Amivantamab
Say it: am-ih-VAN-tuh-mab · Brand names: Rybrevant, Rybrevant Faspro
Amivantamab is a lab-made antibody that blocks two growth signals that some lung cancers use to grow.
What it is
Some lung cancers have a change in a gene called EGFR. Amivantamab blocks two proteins on cancer cells, called EGFR and MET. It also helps immune cells find and attack the cancer.
Often used for
- non-small cell lung cancer with certain EGFR gene changes
How you get it
You get it in a clinic, either through a vein (IV) or as a shot under the skin (Rybrevant Faspro), which takes much less time. With the vein form, the first dose is often split over 2 days because it can take several hours. After the first month, you usually get it every 2 or 3 weeks. It may be given with chemotherapy or with a pill called lazertinib. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Reactions during the infusion, like chills, shortness of breath, or flushing. These are most common with the first dose, and your team will watch you closely.
- Rash, often like acne, on the face, chest, and back. Use gentle soap, moisturizer, and sunscreen, and ask your team about creams.
- Red, sore, or swollen skin around the nails. Keep your hands and feet clean and dry and wear roomy shoes.
- Swelling in the legs, hands, or face. Tell your team if it gets worse.
- Mouth sores. Rinse with a mild salt water rinse and avoid spicy foods.
- Feeling tired. Rest when you need to and take short walks when you can.
- Nausea or constipation. Eat small meals and drink plenty of fluids.
- Muscle or joint aches. Ask your team what pain medicine is safe for you.
Call your care team right away if you have
- Trouble breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or throat during or after an infusion
- New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be a sign of lung swelling
- Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg or arm
- Eye pain, red eyes, blurry vision, or new sensitivity to light
- Skin that blisters, peels, or looks badly infected
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have ever had lung problems or lung scarring
- If you have had blood clots
- If you have eye problems or wear contact lenses
- If you take blood thinners
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
Good to know
- This medicine can cause serious lung swelling. Tell your team right away about new breathing problems.
- When given with lazertinib, it can raise the risk of blood clots. Your team may give you a blood thinner for the first few months.
- Skin problems are common. Stay out of the sun, wear protective clothing, and use sunscreen while on treatment and for 2 months after.
- Eye problems can happen. Your team may send you to an eye doctor if you have symptoms.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for a while after.
Questions to ask
- How long will the first visits take?
- What can I do to prevent or treat the skin rash?
- Will I need a blood thinner?
- How long will I take this medicine?
- Which side effects should I call you about right away, and which can wait?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
- Hand-foot syndrome
- Shortness of breath
- Pain
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Amivantamab?
- Amivantamab is a lab-made antibody that blocks two growth signals that some lung cancers use to grow. Brand names: Rybrevant, Rybrevant Faspro.
- What is Amivantamab used for?
- non-small cell lung cancer with certain EGFR gene changes.
- How is Amivantamab given?
- You get it in a clinic, either through a vein (IV) or as a shot under the skin (Rybrevant Faspro), which takes much less time. With the vein form, the first dose is often split over 2 days because it can take several hours. After the first month, you usually get it every 2 or 3 weeks. It may be given with chemotherapy or with a pill called lazertinib. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Amivantamab?
- Reactions during the infusion, like chills, shortness of breath, or flushing. Rash, often like acne, on the face, chest, and back. Red, sore, or swollen skin around the nails. Swelling in the legs, hands, or face. Mouth sores. Feeling tired. Nausea or constipation. Muscle or joint aches.
- When should I call my care team while taking Amivantamab?
- Trouble breathing, chest tightness, or swelling of the face or throat during or after an infusion; New or worse cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain, which can be a sign of lung swelling; Pain, swelling, warmth, or redness in one leg or arm; Eye pain, red eyes, blurry vision, or new sensitivity to light; Skin that blisters, peels, or looks badly infected; A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher.
Last updated: 2026-10-27. Medically reviewed by Veli Bakalov, MD, medical oncologist (October 2026). General education from Step by Step, the patient portal of HemeOncBuddy.