Opdualag (Nivolumab And Relatlimab)
Complete patient guide for uses, dosage, side effects, and safety information
Prescription RequiredQuick Facts
What Is Opdualag Used For?
Opdualag is a cancer treatment medicine that contains two active ingredients working together to fight advanced melanoma, a type of skin cancer.
Primary Uses
Opdualag is used to treat advanced (unresectable or metastatic) melanoma in adults and adolescents 12 years and older weighing at least 40 kg.
How It Works
Opdualag contains two monoclonal antibodies: nivolumab and relatlimab. Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 protein, while relatlimab blocks the LAG-3 protein. Both proteins normally turn off your immune system’s T cells. By blocking these proteins, Opdualag helps your immune system’s T cells stay active and fight melanoma cancer cells more effectively.
How to Take Opdualag
Opdualag is given only in a hospital or clinic by experienced healthcare professionals as an intravenous infusion (IV drip).
Dosage Instructions
For adults and adolescents (12+ years, weighing at least 40 kg): 480 mg nivolumab and 160 mg relatlimab given as a 30-minute IV infusion every 4 weeks. Your doctor will continue treatment as long as you benefit from it or until you can no longer tolerate it.
What If You Miss a Dose?
If you miss any scheduled appointments, call your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Important: This medicine can only be given in a hospital or clinic setting under medical supervision – it cannot be taken at home.
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:
- Decreased appetite
- Nausea and stomach pain
- Constipation
- Itching and skin color changes
- Muscle, bone and joint pain
- Feeling tired or weak
- Fever
- Upper respiratory tract infections
- Decreased platelets
- Thyroid problems
- Weight loss
- Dizziness
- Dry eyes and eye inflammation
- Vomiting and dry mouth
- Dry skin and hair loss
- Swelling and flu-like symptoms
Seek immediate medical attention if you experience:
- Lung problems (pneumonitis) – new cough, shortness of breath, chest pain
- Intestinal problems – severe diarrhea, bloody stools, severe stomach pain
- Liver problems (hepatitis) – yellowing of skin/eyes, severe nausea, dark urine
- Hormone gland problems – persistent headaches, extreme tiredness, weight changes
- Kidney problems – decreased urination, blood in urine, ankle swelling
- Severe skin reactions – rash, blistering, peeling skin
- Heart problems – chest pain, irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath
- Allergic reactions – difficulty breathing, swelling of face/lips, severe rash
- Brain inflammation – confusion, memory problems, seizures
- Nerve problems – numbness, weakness, paralysis
- Vision problems – double vision, eye pain, vision changes
Important Warnings
Opdualag affects your immune system and can cause serious inflammation throughout your body that may be life-threatening.
Who Should Not Take Opdualag
Do not use Opdualag if you are allergic to nivolumab, relatlimab, or any other ingredients in this medicine. Do not use during pregnancy unless specifically told to by your doctor.
Medical Conditions to Discuss
Tell your doctor if you have: autoimmune diseases (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus), history of lung inflammation, eye melanoma, cancer that has spread to the brain, nervous system conditions (myasthenia gravis, Guillain-Barré syndrome), previous organ transplant, previous stem cell transplant, or if you take immune-suppressing medicines like corticosteroids.
Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
Do not use Opdualag during pregnancy as it may harm your unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Do not breastfeed while taking Opdualag. Tell your doctor immediately if you become pregnant during treatment.
Serious Immune Reactions: Opdualag can cause your immune system to attack normal organs and tissues, leading to serious or life-threatening inflammation that may require immediate treatment or stopping the medicine.
Drug Interactions
Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, as some may interfere with Opdualag’s effectiveness.
- Immune-suppressing medicines (like corticosteroids) may interfere with Opdualag’s effect
- Do not take any other medicines during treatment without talking to your doctor first
Alcohol & Driving
Opdualag may have minor effects on your ability to drive or operate machinery.
Alcohol
No specific alcohol interactions are mentioned, but discuss alcohol use with your doctor.
Driving and Operating Machinery
Use caution when driving or operating machinery until you know how Opdualag affects you. The medicine may have minor effects on your ability to perform these activities safely.
Storage
You will not need to store Opdualag yourself. It will be stored at the hospital or clinic where you receive treatment.
Overdose Information
Since Opdualag is given by healthcare professionals in a controlled setting, overdose is unlikely. If you experience any severe symptoms or allergic reactions, seek immediate emergency medical attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Your doctor will continue giving you Opdualag for as long as you keep benefiting from it. The treatment schedule is every 4 weeks, and your healthcare provider will do regular blood tests to monitor your progress.
Do not take any other medicines during your treatment without talking to your doctor first. Tell your doctor about all medicines you’re taking, especially immune-suppressing medicines like corticosteroids, as they may interfere with Opdualag’s effectiveness.
If you miss any scheduled appointments for your Opdualag infusion, call your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.
Do not use Opdualag if you are pregnant unless your doctor specifically tells you to, as it may harm your unborn baby. Do not breastfeed while taking Opdualag. Use effective contraception during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose.
Watch for signs of serious inflammation including: breathing difficulties, severe diarrhea or bloody stools, yellowing of skin or eyes, persistent headaches, chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or severe skin reactions. Contact your doctor immediately or go to the emergency department if you experience any of these symptoms.
Opdualag can be used in adolescents 12 years and older who weigh at least 40 kg. It is not recommended for children under 12 years of age.
Opdualag contains sugar (sucrose). If your doctor has told you that you have an intolerance to some sugars, contact your doctor before receiving this medicine.
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.