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 Yervoy (Ipilimumab).
Autoimmune illnesses: If you have an autoimmune disease, such as Lupus or inflammatory bowel disease, using Yervoy (Ipilimumab) may make the condition worse by stimulating your immune system. Yervoy (Ipilimumab) is not intended for use by people with autoimmune disorders.
Drowsiness/reduced alertness: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) may cause tiredness or fatigue, affecting your ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these and other hazardous tasks until you have determined how Yervoy (Ipilimumab) affects you.
Immune system reactions: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) can cause inflammation to many parts of the body, including the stomach, liver, skin, nerves, hormone glands (e.g. pituitary, adrenal, Thyroid), and eyes. This may occur during treatment and up to several months after your last infusion. It is important that you contact your doctor as soon as possible about any concerning side effects.
Immunosuppressant medications: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) works by stimulating the immune system. If you have had an organ transplant, Yervoy (Ipilimumab) may cause your body to reject the organ. Yervoy (Ipilimumab) is not intended for use by people who are taking immunosuppressants.
Infusion reactions: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) can cause a hypersensitivity or 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.
Liver function: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) may cause liver damage or reduced liver function. 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 immediately.
Medication-related diarrhea: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) can cause inflammation to many parts of the body, including the digestive system. This condition, known as enterocolitis, can become life threatening if it is not treated quickly. If you experience diarrhea with mucus or blood in the stool, contact your doctor as soon as possible.
Pregnancy: Yervoy (Ipilimumab) may cause harm to a developing baby if the mother uses Yervoy (Ipilimumab) during pregnancy. Yervoy (Ipilimumab) should not be used during pregnancy unless the benefits outweigh the risks. If you become pregnant while taking Yervoy (Ipilimumab), contact your doctor immediately.
Women who may become pregnant should use effective birth control during treatment and for 3 months after the last dose.
Breast-feeding: It is not known if Yervoy (Ipilimumab) passes into breast milk. If you are breast-feeding and are taking Yervoy (Ipilimumab), it may affect your baby. Talk to your doctor about whether you should continue breast-feeding.
Children: The safety and effectiveness of using Yervoy (Ipilimumab) have not been established for children.
