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Opdivo

Opdivo

(nivolumab)

Opdivo (Nivolumab) belongs to the group of cancer-fighting medications known as antineoplastics. It is a monoclonal antibody that recognizes and attaches to certain types of cancer cells.

Available form

Dosage

Injectable

10MG/ML

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Opdivo information

Dosage

Side Effects

Available Form

Contraindications

Precautions

Warnings

The recommended dose and treatment schedule for Opdivo (Nivolumab) is based on body weight and also depends on the type of cancer being treated. It is given by intravenous (into a vein) infusion, usually into a specially prepared site on the skin.

Very careful handling of Opdivo (Nivolumab) is required, and it is always given in a hospital or similar setting with access to sterile equipment for preparation of the medication and facilities to treat medical emergencies, such as infusion reactions.

Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.

It is important Opdivo (Nivolumab) be given exactly as recommended by your doctor. If you miss an appointment to receive Opdivo (Nivolumab), contact your doctor as soon as possible to reschedule your appointment.

Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.

Many medications can cause side effects. A side effect is an unwanted response to a medication when it is taken in normal doses. Side effects can be mild or severe, temporary or permanent.

The side effects listed below are not experienced by everyone who takes Opdivo (Nivolumab). If you are concerned about side effects, discuss the risks and benefits of Opdivo (Nivolumab) with your doctor.

The following side effects have been reported by at least 1% of people taking Opdivo (Nivolumab). Many of these side effects can be managed, and some may go away on their own over time.

Contact your doctor if you experience these side effects and they are severe or bothersome. Your pharmacist may be able to advise you on managing side effects.

decreased appetite
decreased interest in sexual activity
Headaches
heartburn or indigestion
itchiness
nausea
rash
unusual tiredness or sleepiness
vomiting
weakness
weight changes

Although most of the side effects listed below don't happen very often, they could lead to serious problems if you do not seek medical attention.

Check with your doctor as soon as possible if any of the following side effects occur:

abdominal pain
confusion
Diarrhea
dizziness or fainting
irritability
kidney problems (e.g., decreased urine output, blood in urine, swollen ankles, loss of appetite)
memory problems
numbness or tingling in hands or feet
persistent headache
signs of Anemia (low red blood cells; e.g., pale skin, unusual tiredness or weakness)
signs of bleeding (e.g., unusual nosebleeds, bruising, blood in urine, coughing blood, bleeding gums, cuts that don't stop bleeding)
signs of bowel inflammation (e.g., Fever that appears after starting the medication, watery and severe diarrhea [may also be bloody])
signs of electrolyte imbalance (e.g., muscle pain or cramps, weakness, irregular heartbeat, lack of coordination, thirst, confusion)
signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain; e.g., headache, fever, tiredness or weakness, confusion, memory problems, sleepiness, seizures, stiff neck)
signs of infection (symptoms may include fever or chills, severe diarrhea, shortness of breath, prolonged dizziness, headache, stiff neck, weight loss, or listlessness)
signs of liver problems (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools)
signs of muscle inflammation or damage (e.g., unexplained muscle pain, tenderness or weakness, or brown or discoloured urine)
swollen lymph nodes
symptoms of high blood sugar (e.g., frequent urination, increased thirst, excessive eating, unexplained weight loss, poor wound healing, infections, fruity breath odour)
symptoms of lung problems (e.g., inflammation of the lung, trouble breathing, shortness of breath, cough, fever)
symptoms of Thyroid gland changes (e.g., tiredness, weight changes, heart rate changes, sweating)
vision changes

Stop taking the medication and seek immediate medical attention if any of the following occur:

chest pain
irregular heartbeat or palpitations
signs of pancreatitis (e.g., abdominal pain on the upper left side, back pain, nausea, fever, chills, rapid heartbeat, swollen abdomen)
signs of a serious allergic reaction (e.g., abdominal cramps, difficulty breathing, nausea and vomiting, or swelling of the face and throat)
signs of a severe skin reaction such as blistering, peeling, a rash covering a large area of the body, a rash that spreads quickly, or a rash combined with fever or discomfort
symptoms of an infusion reaction (e.g., chills or shaking, itching or rash, flushing, difficulty breathing, dizziness, fever, lightheadedness)

Some people may experience side effects other than those listed. Check with your doctor if you notice any symptom that worries you while you are taking Opdivo (Nivolumab).

Before you begin using a medication, be sure to inform your doctor of any medical conditions or Allergies you may have, any medications you are taking, whether you are pregnant or breast-feeding, and any other significant facts about your health. These factors may affect how you should use Opdivo (Nivolumab).

