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POLIVY®

(polatuzumab vedotin)

Pronounced poh-LIH-vee

Polivy® also known as polatuzumab vedotin, is a treatment for a type of blood cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL).

Polivy is used to treat DLBCL when:

  • the cancer has never been treated before
  • the cancer has come back or has never responded to one or more previous treatments for this type of cancer
  • you cannot receive a stem cell transplant

Polivy is not funded by Pharmac.

Talk to your Doctor if Polivy is right for you.

How Polivy works

Polivy is made up of two substances:

  • polatuzumab – a monoclonal antibody which recognises the large B-cell cancer cells
  • vedotin – an anti-cancer substance

Polivy is designed to target and deliver the anti-cancer substance vedotin to the cancer cells to stop the growth and spread of the cancer cells.

Possible side effects of Polivy

All medicines can have side effects. You’ll find a full list of possible side effects in the Polivy Consumer Medicine Information by clicking here.

Side effects can happen during or after you receive an infusion of Polivy. Some infusion reactions can be serious and life threatening.

Always talk to your healthcare professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Clinical trial data

The safety and efficacy of Polivy for the treatment of DLBCL has been proven in clinical trials.

Keep in mind that everyone is different, and the response and benefit you may experience cannot be predicted. Ask your doctor about the clinical evidence for Polivy and if it is right for you.

How to access Polivy

Polivy is not publicly funded by PHARMAC. This means you will have to pay for this medicine, or if you have private health insurance, check with the insurer or your financial advisor to see if the medicine, or other treatment costs, are included in your policy.

Paying for treatment requires careful thought, but there are financial options and programmes that may help you fund private treatment.

To help NZ patients with the cost of treatment with Polivy, Roche has created a Cost Share Programme.

The Cost Share Programme is designed to reduce the cost of the medicine, by providing a discounted treatment (for the cycles that you pay) and the third cycle of POLIVY® is free of charge.

Other costs, however, such as doctor fees and administration costs, will still apply.

Ready to take the next step?

Because every situation is different, it’s important to speak to your doctor to find out if Polivy is right for you.

If you’re considering treatment with Polivy

We’ve put together a discussion guide to help you begin a conversation with your doctor. Print it off, take it along to your next appointment, and take notes in the spaces provided.

Talking to your doctor about Polivy

Download Discussion Guide
For further information about private treatment providers click here.

You can also talk to your current doctor about referral to a private doctor or treatment centre.

To learn more about how medicines become available in New Zealand, click here.

Handy resources

Polivy Consumer Medicine Information
DOWNLOAD

Polivy® (polatuzumab vedotin), 140mg and 30mg vials, is a Prescription Medicine used to treat a type of cancer called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It is used when the cancer has never been treated before; when the cancer has come back or has never responded to one or more previous treatments for this type of cancer; and when you cannot receive a stem cell transplant.

Ask your doctor if Polivy is right for you.

Polivy is an unfunded medicine for DLBCL. Ask your health professional about the cost of the medicine and other fees that may apply.

Use only as directed. If symptoms continue or you have side effects, see your healthcare professional. For more information about Polivy:

  • talk to your health professional; or
  • visit medsafe.govt.nz for Polivy Consumer Medicine Information; or
  • visit roche.co.nz or call Roche on 0800 276 243

 

Polivy has risks and benefits.

Tell your doctor immediately or go to your nearest Accident and Emergency Centre if you notice any of the following signs and symptoms:

During an infusion: swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat with difficulty breathing; swelling of other parts of your body such as your hands or feet; shortness of breath, wheezing or trouble breathing; abnormal or irregular heartbeat; rash, itching or hives on the skin; flushing (warm, red) skin; pain or swelling at site of injection; feeling sick (nausea) or vomiting, diarrhoea; pain or discomfort (including stomach pain, back pain, chest or neck pain); fever or chills.

After an infusion: flu and/or cold-like symptoms, chest pain, coughing, sweating; fever, sore throat, tiredness, sores in the mouth or gums; bruising, bleeding gums or nose, rash on legs with red dots, blood in urine or stools; numbness or tingling in the hands or feet, sharp or jabbing pain, burning or freezing sensation, pins and needles; weakness, lack of energy, feeling unsteady; difficulty walking; muscle cramps or spasms, heart palpitations, breathing difficulties, mood changes; swelling of the hands or feet, yellow skin or eyes, rapid heartbeat, appetite changes; confusion or memory loss, muscle spasms and cramps, facial twitching, numbness; nose bleeds, feeling dizzy, tired, looking pale; nausea or vomiting; constipation or abdominal pain; diarrhoea; rash, itching or hives on the skin; decreased appetite, weight decrease; skin infection; urinary tract infection; upper respiratory tract infection; breathlessness and difficulty in breathing.

Other side effects not listed above may also occur in some people.

Do not use Polivy if: you have an allergic reaction to polatuzumab vedotin or any of the ingredients in Polivy.

Tell your doctor if: you have ever had nerve problems such as numbness, tingling in the hands or feet or eyesight problems; you have ever had liver problems such as hepatitis; you think you may have an infection. Pregnancy/Lactation; you are pregnant or breastfeeding or plan to become pregnant whilst taking Polivy.

Panel dated 25 June 2024. All trademarks mentioned herein are protected by law. Roche Products (New Zealand) Limited, Auckland.

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