Uses
What is Opdivo used for?
Opdivo (nivolumab) is commonly used to treat the following types of cancers.
- A type of skin cancer called melanoma
- A type of lung cancer called non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- A type of cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall called malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
- A blood cancer called classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Head and neck cancer (squamous cell carcinoma)
- Cancer of the lining of the urinary tract (urothelial carcinoma)
- Colon or rectal cancer (colorectal cancer)
- Liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma)
- Esophageal cancer
- Cancer of the stomach (gastric cancer), cancer where the esophagus joins the stomach (gastroesophageal junction cancer), and esophageal adenocarcinoma
Learn more about How Opdivo Works for Lung Cancer.
Opdivo may also be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
How does Opdivo work (mechanism of action)?
Opdivo 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 Opdivo supplied (dosage forms)?
Opdivo is available in an injectable form that is given by a healthcare provider.
How should I store Opdivo?
Opdivo 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 Opdivo?
The most common side effects of Opdivo when it is used alone are listed below. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any of these side effects that bother you.
- Pain in your muscles, bones, and joints
- Itchy skin or rash
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Weakness or feeling tired
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Decreased appetite
- Infection in the nose or throat, sore throat, or common cold symptoms
- Fever
- Headache
- Stomach or back pain
- Kidney or bladder infection
There may be other side effects of Opdivo that are not listed here, and you may have additional side effects depending on whether you are using Opdivo 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 Opdivo?
While less common, the most serious side effects of Opdivo are described below, along with what to do if they happen.
Severe Allergic Reactions. Opdivo may cause allergic reactions, which can be serious. Stop using Opdivo 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. Opdivo 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
Lung Problems. Opdivo 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.
Intestinal Problems. Opdivo 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 Opdivo. 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
Hormone Gland Problems. You may have problems with some of your hormones while using Opdivo. 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 Opdivo. 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)
Skin Problems. Opdivo 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, or genitals
Problems in Other Organs or Tissues. Opdivo 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
- Double or blurry vision, other changes to your eyesight including sensitivity to light, or eye pain
- Constant or severe muscle pain or weakness or muscle cramps
- Bruising
Warnings & Precautions
Who should not use Opdivo?
Allergies to Ingredients. People who are allergic to any of the following should not use Opdivo.
- Opdivo
- Nivolumab
- Any of the ingredients in the specific product dispensed
Your pharmacist can tell you all of the ingredients in Opdivo.
What should I know about Opdivo before using it?
Opdivo 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 Opdivo unless it has been prescribed to you by a healthcare provider.
Opdivo 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 Opdivo?
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 Opdivo 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.
- Immune system problems, such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus
- Nervous system problems, such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome
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).
Radiation and Other Treatments. Tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had radiation treatment to your chest area in the past. Also tell them if you have used other medicines that are similar to Opdivo.
Pregnancy. Opdivo may cause harm to an unborn baby. Tell your healthcare provider if you are or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant, stop using Opdivo right away and contact your healthcare provider. If you can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control while using Opdivo and for at least 5 months after your last dose.
Breastfeeding. It is not known if Opdivo passes into breast milk. Do not breastfeed while using Opdivo and for 5 months after your last dose. Tell your healthcare provider if you are breastfeeding or plan to breastfeed.
How can I get more information about Opdivo?
For more information about Opdivo, you can visit the manufacturer’s website at www.opdivo.com or call them at 855-673-4861.
Interactions
Does Opdivo interact with foods or drinks?
There are no known interactions between Opdivo and foods or drinks.
It is unknown if drinking alcohol will affect Opdivo.
Does Opdivo interact with other medicines (drug interactions)?
There are no known interactions between Opdivo 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.
Overdose/Missed Dose
What should I do if I accidentally use too much Opdivo?
If you or someone else has used too much Opdivo, 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 Opdivo?
Opdivo is usually given by a healthcare provider in a hospital or clinic. Your healthcare provider will make sure you are receiving Opdivo as scheduled. If you miss an appointment to get your Opdivo dose, call to make another appointment as soon as possible.