What Is Opdivo Used For?

Opdivo is a cancer treatment medication that helps your immune system fight and destroy cancer cells. It’s used to treat many different types of cancer, either alone or in combination with other cancer medicines.

Primary Uses

Opdivo treats advanced skin cancer (melanoma), lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), head and neck cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), food pipe cancer (esophageal cancer), stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. It’s also used after surgery to prevent cancer from returning (adjuvant therapy) for melanoma and bladder cancer.

How It Works

Opdivo is a protein that works with your immune system to help it recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively. It acts on your immune system and may cause inflammation in parts of your body as it fights the cancer.

How to Take Opdivo

Opdivo is given as an intravenous infusion (IV drip) in a hospital or clinic under medical supervision. You cannot take this medication at home.

Dosage Instructions

Your doctor will determine the right dose and frequency based on your specific type of cancer. Some cancers are treated with Opdivo alone, while others require it in combination with other cancer medicines like ipilimumab, cabozantinib, or chemotherapy. The treatment schedule varies depending on your condition.

What If You Miss a Dose?

It’s very important to keep all your appointments for Opdivo treatment. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor immediately to schedule your next dose.

Side Effects

Like all medications, this medicine can cause side effects. Most are mild and temporary, but some require medical attention.

Common Side Effects

These side effects occur relatively frequently and usually don’t require emergency care:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Skin rash with or without blisters
• Itching
• Feeling tired or weak
• Upper respiratory tract infections
• Decreased appetite
• Cough and shortness of breath
• Stomach pain
• Constipation
• Mouth ulcers
• Vomiting
• Dry mouth
• Skin color changes
• Dry skin
• Hair loss
• Joint and muscle pain
• Fever
• Swelling
• High blood pressure
• Dry eyes

Important Warnings

Opdivo affects your immune system and can cause serious inflammation throughout your body that may be life-threatening. Some side effects can appear weeks or months after your last treatment.

Who Should Not Take Opdivo

Do not use Opdivo if you are allergic to nivolumab or any ingredients in the medication. Always check with your doctor about all ingredients before starting treatment.

Medical Conditions to Discuss

Tell your doctor if you have autoimmune diseases (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus), history of lung inflammation, cancer that has spread to your brain, melanoma of the eye, previous treatment with ipilimumab, or if you take immune-suppressing medicines like corticosteroids.

Pregnancy and Breastfeeding

You must not use Opdivo if you are pregnant unless specifically recommended by your doctor. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Stop breastfeeding if you are receiving Opdivo treatment, as it’s unknown if the medication passes into breast milk.

Drug Interactions

Tell your doctor about all medicines, vitamins, and supplements you take, including over-the-counter products. Some medicines may interfere with how Opdivo works.

• Immune-suppressing medicines (like corticosteroids)
• Any prescription medications
• Over-the-counter medicines
• Vitamins and supplements

Alcohol & Driving

Opdivo is unlikely to directly affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but use caution and notify your doctor if you notice any changes to your abilities.

Alcohol

No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor as it may affect your overall health during cancer treatment.

Driving and Operating Machinery

While Opdivo is unlikely to affect your driving ability, use caution when driving or using machines until you’re sure the medication doesn’t adversely affect you. Tell your doctor if you notice any changes to your abilities.

Storage

Opdivo is stored and prepared by healthcare professionals in the hospital or clinic. You will not need to store this medication at home.

Overdose Information

Since Opdivo is given under medical supervision in a healthcare setting, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving Opdivo, tell your doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked Questions