If you have a certain type of cancer, your doctor might suggest Libtayo as a treatment option for you.
Libtayo is a prescription medication used to treat the following conditions in adults:
- non-small cell lung cancer
- basal cell carcinoma, a kind of skin cancer
- cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, a type of skin cancer
The active ingredient in Libtayo is cemiplimab-rwlc. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Libtayo is a
This article describes the dosage of Libtayo, as well as its strength and how the drug is given. To learn more about Libtayo, see this in-depth article.
Note: This chart highlights the basics of Libtayo’s dosage. Be sure to read on for more detail. And please keep in mind that this article covers Libtayo’s standard dosage schedule provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But always follow the dosing instructions your doctor prescribes.
| Libtayo form | Libtayo strength | Typical dosage |
| Liquid solution in a single-dose vial | 350 milligrams per 7 milliliters | intravenous (IV) infusion* of 350 mg once every 3 weeks |
* An infusion is an injection into your vein over a period of time.
Below is information about Libtayo’s typical dosage. You’ll receive Libtayo doses at a doctor’s office, healthcare facility, or infusion center.
What is Libtayo’s form?
Libtayo comes as a liquid solution in single-dose vials. It’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time).
What strength does Libtayo come in?
Libtayo comes in one strength: 350 milligrams (mg) per 7 milliliters.
What are the usual dosages of Libtayo?
The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. But be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions when you get the infusion.
Dosage for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC)
For treating cSCC, Libtayo’s usual dosage is 350 mg, given as a 30-minute IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Dosage for basal cell carcinoma (BCC)
Libtayo’s typical dosage for BCC is 350 mg, which is given as a 30-minute IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
When used to treat NSCLC, the usual dose is 350 mg of Libtayo. This is given as a 30-minute IV infusion every 3 weeks.
Is Libtayo used long term?
Yes, Libtayo is usually a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Libtayo is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely receive it long term.
Dosage adjustments
If you experience certain reactions to your Libtayo infusion, your doctor may need to slow the rate of your current or future infusions. Examples of these reactions may include:
- side effects in the nervous system or endocrine system
- infusion-related reactions such as nausea, fever, or trouble breathing
- inflammation (swelling or damage) of the liver with or without a liver tumor
- inflammation of part of the muscle tissue in the heart
- serious skin peeling conditions
- inflammation of the intestine
- lung inflammation
- kidney problems
Libtayo is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time). You’ll receive Libtayo doses at a doctor’s office, healthcare facility, or infusion center.
The infusion usually takes about 30 minutes. If you have questions about what to expect during your infusion appointments, talk with your doctor.
It’s important to keep all of your appointments to receive Libtayo infusions. If you need help remembering your appointments, try using an alarm, phone app, or another medication reminder. If you need to miss an appointment, let your doctor’s office know right away. They’ll help you reschedule.
The sections above describe the usual dosage provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Libtayo for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- How should I prepare for my Libtayo infusion appointments?
- If my Libtayo treatment is paused, when will it restart?
- Does my health history affect my Libtayo dosage?
- Will my dosage of Libtayo change if my other medications change?
Q:
Will my Libtayo infusion ever take longer than 30 minutes?
AnonymousA:
Not usually. But in rare cases, some people experience an infusion-related reaction from Libtayo. If this occurs, your current infusion or future infusions may be given more slowly. Your doctor may also adjust your dosage schedule so that you receive infusions less often.
Symptoms of an infusion-related reaction may include:
- trouble breathing
- nausea
- fever
- skin rash
If the reaction is severe, your infusion may be paused. In some cases, your doctor may stop your Libtayo treatment and have you switch to another drug.
If you have questions about what to expect during your infusion appointments, talk with your doctor. You can also learn more about intravenous (IV) infusions in this article.
The Healthline Pharmacist TeamAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline 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.
