Please click the links above or the images below to download resources and materials to support you during treatment with Imfinzi.
About ImfinziWhat is Imfinzi used for?
Your doctor may have prescribed you Imfinzi because you have a type of lung cancer called extensive-stage small cell lung cancer (ES-SCLC). This can also be called Stage 4 or metastatic small cell lung cancer. Imfinzi is used when:
- Your cancer has spread within your lungs (or to other parts of the body) and,
- You have not previously been treated.
- For ES-SCLC, Imfinzi is given in combination with chemotherapy. It is important that you also read the package insert for the specific chemotherapy you may be receiving. If you have any questions about these medicines, ask your doctor.
How does Imfinzi work?
Imfinzi works by helping your immune system fight cancer and can help slow or stop the cancer from growing or help shrink the tumour.
How is Imfinzi taken?
Imfinzi will be given to you in a hospital or clinic under the supervision of an experienced healthcare professional. Your healthcare professional will decide how many treatments you need and will give you Imfinzi through an intravenous infusion into your vein for about 60 minutes.
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Patient ResourcesYou can find various helpful resources here that can answer questions you may have throughout your treatment with Imfinzi.
Patient Information and Side
Effects Brochure
ES-SCLC
This guide can help you understand your treatment and provides helpful tips for you throughout your treatment with Imfinzi.
A Guide for Caregivers and
Loved Ones of People
Taking Imfinzi
ES-SCLC
This is a guide for caregivers containing tips
and resources to help them support their
loved ones through their treatment.
Side Effects Tracker
ES-SCLC
A tool that you can use to track your side effects daily during your Imfinzi treatment.
Helpful Tips for Taking Care of Yourself Throughout Your TreatmentMaintaining and living a healthy and balanced lifestyle is still important during your treatment. The tips and recommendations listed below may help you with difficulties you may face during this time.
Caring for your body physically
It is important to care for your body physically to ensure your body is healthy and you have the energy for treatment. Here are some tips that may help you:
- Listen to your body and let yourself relax and take a break.
- Use happy distractions to relax such as movies, tv shows, books, podcasts, or music.
- Practice mindfulness and try meditation.
- Try light exercise such as yoga, a walk, or stretching.
- Practice good sleep habits.
Caring for your body through nutrition
Taking care of your body physically is also related to your diet and nutrition. Here are some tips that may help you:
- You may not always have a large appetite, so try to eat when your appetite is best. Aim to eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently.
- Eating and drinking liquid foods such as soups and smoothies are easy ways to get a lot of calories and nutrients. These softer and moister foods are also likely to be more comfortable to swallow and digest.
- Try to include foods that are rich in protein in every meal to help repair and build your body’s tissues as well as supporting your immune system.
- Avoid acidic (such as vinegar, lemon, tomatoes) or spicy foods, and foods that are too hot or cold. Avoid foods with strong odours that could bring on nausea.
- Try to avoid drinking too many liquids before or during a meal so you don’t fill up quickly and lose your appetite.
- If you cannot eat solids on some days, drink plenty of liquids to provide you with the needed calories and to prevent dehydration.
- Talk to your doctor about getting a referral to a dietician to help you manage your diet.
Caring for your mind
While it is important to take care of yourself physically, it is also important to take care of yourself mentally. Here are some tips that may help you:
- Write down questions you have ahead of time to bring to appointments to help you get the answers you need.
- Stay organized using a physical or virtual planner to keep track of appointments, your medical information such as medication, side effects, and test results.
- Ensure you are looking at reliable resources when doing your own research and bring up any concerns or questions you have to your doctor.
- Bring a family member or friend to appointments to provide support so you don’t feel alone.
- Continue to participate in activities you enjoy to remind yourself of the positive things in your life.
- Don’t keep emotions to yourself and talk it out with family, friends, or your healthcare team.
- Seek help from your doctor about who else you can talk to if you are having any mental struggles.
Helpful Support ResourcesPatient Resources
You can visit these websites to explore other resources and access support to help you throughout your diagnosis and treatment. Explore the following association websites:
Caregiver Resources
In addition to the resources listed above, you can explore the following site that may be helpful to caregivers:
