Padcev (enfortumab vedotin-ejfv) is a brand-name drug that’s prescribed for a type of bladder cancer in adults. Padcev comes as an intravenous (IV) infusion that’s given by a healthcare professional. The dosage can vary if other treatments are given along with Padcev.
Padcev is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat locally advanced* or metastatic* urothelial cancer in certain adults. (Urothelial cancer is a type of bladder cancer.) Padcev may also be given along with (pembrolizumab) Keytruda in certain situations.
Padcev is a biologic and belongs to a drug class called antibody-drug conjugates (ADCs). Padcev is not available in a biosimilar version.
Keep reading for specific information about the dosage of Padcev, including its strengths and how to receive the medication. For a comprehensive look at Padcev, see this article.
Note: This article describes typical dosages for Padcev provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Padcev dosage that’s right for you.
* Locally advanced means the cancer has spread outside the bladder. Metastatic means the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Read below for details about Padcev’s dosages for its approved uses.
Padcev form
Padcev comes as a powder in a single-dose vial. The powder is mixed with a liquid to form a solution for IV infusion. You’ll receive the IV infusion in a hospital or clinic.
Padcev strengths
Padcev comes in two strengths: 20 milligrams (mg) and 30 mg.
Typical dosages
The following information describes dosages that are commonly prescribed or recommended in adults. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
Dosage for urothelial cancer when Padcev is given alone
Doctors may prescribe Padcev to treat urothelial cancer. It may be given alone or with another medication.
If your doctor prescribes Padcev by itself for urothelial cancer, your dose will be based on your body weight in kilograms (kg). For reference, 1 kg equals about 2.2 pounds (lb). The recommended dose of Padcev when given by itself is 1.25 mg per kg (mg/kg) given as an IV infusion over 30 minutes. You’ll receive one Padcev infusion on Days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28-day cycle.
The maximum dose of Padcev that’s recommended is 125 mg.
Your doctor will determine how many Padcev treatment cycles you’ll have. For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Dosage for urothelial cancer when Padcev is given with pembrolizumab
Padcev is also prescribed along with pembrolizumab (Keytruda) to help treat urothelial cancer. The dose of Padcev is 1.25 mg/kg given as an IV infusion over 30 minutes. In this case, you’ll receive one infusion on Days 1 and 8 of a 21-day cycle.
The maximum dose of Padcev that’s recommended is 125 mg.
Your doctor will determine how many Padcev treatment cycles you’ll have. For more information about your specific dosage, talk with your doctor.
Long-term treatment
Padcev is meant to be given as long as it is working for you and as long as you don’t have serious side effects from the drug. If you and your doctor decide that Padcev is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.
Before you start treatment with Padcev, your doctor will discuss this with you.
Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give you the IV infusion of Padcev. First, they’ll mix the powder form of Padcev with a liquid to make a solution. Then, they’ll prepare the liquid solution for infusion. You’ll likely go to your doctor’s office, infusion center, or a hospital to receive your infusion. The infusion takes about 30 minutes.
If you have questions about how to use Padcev, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. There’s also helpful information on the manufacturer’s website.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.