Uses

What is Yervoy used for?

Yervoy (ipilimumab) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancer.

Learn more about How Yervoy Works for Lung Cancer.

Yervoy may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.

How does Yervoy work (mechanism of action)?

Yervoy is a type of medicine called immunotherapy. Immunotherapy works by turning on the body’s own immune system so it can attack cancer cells. 

How is Yervoy supplied (dosage forms)?

Yervoy is available as an intravenous injection that is given by a healthcare provider.

How should I store Yervoy?

Yervoy is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. You will not store it at home.

Side Effects

What are the most common side effects of Yervoy?

The most common side effects of Yervoy when it is used alone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.

  • Tiredness
  • Diarrhea 
  • Weight loss 
  • Nausea and vomiting 
  • Fever 
  • Itching and rash
  • Decreased appetite 
  • Trouble sleeping 
  • Headache

There may be other side effects of Yervoy that are not listed here, and you may have additional side effects depending on whether you are using Yervoy with other medicines. Contact your healthcare provider if you think you are having a side effect of a medicine. In the U.S., you can report side effects to the FDA at www.fda.gov/medwatch or by calling 800-FDA-1088. In Canada, you can report side effects to Health Canada at www.health.gc.ca/medeffect or by calling 866-234-2345.

What are the serious side effects of Yervoy?

While less common, the most serious side effects of Yervoy are described below, along with what to do if they happen.

Severe Allergic Reactions. Yervoy may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Yervoy and get help right away if you have any of the following symptoms of a serious allergic reaction.

  • Breathing problems or wheezing
  • Racing heart
  • Fever or general ill feeling
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Swelling of the face, lips, mouth, tongue, or throat
  • Trouble swallowing or throat tightness
  • Itching, skin rash, or pale red bumps on the skin called hives
  • Nausea or vomiting
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain

Infusion Reactions. Yervoy can cause infusion reactions that can be serious and even life-threatening when it is given to you. Your infusion may need to be slowed or stopped if you have these reactions. Tell your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms when you get your infusion.

  • Shortness of breath or trouble breathing
  • Dizziness, lightheadedness, or feeling like you are about to pass out
  • Itching, rash, or flushing
  • Fever, chills, or shaking
  • Back or neck pain

Intestinal Problems. Yervoy may cause gastrointestinal problems. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have diarrhea, stools that are black, tarry, sticky, or have blood or mucus, or if you have severe stomach pain or tenderness.

Liver Damage. Liver damage (hepatotoxicity), including inflammation of the liver (hepatitis), can happen when using Yervoy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Severe nausea or vomiting
  • Stomach or belly pain on the right side
  • Your skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellowish in color (also called jaundice)
  • Dark-colored urine (pee)
  • Bruising or bleeding more than normal

Skin Problems. Yervoy can cause severe skin reactions. Get emergency help right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Rash
  • Itching
  • Painful red or purple skin that looks burned and peels off
  • Flat red rash or blisters on your skin, mouth, nose, and genitals

Lung Problems. Yervoy may cause serious lung problems, such as pneumonitis. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have shortness of breath, chest pain, or a new or worsening cough.

Hormone Gland Problems. You may have problems with some of your hormones while using Yervoy. This could lead to problems such as high or low thyroid levels, diabetes, or problems with your adrenal glands. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms.

  • Headaches that will not go away or headaches that are different than normal
  • Eye problems or sensitivity to light
  • Fast heartbeat
  • Sweating more than usual
  • Extreme tiredness
  • Weight gain or loss
  • Feeling more hungry or thirsty than usual
  • Feeling like you have to pee more often
  • Hair loss
  • Constipation
  • Feeling cold
  • Dizziness, feeling lightheaded, or fainting
  • Your voice sounding deeper
  • Changes in your mood or behavior, such as change in sex drive or feeling moody or anxious

Kidney Damage. Kidney damage can happen when using Yervoy. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms of kidney problems.

  • Reduced need to pee
  • Swelling in your feet, ankles, or legs
  • Loss of appetite
  • Blood in your urine (pee)

Eye Problems. Yervoy may cause certain eye problems. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have blurry or double vision, sensitivity to light, eye pain or redness, or any other changes in eyesight or vision problems. 

Problems in Other Organs or Tissues. Yervoy may cause problems in other organs or tissues in your body. Call your healthcare provider right away if you have any of the following new or worsening symptoms.

  • Irregular heartbeat, shortness of breath, or chest pain
  • Swelling of your ankles or tingling or numbness in your arms or legs
  • Confusion, problems remembering things, drowsiness, changes in your mood or behavior, or problems with your balance
  • Stiff neck
  • Constant or severe muscle pain or weakness or muscle cramps 
  • Bruising

Warnings & Precautions

Who should not use Yervoy?

Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Yervoy.

  • Yervoy
  • Ipilimumab
  • Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed

Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Yervoy.

What should I know about Yervoy before using it?

Yervoy will be given to you by a healthcare provider through an intravenous (IV) line that goes into your vein. Your healthcare provider will tell you how many treatments you will need. 

Keep all appointments to check your blood work so that your healthcare provider can check for side effects. 

Do not use Yervoy unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider. 

Yervoy will be given to you by a healthcare provider in a hospital, clinic, or infusion center. They will store and prepare the medicine for your dose.

What should I tell my healthcare provider before using Yervoy?

Tell your healthcare provider about all of your health conditions and any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using. This will help them determine if Yervoy is right for you.

In particular, make sure that you discuss any of the following.

Current and Past Health Conditions. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of the following.

Organ Transplant. Tell your healthcare provider if you have received an organ transplant. 

Stem Cell Transplant. Tell your healthcare provider if you have received or plan on receiving a stem cell transplant that uses donor cells (allogeneic).

Pregnancy. Yervoy may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Yervoy and for 3 months after your last dose. If you become pregnant while using Yervoy, contact your healthcare provider right away. You or your healthcare provider should contact the manufacturer by calling 844-593-7869 as soon as you know you are pregnant. 

Breastfeeding. It is not known if Yervoy passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Yervoy and for 3 months after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed. 

How can I get more information about Yervoy?

For more information about Yervoy, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.opdivo.com or call them at 855-493-7869.

Interactions

Does Yervoy interact with foods or drinks?

There are no known interactions between Yervoy and foods or drinks.

It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Yervoy.

Does Yervoy interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?

There are no known interactions between Yervoy and other medicines. Always tell your healthcare provider about any prescription or over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, vitamins/minerals, herbal products, and other supplements you are using.

Does Yervoy (ipilimumab) interact with other drugs you are taking?
Enter your medication into the WebMD interaction checker

Overdose/Missed Dose

What should I do if I accidentally use too much Yervoy?

If you or someone else has used too much Yervoy, get medical help right away, call 911, or contact a Poison Control center at 800-222-1222.

What should I do if I miss a dose of Yervoy?

Yervoy is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Yervoy as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Yervoy dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.

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