What is Opdivo?
Opdivo is a cancer medication that can be used alone or with other medications to work with your immune system and interfere with the growth of cancerous cells in the body.
Opdivo can be used by itself or in combination with another medicine to treat adults who have:
- Advanced skin cancer (melanoma);
- Advanced non-small cell lung cancer;
- Pleural mesothelioma is a cancer that affects the linings of the lungs, chest wall, and rib cage.
- Kidney Cancer
- Classic Hodgkin's lymphoma
- Cancer of the stomach and esophagus
- Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck, or esophagus;
- Bladder cancer
- Liver cancer
- Colorectal cancer.
Opdivo may be prescribed when cancer has spread (metastasized), cannot be removed surgically, or has returned after previous treatment. Opdivo may be prescribed only when laboratory tests reveal specific DNA mutations or genetic markers associated with cancer.
Warnings
Opdivo may cause side effects on many parts of the body. Your cancer treatment may also be delayed.If you experience: frequent headaches, nausea, or dizziness; increased thirst or urination; skin problems or skin changes
Similar/related drugs
Yervoy, Retevmo, Keytruda, Rybrevant, Lumakras, methotrexate, and Avastin
Before you take this drug
Tell your doctor about any of the following to ensure that Opdivo will be safe for you:
- Radiation or chemotherapy treatment
- A disorder of the nervous system such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome;
- Liver disease
- An autoimmune disorder (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis)
- An organ transplant or stem cell transplantation from a donor.
Nivolumab can harm a developing baby. A negative pregnancy test may be required before you begin this treatment. You should use effective birth control during Opdivo treatment and for 5 months following your last dose. Inform your doctor immediately if you fall pregnant.Do not breastfeed while taking this medicine or for 5 months following your last dose.
How to take Opdivo?
Opdivo can be given by a healthcare professional as an intravenous infusion. The infusion of this medicine can take up to 90 minutes.Opdivo can be given every 2 to 4 weeks. Other cancer medications may be prescribed at different times. Your doctor will decide how long you should be treated with all of your cancer medicines.Your doctor will want to know if you are still receiving Opdivo.
Opdivo may cause side effects on many parts of the body. If you have side effects that require treatment, your cancer treatment may be delayed. You may receive medication to treat the side effects.
What happens if I miss the dose?
If you miss your chemotherapy appointment, call your doctor to get instructions.
What happens if I overdose?
Call 1-800-222-1222 for poison help or seek immediate medical attention.
What should be avoided?
If your doctor prescribes any restrictions regarding food, beverage, or activity, follow their instructions.
Side effects of Opdivo
If you experience any of the following symptoms: hives, difficulty breathing, swelling on your face or in your throat, or severe skin reactions (fever or sore throat with burning eyes, skin pain or blistering, or a red or purple rash),
Some side effects can occur during injection. You should tell your carer if you experience any of the following symptoms: dizziness, feeling light-headed or short of breath, tingling, itchiness, fever, chills, or back or neck pain.
If you experience:
- Severe or persistent diarrhea; severe stomach discomfort; bloody or tarry stool;
- Eye pain, changes in vision, sensitivity to lights
- Severe muscle pain or weakness
- Confusion, memory issues, neck stiffness, and drowsiness;
- You may experience tingling or numbness in your arms and legs.
- Kidney disease: little or no urine; swelling of your ankles or feet; blood in the urine.
- Liver disease: severe nausea and vomiting; right-sided upper abdomen pain; easy bleeding or bruising; dark urine jaundice.
- Lung issues: chest pains, new or worsening symptoms of coughing, shortness of breath, etc.
- Skin problems: rash, itching, swelling, pain, blisters, and sores on the nose, mouth, or genitals
- Signs and symptoms of hormonal disorders: frequent or unusual headaches; vision problems; dizziness or fainting; fatigue; changes in mood or behavior; hunger or thirst; or increased urination. Constipation. Hair fall. Hoarse voice or deepened tone; sweating or feeling cold
- Feeling sick or uneasy with swelling or pain near the transplanted organ
If you experience certain side effects, your cancer treatment may be delayed or discontinued permanently.
Common Opdivo side effects may include:
- Constipation, diarrhea, nausea, vomiting, and stomach pain;
- Mouth sores and altered taste sensations
- Itching, rash, or blisters on the hands or feet
- Hormonal problems
- Liver problems
- You may experience tingling or burning in your feet or hands.
- Fever, body aches
- Feeling tired or weak?
- Cold symptoms include a runny nose or stuffed-up nose, a cough, and a sore throat.
- Headache , dizziness, or increased blood pressure.
- Weight loss.
There may be other side effects. For medical advice on side effects, call your doctor. The FDA can be contacted at 1-800-FDA-1088 to report side effects.
Interaction with other drug
Nivolumab may interact with other drugs, such as prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Inform your doctor of all the medicines you are taking, as well as any new ones.
