Opdivo is a brand-name drug prescribed to treat certain types of cancer. Opdivo contains the active ingredient nivolumab and is a type of immunotherapy drug called a monoclonal antibody.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Opdivo for use in adults with certain types of the following cancers:

Opdivo is also approved for use in children ages 12 years and older with certain types of skin cancer and colorectal cancer.

Depending on the type of cancer being treated, Opdivo may be used alone or in combination with other treatments, such as chemotherapy.

Drug details

Here you’ll find key information about Opdivo.

  • Drug class: programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors
  • Drug form: intravenous (IV) infusion
  • Generic or biosimilar available? no
  • Prescription required? yes
  • Controlled substance? no
  • Year of FDA approval: 2014
  • Accelerated approval? yes (for certain liver and colorectal cancers, and classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma)

Opdivo vs. Opdivo Qvantig

Another drug that’s similar to Opdivo, called Opdivo Qvantig, is available. In addition to nivolumab, Opdivo Qvantig contains a second active ingredient, hyaluronidase-nvhy.

While Opdivo is given by intravenous (IV) infusion, Opdivo Qvantig is given as a subcutaneous injection. A subcutaneous injection is faster to administer than an IV infusion. The FDA has approved Opdivo Qvantig to treat some, but not all, of the same cancers as Opdivo.

This article focuses only on Opdivo. To learn more about Opdivo Qvantig, talk with your doctor.

Opdivo is available only as a brand-name medication. It’s not currently available in biosimilar form.

A biosimilar is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic drug, referred to as the parent drug. Opdivo is a biologic medication, which is also called a biologic.

Biologic drugs are made from living cells. It’s not possible to copy these drugs exactly. A generic, on the other hand, refers to drugs made from chemicals. A generic contains exactly the same active ingredient in a brand-name medication. Biosimilars are considered to be just as safe and effective as their parent drug. And like generics, biosimilars tend to cost less than brand-name medications.

Opdivo can cause mild or serious side effects. The following lists contain some of the key side effects that may occur while using Opdivo. These lists do not include all possible side effects.

For more information on the possible side effects of Opdivo, talk with your doctor or pharmacist. They can give you tips on how to deal with any side effects that may be bothersome.

Note: After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. Sharing your experience helps make medications safer for everyone by giving doctors and researchers more information about how the drug works in real life. If you develop a side effect while taking Opdivo and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call -800-FDA-1088 (800-332-1088).

More common side effects

The more common side effects of Opdivo can include:

For more information on some of these side effects, see the “Side effect details” section later in this article.

Most of these side effects may go away within a few days or a couple of weeks. If they’re more severe or don’t go away, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Serious side effects

Serious side effects from Opdivo can occur. Call your doctor right away if you have serious side effects. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Serious side effects and their symptoms can include the following:

  • Hepatitis (inflammation in your liver). Symptoms can include:
    • nausea
    • vomiting
    • loss of appetite
    • itchiness
    • jaundice
  • Hormonal problems, including changes in thyroid hormone and cortisol levels. Symptoms can include:
    • fatigue
    • loss of appetite
    • weight loss
    • weakness
    • difficulty sleeping
  • Type 1 diabetes. Symptoms can include:
    • feeling very hungry or thirsty
    • fatigue
    • urinating more often than usual
    • weight loss
  • Kidney damage. Symptoms can include:
    • decreased urine output
    • nausea or vomiting
    • swelling in your legs and feet
    • blood in your urine
  • Severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome. Symptoms can include:
    • severe rash
    • discolored skin
    • blisters on your skin
    • pus-filled lesions on your skin
  • Encephalitis (swelling in your brain). Symptoms can include:
    • headache
    • fever
    • sensitivity to light
    • weakness
    • confusion
    • seizures
  • Infusion reactions (reactions that occur during or shortly after you receive a drug by intravenous [IV] infusion). Symptoms can include:
  • Immune system reaction (when your immune system attacks your organs). This can cause swelling in other parts of your body, including your:
    • muscles
    • heart
    • nerves
    • stomach
    • eyes

Other serious side effects, which are discussed in detail in the next section, include:

Side effect details

You may wonder how often certain side effects occur with this drug. Here’s some detail on several of the side effects this drug may cause.

