Opdivo is an immunotherapy drug that treats cancers of the lung, skin, kidney, head and neck, liver, colon and rectum, lymphatic system, esophagus, and stomach. It is given as an IV infusion in a healthcare setting. Like other drugs that work with the body’s immune system, side effects may include inflammation in other organs.
Opdivo overview
BRAND NAMES:
Opdivo
Generic Names:
Nivolumab
Uses:
Treats cancer, including: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), melanoma, kidney cancer, squamous cell cancer of the head and neck, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, mesothelioma, esophageal cancer, stomach cancer
Therapeutic Classes:
Antineoplastic agent, immunological agent
Forms:
Injectable
How it’s taken:
Intravenous (IV) injection
What is Opdivo used for?
Opdivo helps the body’s immune system target cancer cells and stop their growth. For some forms of cancer, Opdivo is used alone. For others, it is used in combination with different immunotherapy or chemotherapy drugs.
Key takeaways
Opdivo is typically used alone or in combination with other drugs to treat advanced cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or has returned after treatment.
Opdivo may be used to treat certain forms of early cancer before or after surgery.
Opdivo isn’t used to treat all types of cancers listed. An oncologist (cancer doctor) will help determine whether Opdivo is the right treatment for a specific cancer.
Opdivo helps the immune system target cancer cells. However, the activated immune system may also affect healthy organs, leading to potentially serious side effects.
Opdivo treatments may be given every 2 to 4 weeks for years. If there are significant side effects, or if the treatment isn’t working, a different form of treatment will be used.
What form(s) does Opdivo come in
Intravenous solution
40 mg/4 mL
100 mg/10 mL
120 mg/12 mL
240 mg/24 mL
What are common Opdivo doses?
The dose of Opdivo depends on the type of cancer being treated and whether there are other anti-cancer drugs used for treatment.
When Opdivo is the only drug used, it is typically given every 2 to 4 weeks.
When Opdivo is used together with ipilimumab (Yervoy), it is typically given every 3 weeks.
When Opdivo is used together with cabozantinib (Cabometyx), it is typically given every 2 to 4 weeks.
When Opdivo is used together with other forms of chemotherapy, it is typically given every 2 to 3 weeks.
Common Opdivo prescriptions
Opdivo
10ml of 100mg/10ml vialOpdivo
12ml of 120mg/12ml vialOpdivo
24ml of 240mg/24ml vialOpdivo
4ml of 40mg/4ml vial
How to take Opdivo
Opdivo is given by IV infusion by a healthcare provider. The infusion is given over 30 minutes.
A healthcare provider will determine the dose of Opdivo based on the type of cancer and other drugs being used for treatment.
A healthcare provider will determine how long Opdivo treatment will last. That will depend on the type of cancer being treated, how the cancer is responding to treatment, and if there are side effects of treatment.
What to do if you miss a dose of Opdivo
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you are unable to make it to an appointment to receive an Opdivo infusion.
Opdivo contraindications
This medicine is not right for everyone. You should not receive it if you had an allergic reaction to nivolumab, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Opdivo warnings
It is not safe to take this medicine during pregnancy. It could harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor right away if you become pregnant. If you are a woman who could become pregnant, you may be given a pregnancy test before you start using this medicine. Use an effective form of birth control while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 5 months after your last dose.
Do not breastfeed while you are receiving this medicine and for at least 5 months after the last dose.
This medicine may cause the following problems:
Pneumonitis (lung problems)
Colitis (swelling of the colon)
Hepatitis (swelling of the liver)
Adrenal, pituitary, or thyroid gland problems
Kidney problems
Serious skin reactions
Rejection of transplanted organs
Infusion reactions (fever, chills, itching, or pain during treatment), which could be severe
Share all health and medical history with your healthcare provider. Especially let them know if you have had:
Immune system conditions like lupus
Intestine conditions like Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis
Have received an organ transplant or stem cell transplant
Have received radiation treatment and other medications like Opdivo
Have a condition of your nervous system like Guillain-Barré syndrome or myasthenia gravis
Opdivo interactions
Tell your healthcare provider about all prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, vitamins, herbs, and supplements before starting Opdivo.
Opdivo side effects
Serious side effects
Infusion reaction. Tell the healthcare provider if you have fever, chills, flushing, itching, a rash, feel faint, or have pain during an Opdivo infusion.
Lung problems: a new cough or one that gets worse, shortness of breath, chest pain
Intestine problems: severe diarrhea, blood in the stool, black stool, severe abdominal pain
Liver problems: pain in the upper right abdomen, brownish urine, severe nausea and vomiting, easy bleeding or bruising, yellow skin or eyes
Hormone problems: severe headache, significant weight gain or weight loss, fast heartbeat, severe fatigue, feeling cold all the time, dizziness, fainting, eye problems
Kidney problems: blood in the urine, swelling in the legs or ankles, less urine
Skin problems: blisters or peeling skin, bad rash, painful sores in the mouth or genitals
Less serious side effects
Feeling tired
Mild diarrhea
Constipation
Nausea and vomiting
Headache
Urinary tract infection (UTI)
Decreased appetite
Upper respiratory tract infection
Mild rash or itching
Pain in muscles and joints
Tell your healthcare provider about your new symptoms while receiving Opdivo treatments. Even side effects that are less serious can become severe. Get emergency medical attention if you have fever, chills, bleeding, extreme weakness, chest pain, shortness of breath, pain that is getting worse, or severe vomiting or diarrhea.
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