Libtayo (cemiplimab-rwlc) is a brand-name prescription drug. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved it to treat specific types of cancer, including:
- locally advanced or metastatic* skin cancer, such as:
- cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
- certain types of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer
Your doctor may prescribe this drug if you have already tried other medications to treat your specific cancer.
Libtayo belongs to a group of drugs called programmed death receptor-1 blockers. It’s also a biologic drug. At this time, there are no biosimilar versions of Libtayo available. It’s only available as a brand-name drug.
This medication comes as a solution that’s given by IV infusion by a doctor or another healthcare professional. You’ll receive your infusion at a doctor’s office, hospital, or infusion site.
* Locally advanced and metastatic cancers are cancers that have spread to other areas of your body.
† For this use, Libtayo received
Dosage summary
The following chart summarizes Libtayo’s dosage. Your doctor will determine the dosage that’s best for you.
| Form | Strength | Dosing |
| solution given by IV infusion | 350 milligrams per 7 milliliters of solution (mg/mL) | 350 mg every 3 weeks, given over 30 minutes |
For information about Libtayo’s dosing and administration, keep reading. For a comprehensive look at Libtayo, see this article.
This article describes typical dosages for Libtayo provided by the drug’s manufacturer. However, your doctor will prescribe the Libtayo dosage that’s right for you.
Below is information about Libtayo dosage for its approved uses.
Libtayo form
Libtayo comes as a solution in a vial. The solution is given by IV infusion by your doctor or another healthcare professional. You’ll receive your infusion at your doctor’s office, a hospital, or an infusion site.
Libtayo strength
Libtayo only comes in one strength: 350 milligrams per 7 milliliters of solution (mg/mL).
Typical dosages
Your doctor will recommend the best dosage of Libtayo for you. They will ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.
The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
Dosage for cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma
To treat certain types of locally advanced or metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma, the recommended Libtayo dosage is 350 mg every 3 weeks.
Dosage for basal cell carcinoma
For treating certain types of locally advanced or metastatic basal cell carcinoma, the recommended dosage of Libtayo is 350 mg every 3 weeks.
Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer
To treat certain types of locally advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, the recommended Libtayo dosage is 350 mg every 3 weeks.
Long-term treatment
Libtayo is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Libtayo is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely take it long term.
Libtayo comes as a solution that’s given by IV infusion (an injection through a vein over time). Your doctor or another healthcare professional will give your dose of Libtayo. It’s typically given over 30 minutes.
If you notice any side effects from the drug, tell your doctor right away. These side effects may happen during or after the infusion. Your doctor may recommend slowing down, pausing, or even stopping your infusion. This will depend on the type of side effects that you have. (To learn about the side effects of Libtayo, see this article.)
If you miss your appointment for your Libtayo infusion, call your doctor’s office. They’ll reschedule your appointment as soon as possible.
It’s important not to miss your Libtayo infusion appointments. If you do not get your dose every 3 weeks, Libtayo may not work as well as it should to treat your cancer.
To help make sure that you don’t miss an infusion appointment, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or using a timer. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The dosages in this article are typical dosages provided by the drug’s manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Libtayo for you, they will prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. If you have questions about the dosage of Libtayo that’s best for you, talk with your doctor.
Besides learning about dosage, you may want other information about Libtayo. These additional articles might be helpful:
- More about Libtayo. For information about other aspects of Libtayo, refer to this article.
- Side effects. To learn about side effects of Libtayo, see this article. You can also look at the Libtayo prescribing information.
- Details about your condition.
- For details about skin cancer, see our cancer hub as well as this list of dermatology articles.
- For information about lung cancer, our lung cancer hub and these related articles might be helpful.
Disclaimer: Medical News Today 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.