Blood counts: Opdivo (Nivolumab) can decrease the number of neutrophils (a type of white blood cell that helps fight infection), red blood cells (which carry oxygen), and platelets (which help your blood to clot). Your doctor will do blood tests to monitor this. If you notice any signs of infection (e.g., fever, chills, or sore throat) or unusual bleeding or bruising, contact your doctor immediately.

Diabetes: Opdivo (Nivolumab) may cause a loss of blood glucose control and glucose tolerance may change. People with diabetes may find it necessary to monitor their blood sugar more frequently while using Opdivo (Nivolumab).

If you have diabetes or are at risk for developing diabetes, discuss with your doctor how Opdivo (Nivolumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Opdivo (Nivolumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Digestive tract problems: People receiving Opdivo (Nivolumab) have experienced severe diarrhea or inflammation of the bowel. If you have a history of ulcers or Diverticulitis, discuss with your doctor how Opdivo (Nivolumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Opdivo (Nivolumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Gastrointestinal problems can cause diarrhea that may lead to dehydration (loss of too much water from the body). If you experience severe diarrhea for more than a day, or if you have diarrhea along with fever, decreased urination, dizziness, or a fast heartbeat, contact your doctor immediately.

If you experience signs of bleeding in the digestive tract, such as blood in the stool, or stools with a coffee-ground texture, contact your doctor immediately.

Heart problems: Opdivo (Nivolumab) can cause inflammation of the heart muscle. If you experience symptoms of chest pain, irregular heartbeat, or a pounding heartbeat, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Infusion reactions: Opdivo (Nivolumab) can cause a hypersensitivity or an infusion reaction. Symptoms of this type of reaction generally appear during the infusion of the medication and may include flushing, chest pain, shortness of breath, and a dramatic drop in blood pressure. These reactions can cause death if a health care provider is not informed immediately. If you experience any of these symptoms, or notice them happening to someone, let your nurse or doctor know immediately.

Kidney function: Opdivo (Nivolumab) can cause decreased kidney function or kidney failure. If you experience puffy hands, face, or feet; high blood pressure; unusual muscle cramping; or darkened urine, Opdivo (Nivolumab) may be affecting how well your kidneys are working. If you notice any of these symptoms, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Liver function: Opdivo (Nivolumab) may reduce liver function and can cause liver failure. If you have liver problems, discuss with your doctor how Opdivo (Nivolumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Opdivo (Nivolumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed. If you experience symptoms of liver problems such as fatigue, feeling unwell, loss of appetite, nausea, yellowing of the skin or whites of the eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal pain or swelling, and itchy skin, contact your doctor as soon as possible.

Your doctor may want to test your liver function regularly with blood tests while you are taking Opdivo (Nivolumab).

Lung problems: Opdivo (Nivolumab) and similar medications can cause lung problems. If you experience difficulty breathing or shortness of breath while you are taking Opdivo (Nivolumab), contact your doctor immediately.

If you have or have had interstitial pneumonitis (swelling of the lungs causing cough and difficulty breathing) or Pulmonary Fibrosis (scarring and thickening in the lungs with shortness of breath), discuss with your doctor how Opdivo (Nivolumab) may affect your medical condition, how your medical condition may affect the dosing and effectiveness of Opdivo (Nivolumab), and whether any special monitoring is needed.

Skin reactions: Opdivo (Nivolumab) commonly causes skin reactions. Some of these reactions can be severe. If you experience skin redness, itching, rash, peeling, cracks, dryness, or swelling and inflammation around the nails, contact your doctor. Since sunlight may worsen skin reactions caused by Opdivo (Nivolumab), wear sunscreen and a hat and limit sun exposure.

Swelling in the brain: Although uncommon, Opdivo (Nivolumab) can cause inflammation and swelling in the brain (encephalitis). If you experience headache, fever, confusion, hallucinations, seizures, or a stiff neck, get immediate medical help.

Thyroid problems: Some people taking Opdivo (Nivolumab) develop changes in the function of their thyroid. Symptoms of these changes include feeling cold or hot all the time, a change in weight (gain or loss) without a change in your diet or amount of exercise you get, feeling emotional, tiredness, or having trouble sleeping. Contact your doctor if you experience these symptoms.

Pregnancy: Opdivo (Nivolumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Opdivo (Nivolumab), contact your doctor immediately.

A reliable method of birth control should always be used throughout the course of treatment with Opdivo (Nivolumab) and for 5 months after the last dose.

Breast-feeding: It is not known if Opdivo (Nivolumab) passes into breast milk. If you are a breast-feeding mother and are taking Opdivo (Nivolumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.

Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Opdivo (Nivolumab) have not been established for children.

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