reported by people receiving Tecentriq in studies. Side effects can vary depending on the condition you are receiving Tecentriq to treat and whether it’s used by itself or in combination with another drug.
More common side effects when Tecentriq is used by itself:
- cough
- decreased appetite
- fatigue or weakness
- nausea
- shortness of breath
More common side effects when Tecentriq is used with other cancer medications to treat SCLC and NSCLC:
- constipation
- diarrhea
- fatigue or weakness
- hair loss
- nausea
More common side effects when Tecentriq is used with cancer drug bevacizumab (Avastin) to treat liver cancer:
More common side effects when Tecentriq is used with the cancer drugs cobimetinib (Cotellic) and vemurafenib (Zelboraf) to treat melanoma:
- fatigue
- fever
- liver damage and abnormal liver-related lab test results
- muscle pain
- skin rash
Like most drugs, Tecentriq can cause mild side effects. These usually go away on their own after a few days. But if you have side effects that concern you or don’t go away, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Examples of mild side effects that have been reported with Tecentriq include:
- constipation
- cough
- decreased appetite
- diarrhea
- fatigue
- fever
- hair loss
- high blood pressure
- muscle pain
- nausea and vomiting
- protein in your urine
- shortness of breath
- skin rash
- weakness
These side effects should usually be temporary, and some may be easily manageable. But if you have any symptoms that are ongoing or bother you, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. Do not stop Tecentriq treatment unless your doctor recommends it.
Tecentriq may cause mild side effects other than those listed here. See the drug’s prescribing information for details.
Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medication safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Tecentriq and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.
Although they aren’t common, serious side effects can occur with Tecentriq.
Serious side effects that have been reported with this drug include:
- infusion reactions, such as dizziness
- immune system reactions
- heart problems
- allergic reaction
- infections, such as urinary tract infection (UTI) and lung infection
For more information about some of these side effects, see the “Side effects explained” section.
If you develop serious side effects during Tecentriq treatment, call your doctor right away. If the side effects seem life threatening or you think you’re having a medical emergency, immediately call 911 or your local emergency number.
Get answers to some common questions about Tecentriq’s side effects.
Is Tecentriq immunotherapy?
Yes, Tecentriq is an immunotherapy drug. Immunotherapy drugs are a type of cancer treatment that boosts the immune system’s ability to fight cancer. Chemotherapy, on the other hand, is a treatment that acts directly on cancer cells and kills them.
Tecentriq targets a specific protein that some cancer cells have. This protein — called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) — blocks the usual response of your immune system that kills cancer cells. By targeting PD-L1, Tecentriq activates your immune system to fight off cancer cells.
How long do Tecentriq side effects last?
Tecentriq can cause some side effects, such as nausea, which usually don’t last long. Mild side effects of this drug often go away on their own after a few hours to days. But other side effects, such as liver problems, may not be reversible.
A dose of Tecentriq can stay in your system for up to 5 months after your last dose. It is unknown exactly how long certain side effects may last, but some can persist or even appear after treatment ends. While certain side effects may never fully go away, there may be treatments for symptoms or problems they may cause.
If you have questions about how long a specific Tecentriq side effect may last, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can address your concerns and suggest ways to treat side effects caused by your cancer treatment plan.
Learn more about some of the side effects Tecentriq may cause.
Heart problems
Although rare, some serious cardiac (heart) problems were reported in a few cases by people receiving Tecentriq in studies.
Types of serious heart problems reported in these studies include:
- cardiac arrest
- heart attack
- an abnormal heart rhythm called ventricular tachycardia
Some people who received Tecentriq to treat NSCLC and melanoma reported serious heart problems.
In addition, Tecentriq can also cause milder heart problems, such as high blood pressure. But for some people, increases in blood pressure could be serious.
Tecentriq can also cause a heart problem called myocarditis, which is due to an immune system reaction. For more information, see the “Immune system reactions” portion of this section.
What might help
If you have symptoms of heart problems during Tecentriq treatment, contact your doctor right away. Examples include chest pain or an irregular heartbeat.
Before starting Tecentriq, ask your doctor about the risks and benefits of this treatment, including your risk of heart problems.
Infusion reactions
Tecentriq treatment can lead to infusion reactions. Although rare, these reactions can be serious.
Tecentriq comes as a liquid solution given via IV infusion, where a drug slowly drips into your vein over time. Infusion reactions are symptoms that may occur during or shortly after receiving an infusion.
Symptoms of an infusion reaction caused by Tecentriq may include:
- dizziness
- fever
- swelling in your face or lips
- difficulty breathing
- itchiness or skin rash
- chills
What might help
While you’re getting a Tecentriq infusion, a healthcare professional will monitor you for adverse reactions. If you develop an infusion reaction, they may:
- slow down the infusion rate
- temporarily stop the infusion
- end treatment with Tecentriq if the reaction is severe or bothers you
Your doctor may give you premedications before your infusion to help prevent infusion reactions. Premedications are drugs used to help prevent infusion reactions. Your doctor or another healthcare professional can give you more information about these drugs.
Immune system reactions
Tecentriq works by boosting your immune system. This helps your body find and kill cancer cells. But increasing your immune system’s activity can cause it to attack healthy cells by mistake.
