Opdivo SC (Nivolumab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Opdivo SC Used For?
Opdivo SC contains nivolumab, a protein that helps your immune system attack and destroy cancer cells. It’s used to treat various types of cancer either alone or in combination with other cancer medicines.
Primary Uses
Opdivo SC is used to treat: advanced skin cancer (melanoma), lung cancer (non-small cell lung cancer), kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma), head and neck cancer, bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma), liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma), food pipe cancer (esophageal cancer), stomach cancer, and colorectal cancer. It may be used alone, in combination with other cancer medicines, or as continuing therapy after initial combination treatment.
How It Works
Nivolumab is a protein that works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.
How to Take Opdivo SC
Opdivo SC is given as an injection under the skin by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or clinic setting. You cannot give this medication to yourself at home.
Dosage Instructions
The injection is given under the skin of your abdomen or thigh over 3 to 5 minutes. Your doctor will determine the exact dose and how often you receive treatments based on your specific type of cancer. Some cancers require Opdivo SC in combination with other cancer medicines.
What If You Miss a Dose?
It’s very important to keep all your appointments for Opdivo SC. If you miss an appointment, contact your doctor immediately to schedule your next dose.
Important: This medication must be given by a healthcare professional – never attempt to inject it yourself.
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 possible blisters
- Itching
- Feeling tired or weak
- Decreased appetite
- Cough
- 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
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Lung problems (breathing difficulties, pneumonitis)
- Severe stomach and intestinal inflammation (colitis, bleeding)
- Liver inflammation (hepatitis, jaundice)
- Kidney problems (nephritis, kidney failure)
- Hormone gland problems (thyroid, adrenal, pituitary issues)
- Severe skin reactions (toxic epidermal necrolysis)
- Brain and nervous system problems (encephalitis, nerve damage)
- Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
- Muscle inflammation or breakdown
- Eye inflammation
- Severe allergic reactions
- Blood disorders
- Organ transplant rejection
Important Warnings
Opdivo SC affects your immune system and can cause serious inflammation in various parts of your body that may be life-threatening.
Who Should Not Take Opdivo SC
Do not use Opdivo SC if you are allergic to nivolumab or any of the ingredients in the medication.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: autoimmune diseases (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus), any history of lung inflammation, cancer that has spread to your brain, melanoma of the eye, previous treatment with ipilimumab that caused side effects, or if you’re taking medicines that suppress your immune system like corticosteroids.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
You must not use Opdivo SC if you are pregnant unless specifically recommended by your doctor. The effects on unborn babies are unknown but could be harmful. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Stop breastfeeding if you’re receiving Opdivo SC, as it’s unknown if the medicine passes into breast milk.
Immune System Effects: This medication can cause your immune system to attack healthy parts of your body, leading to serious and potentially life-threatening inflammation.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
- Medicines that suppress your immune system (like corticosteroids) may interfere with Opdivo SC’s effectiveness
- Your doctor may prescribe corticosteroids during treatment to manage side effects without affecting the medicine’s effectiveness
Alcohol & Driving
Opdivo SC is unlikely to affect your ability to drive or operate machinery, but use caution until you know how the medication affects you.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol restrictions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor as part of your overall treatment plan.
Driving and Operating Machinery
While Opdivo SC is unlikely to impair your driving ability, use caution when driving or operating machinery. Notify your doctor if you notice any changes in your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
Opdivo SC is administered in a hospital or clinic by healthcare professionals under medical supervision. You do not need to store this medicine at home.
Overdose Information
Since Opdivo SC is given under medical supervision, overdose is unlikely. However, if you experience any side effects after receiving the injection, tell your doctor immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions
The time it takes for Opdivo SC to work varies depending on your type of cancer and individual response. Your doctor will monitor your progress and discuss what to expect during your treatment.
The frequency of injections depends on your specific type of cancer and treatment plan. Your doctor will determine the appropriate schedule for your treatments.
Yes, Opdivo SC is sometimes used in combination with other cancer medicines or chemotherapy, depending on your specific cancer type. Your doctor will explain your complete treatment plan.
Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects, especially if they’re getting worse or don’t go away. Some side effects can be serious and may require immediate medical attention or changes to your treatment.
Since Opdivo SC affects your immune system, discuss any planned vaccinations with your doctor before receiving them.
Yes, your doctor will check your general health before treatment and you will have blood tests during treatment to monitor how your body is responding.
Always tell any doctors, dentists, nurses, and pharmacists that you are receiving Opdivo SC treatment, as this information is important for any other medical care you receive.
Important Disclaimer
This information is intended for general educational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist before starting, stopping, or changing any medication.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your doctor or emergency services immediately.