Enfortumab vedotin
Say it: en-FOR-too-mab veh-DOH-tin · Brand names: Padcev
Enfortumab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called Nectin-4.
What it is
It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called Nectin-4 on cancer cells, and a strong cancer medicine. The antibody carries the medicine straight to the cancer cell, so more of it reaches the cancer and less reaches healthy cells. It is often given together with the immunotherapy medicine pembrolizumab.
Often used for
- bladder cancer
- cancer of the urinary tract (the tubes and organs that carry urine)
How you get it
You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes. When given with pembrolizumab, it is usually on day 1 and day 8 of a 21 day cycle. When given alone, it is usually on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28 day cycle. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Skin rash or itching. Use gentle, unscented lotion and tell your team about any new rash.
- Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it makes buttoning or walking hard.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Hair loss. A soft hat or scarf can help.
- Changes in taste and lower appetite. Try different foods and small meals.
- Dry eyes. Ask your team about eye drops.
- Diarrhea or nausea. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
- High blood sugar. Your team will check it with blood tests.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A rash that spreads, blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or eyes
- Very strong thirst, peeing a lot, blurry vision, confusion, or breath that smells fruity (signs of very high blood sugar)
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- New cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing
- Redness, swelling, or pain where the needle went in, during or after the infusion
- Eye pain, red eyes, or changes in your vision
Before you start, tell your team
- If you have diabetes or high blood sugar
- If you already have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet
- If you have liver problems
- If you are pregnant, may become pregnant, or are breastfeeding
- All the medicines, vitamins, and herbal products you take
Good to know
- This medicine can cause serious skin reactions that can be life threatening. They most often start in the first weeks of treatment. Call your team right away about any new rash or blisters.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood sugar, even if you do not have diabetes.
- This medicine can cause eye problems, such as dry eyes. Your team may suggest eye drops.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.
Questions to ask
- Which skin changes should I call you about right away?
- How will you check my blood sugar?
- What can I do if the tingling in my hands or feet gets worse?
- Will I get pembrolizumab at the same visit?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Appetite loss and weight loss
- Taste changes
- Hair loss
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
- Skin rash (including EGFR-inhibitor rash)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Enfortumab vedotin?
- Enfortumab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to cancer cells that have a protein called Nectin-4. Brand names: Padcev.
- What is Enfortumab vedotin used for?
- bladder cancer; cancer of the urinary tract (the tubes and organs that carry urine).
- How is Enfortumab vedotin given?
- You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic, and each infusion takes about 30 minutes. When given with pembrolizumab, it is usually on day 1 and day 8 of a 21 day cycle. When given alone, it is usually on days 1, 8, and 15 of a 28 day cycle. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Enfortumab vedotin?
- Skin rash or itching. Numbness, tingling, or burning in your hands or feet. Feeling tired. Hair loss. Changes in taste and lower appetite. Dry eyes. Diarrhea or nausea. High blood sugar.
- When should I call my care team while taking Enfortumab vedotin?
- A rash that spreads, blisters, peeling skin, or sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or eyes; Very strong thirst, peeing a lot, blurry vision, confusion, or breath that smells fruity (signs of very high blood sugar); A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; New cough, chest pain, or trouble breathing; Redness, swelling, or pain where the needle went in, during or after the infusion; Eye pain, red eyes, or changes in your vision.
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.