Rarely, this can cause immune system reactions that can affect any cell in your body. The following table highlights examples of areas of the body that Tecentriq could affect and problems that may result.
| Area of the body | Potential problem |
|---|---|
| heart | myocarditis (inflammation in the heart) |
| intestines | colitis (inflammation in the intestines) |
| kidneys | nephritis (inflammation in the kidneys) |
| liver | hepatitis (inflammation in the liver) |
| lungs | pneumonitis (inflammation in the lungs) |
| skin | rash or painful sores |
| endocrine glands (glands that produce hormones) | problems with hormone levels, such as low thyroid hormones |
In addition, people who’ve had an organ transplant are at risk of transplant rejection from Tecentriq. This is also due to Tecentriq boosting your immune system activity.
What might help
There is no known way to prevent immune system reactions caused by Tecentriq. But these reactions were rare in the drug’s studies.
During Tecentriq treatment, your doctor will monitor you closely for signs of an immune system reaction. This may include ordering blood tests. Early detection of immune system problems caused by Tecentriq can help prevent them from causing serious symptoms.
If you have an immune system reaction to Tecentriq, your doctor may temporarily stop your treatment until the symptoms go away. They may also prescribe a treatment such as a corticosteroid to lower your immune system activity during the pause in your treatment. Or they may have you permanently stop Tecentriq.
Allergic reaction
Like most drugs, Tecentriq can cause an allergic reaction in some people.
Symptoms can be mild to serious and can include:
- skin rash
- itchiness
- flushing (temporary warmth, redness, or deepening of skin color)
- swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
- swelling of your mouth, tongue, or throat, which can make it hard to breathe
What might help
If you have mild symptoms of an allergic reaction, such as a mild rash, call your doctor right away. They may suggest an over-the-counter oral antihistamine, such as diphenhydramine (Benadryl), or a product you apply to your skin, such as hydrocortisone cream, to help manage your symptoms.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a mild allergic reaction to Tecentriq, they’ll decide if you should continue treatment.
If you have symptoms of a severe allergic reaction, such as swelling or difficulty breathing, call 911 or your local emergency number right away. These symptoms could be life threatening and require immediate medical care.
If your doctor confirms you’ve had a serious allergic reaction to Tecentriq, they may have you switch to a different treatment.
Tecentriq may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health. Talk with your doctor about your health history before starting Tecentriq. The following list includes factors to consider.
Current infection: Receiving Tecentriq could cause a current infection to worsen. Before starting Tecentriq, be sure to tell your doctor if you have an infection. They’ll likely want to treat the infection first.
Heart or liver problems or other problems involving your organs: Rarely, Tecentriq can cause immune system reactions. These can affect any cell in your body, including those of your heart, liver, lungs, kidneys, and intestines. You may have a higher risk of immune system reactions if you already have certain health problems. Your doctor can help determine if Tecentriq is safe for you.
Immune system condition: If you have an immune system condition, such as Crohn’s disease, receiving Tecentriq could worsen your condition. This is because Tecentriq works by increasing your immune system’s activity. Tell your doctor if you have an immune system condition so they can determine if Tecentriq is safe for you.
Organ transplant: Tecentriq works by boosting your immune system. This helps your body find and kill cancer cells. But increasing your immune system’s activity can cause it to attack healthy cells by mistake, such as those of a transplanted organ. Tell your doctor if you’ve had an organ transplant or are planning to have one. They may recommend a medication other than Tecentriq.
Stem cell transplant: If you’ve received a stem cell transplant, using Tecentriq can cause serious side effects and could even be fatal. Be sure to tell your doctor if you’ve received or are planning to receive a stem cell transplant. They may recommend a drug other than Tecentriq or may monitor you more closely during treatment with Tecentriq.
Past radiation therapy to your chest: Using Tecentriq can cause immune system reactions, which may affect your lungs. If you’ve had radiation therapy to your chest, you might be at higher risk for immune system side effects from Tecentriq. If this applies to you, your doctor may recommend a different medication for your condition.
Nervous system problems: Using Tecentriq may cause side effects that impact your nervous system. If you already have a nervous system condition, such as myasthenia gravis, your condition may worsen with Tecentriq. Before starting Tecentriq treatment, tell your doctor about any problems affecting your nervous system. They can determine if Tecentriq is safe for you.
Allergic reaction: If you’ve had an allergic reaction to Tecentriq or any of its ingredients, you should not receive Tecentriq infusions. Ask your doctor about other medications that might be better options for you.
Alcohol use and Tecentriq
There’s no known interaction between alcohol and Tecentriq. But alcohol may interact with other medications sometimes used with Tecentriq. Drinking alcohol may also increase your risk of certain side effects, including nausea and liver problems.
If you consume alcohol, talk with your doctor about how much is safe to drink before you begin treatment with Tecentriq.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding while receiving Tecentriq
Tecentriq may cause pregnancy loss. You should not receive Tecentriq infusions while pregnant and should call your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment. If you’re pregnant or planning to become pregnant, your doctor will likely recommend a different treatment than Tecentriq.
If you can become pregnant, you should use birth control during Tecentriq treatment and for at least 5 months after your last infusion.
It is unknown if Tecentriq passes into human breast milk, but the drug has the potential to cause serious side effects in a child who’s breastfed. For this reason, you shouldn’t breastfeed while receiving Tecentriq and for at least 5 months after your last infusion.
Talk with your doctor about other ways to feed your child during Tecentriq treatment.
Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.