Tecentriq (atezolizumab) is a prescription drug that’s used to treat certain cancers. The drug comes as a solution that your doctor will inject. It’s usually given on a cycle every 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

Tecentriq is used in adults and certain children to treat:

The active ingredient in Tecentriq is atezolizumab. (An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.) Tecentriq belongs to a group of drugs called programmed death-ligand 1 (PD-L1) blocking antibody. The drugs in this group are immunotherapy drugs.

This article describes the dosages of Tecentriq, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Tecentriq, see this in-depth article.

Keep reading for more details about Tecentriq’s dosage.

What is Tecentriq’s form?

Tecentriq is available as a liquid solution in single-dose vial that’s given as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time).

What strengths does Tecentriq come in?

Tecentriq comes in two strengths: 840 milligrams (mg) in 14 milliliters (mL) of solution (mg/mL) and 1,200 mg/20 mL.

What are the usual dosages of Tecentriq?

The information below describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs. You may receive Tecentriq every 2, 3, or 4 weeks.

Dosage for small cell lung cancer

The typical Tecentriq dosage for adults with SCLC is:

  • 840 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 1,200 mg every 3 weeks, or
  • 1,680 mg every 4 weeks

Doctors prescribe Tecentriq with two other chemotherapy drugs, carboplatin and etoposide, for treating SCLC. When chemotherapy and Tecentriq doses fall on the same day, doctors first give Tecentriq and then give chemotherapy.

The treatment continues until the cancer worsens or the side effects become severe.

Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer

The typical Tecentriq dosage for adults with NSCLC is:

  • 840 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 1,200 mg every 3 weeks, or
  • 1,680 mg every 4 weeks

For NSCLC that has not metastasized*, doctors prescribe Tecentriq after surgery to remove as much cancer as possible and platinum-based chemotherapy.

Doctors can prescribe Tecentriq for up to a year. But treatment may stop if the cancer progresses or the side effects become severe.

Tecentriq may be used with certain other cancer drugs, including:

  • paclitaxel, carboplatin, and bevacizumab (Avastin)
  • paclitaxel protein-bound and carboplatin

If the doses of Tecentriq and other cancer drugs fall on the same day, doctors give Tecentriq first. Doctors prescribe Tecentriq for NSCLC until the cancer worsens or side effects become severe.

* “Metastasized” means the cancer has spread to other parts of your body.

Dosage for liver cancer

The typical Tecentriq dosage for adults with liver cancer is:

  • 840 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 1,200 mg every 3 weeks, or
  • 1,680 mg every 4 weeks

Doctors prescribe bevacizumab (Avastin) along with Tecentriq for treating liver cancer. If the doses of Tecentriq and Avastin fall on the same day, doctors give Tecentriq first.

The treatment continues until the cancer worsens or the side effects become severe.

Dosage for melanoma

The typical Tecentriq dosage for adults with melanoma is:

  • 840 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 1,200 mg every 3 weeks, or
  • 1,680 mg every 4 weeks

Before starting Tecentriq, adults must receive a 28-day treatment cycle of cobimetinib (Cotellic) and vemurafenib (Zelboraf). Doctors then prescribe Tecentriq along with Cotellic and Zelboraf. The treatment lasts until the cancer worsens or side effects become severe.

Dosage for alveolar soft part sarcoma

The typical Tecentriq dosage for adults with ASPS is:

  • 840 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 1,200 mg every 3 weeks, or
  • 1,680 mg every 4 weeks

The treatment continues until the cancer worsens or the side effects become severe.

What’s the dosage of Tecentriq for children?

Tecentriq is used to help treat ASPS in children ages 2 years and older.

The dosage for children is 15 mg per kilogram (kg) of weight. The maximum dose in children is 1,200 mg. Doctors give Tecentriq to children with ASPS every 3 weeks.

For more information about Tecentriq’s dosage for children, talk with your child’s doctor or a pharmacist.

Is Tecentriq used long term?

Yes, Tecentriq is usually used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely receive it long term.

The dosage of Tecentriq you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

  • side effects
  • your age
  • weight (for children ages 2 years and older)

Tecentriq is available as a liquid solution that’s given as an IV infusion (an injection into your vein over a period of time). You’ll receive infusions at your doctor’s office or a clinic. Your doctor will inject your first dose over 60 minutes. If you don’t have many side effects, your doctor may inject Tecentriq over 30 minutes for your next dose.

If you miss an appointment to receive a dose of Tecentriq, call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule. It’s necessary to go to all of your appointments to receive Tecentriq.

If you need help remembering your appointments, try downloading a reminder app on your phone.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Tecentriq’s dosage.

Is Tecentriq’s dosage similar to the dosages of Imfinzi?

The forms and how often you take each drug are similar. Tecentriq and Imfinzi are both solutions in a single-use vial that you’ll receive by IV infusion.

The dose in milligrams for each drug differs. The frequency of when you receive the injection is also different. Your doctor will prescribe the drug and the dosage that’s right for you.

To learn more about how these drugs compare, talk with your doctor.

How long does it take for Tecentriq to start working?

Tecentriq starts to work after your first dose. Because of how the drug works, you likely won’t feel the drug working in your body. In clinical studies, doctors reported benefits of Tecentriq after several months of treatment. But the benefits of Tecentriq depend on the cancer it’s treating.

Your doctor will monitor you during treatment to check whether the drug is working to treat your condition.

If you have other questions about what to expect from your Tecentriq treatment, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Tecentriq 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 do I know which dosage schedule is best for me?
  • Is the every-4-weeks dosage more effective than the other dosages to treat my cancer?
  • Can I receive a lower dose if I have side effects?

To learn more about Tecentriq, see these articles:

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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.