Polatuzumab vedotin
Say it: poh-lah-TOO-zoo-mab veh-DOH-tin · Brand names: Polivy
Polatuzumab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to lymphoma cells that have a protein called CD79b.
What it is
It is made of two parts joined together: an antibody that finds a protein called CD79b 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 given together with other lymphoma medicines.
Often used for
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a fast growing lymphoma)
- large B-cell lymphoma that has come back or did not respond to treatment
How you get it
You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes, and later ones take about 30 minutes. It is usually given once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, along with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
Common side effects and what helps
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Tell your team if it gets worse.
- Nausea. Eat small, bland meals and take anti-nausea medicine as directed.
- Feeling tired. Rest and short walks can help.
- Diarrhea or constipation. Drink fluids and tell your team if it lasts.
- Hair loss. This usually grows back after treatment.
- Mouth sores. Rinse with salt water and use a soft toothbrush.
- Low blood counts, which raise the risk of infection and bleeding. Wash your hands often.
Call your care team right away if you have
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher
- Chills, cough, burning when you pee, or other signs of infection
- Confusion, memory loss, trouble speaking or walking, or vision changes
- Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine
- Fever, chills, rash, or trouble breathing during or within 24 hours after an infusion
- Bleeding or bruising that is not normal for you
Before you start, tell your team
- If you already have numbness or tingling
- If you have an infection or have had hepatitis B
- 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
- You will get medicines before each infusion to help prevent reactions.
- You will have blood tests to check your blood counts and liver.
- Your team may give you medicines to help prevent infections.
- This medicine can harm an unborn baby. Ask your team about birth control during treatment and for months after.
Questions to ask
- Which other medicines will I get with this one?
- Do I need medicines to prevent infection?
- What should I do if the tingling gets worse?
- How will we know if the treatment is working?
Side effect guides
- Fatigue (tiredness)
- Nausea and vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Mouth sores
- Hair loss
- Low white blood cells and infection risk
- Low platelets and bleeding
- Neuropathy (numbness and tingling)
Sources
Quick answers
- What is Polatuzumab vedotin?
- Polatuzumab vedotin is a targeted medicine that delivers a strong cancer drug straight to lymphoma cells that have a protein called CD79b. Brand names: Polivy.
- What is Polatuzumab vedotin used for?
- diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (a fast growing lymphoma); large B-cell lymphoma that has come back or did not respond to treatment.
- How is Polatuzumab vedotin given?
- You get it as an infusion into a vein at a clinic. The first infusion takes about 90 minutes, and later ones take about 30 minutes. It is usually given once every 3 weeks for 6 cycles, along with other medicines. Your schedule may be different.
- What are the common side effects of Polatuzumab vedotin?
- Numbness or tingling in your hands or feet. Nausea. Feeling tired. Diarrhea or constipation. Hair loss. Mouth sores. Low blood counts, which raise the risk of infection and bleeding.
- When should I call my care team while taking Polatuzumab vedotin?
- A fever of 100.4 degrees Fahrenheit (38 degrees Celsius) or higher; Chills, cough, burning when you pee, or other signs of infection; Confusion, memory loss, trouble speaking or walking, or vision changes; Yellow skin or eyes, or dark urine; Fever, chills, rash, or trouble breathing during or within 24 hours after an infusion; Bleeding or bruising that is not normal for you.
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.