Allergic reaction

As with most drugs, some people can have an allergic reaction after using Opdivo. It’s not known how many people have had allergic reactions to Opdivo. Symptoms of a mild allergic reaction can include:

A more severe allergic reaction is rare but possible. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction can include:

  • swelling under your skin, typically in your eyelids, lips, hands, or feet
  • swelling of your tongue, mouth, or throat
  • difficulty breathing

Call your doctor right away if you have a severe allergic reaction to Opdivo. Call 911 if your symptoms feel life threatening or if you think you’re having a medical emergency.

Pneumonitis

Pneumonitis (inflammation in your lungs) is a serious, and possibly life threatening, side effect of Opdivo. Symptoms of pneumonitis include:

  • fever
  • muscle or joint pain
  • chills
  • dry cough
  • tightness in your chest
  • fatigue

If you have pneumonitis, you may need to take corticosteroids (such as prednisone) to reduce the inflammation in your lungs. You may also need to stop receiving Opdivo for a while until your symptoms go away. If you have severe pneumonitis while you’re receiving Opdivo, your doctor may recommend that you permanently stop Opdivo treatment.

Diarrhea

You may have diarrhea while you’re using Opdivo. This is one of the more common side effects of the drug.

If you have diarrhea while you’re using Opdivo, tell your doctor. They can recommend ways to reduce this side effect. They can also recommend ways to prevent dehydration (low fluid level in your body), which can be caused by diarrhea.

Diarrhea may be a symptom of colitis (see “Colitis” next). This condition is a serious side effect of Opdivo.

Tell your doctor right away if you have severe diarrhea (diarrhea that’s painful or doesn’t stop). Your doctor may stop your Opdivo treatment for a while to allow your colon to heal. If your diarrhea is very severe, your doctor may stop your Opdivo treatment permanently.

Colitis

Colitis (inflammation in your intestines) is a serious side effect of Opdivo. This condition can occur when your immune system attacks the lining of your colon by mistake. This causes diarrhea and swelling in your colon.

Symptoms of colitis include:

  • abdominal pain and cramps
  • bloating
  • diarrhea, with or without blood in it
  • blood in your stool
  • urgent need to move your bowels
  • weight loss

If you develop colitis while you’re receiving Opdivo, you may need to take corticosteroids, such as prednisone. You may also need to stop Opdivo treatment until your symptoms go away. If you have severe colitis, your doctor may recommend that you permanently stop Opdivo treatment.

If you have concerning symptoms of diarrhea and abdominal pain, talk with your doctor right away.

Back pain

You may have back pain while you’re using Opdivo. This is a common side effect of the drug.

Muscle pain and bone pain were also commonly reported in clinical trials.

The percentage of people who had muscle or bone pain during Opdivo treatment varied depending on whether Opdivo was used in combination with other drugs. It also differed depending on which condition Opdivo was being used to treat.

If you have back pain while you’re receiving Opdivo, talk with your doctor about ways to treat your pain.

Nausea

You may have nausea while you’re using Opdivo. This is a common side effect of the drug.

In clinical trials, the number of people who had nausea varied depending on which condition Opdivo was used to treat, and whether the drug was being used in combination with other treatments.

If you have nausea while you’re receiving Opdivo, talk with your doctor about ways to manage this side effect. You may also want to try some home remedies that could help ease this side effect.

Cough

You may develop a cough while you’re using Opdivo. Cough is one of the common side effects of Opdivo.

If you have a cough while you’re using Opdivo, talk with your doctor. They’ll check to make sure that your cough isn’t a symptom of a more serious side effect, including pneumonitis. (See the “Pneumonitis” section earlier in this article.) Your doctor can also recommend ways to help relieve this side effect.

Shortness of breath

You may have shortness of breath while you’re using Opdivo. This is a common side effect of the drug.

If you have shortness of breath while you’re receiving Opdivo, talk with your doctor. They’ll check to make sure that your shortness of breath isn’t a symptom of a more serious side effect, including pneumonitis. (See the “Pneumonitis” section earlier in this article.) Your doctor can also recommend ways to improve the quality of your breathing.

Headache

You may have headaches while you’re using Opdivo.

If you have headaches while you’re using Opdivo, talk with your doctor. They can recommend safe ways to treat your headaches, such as over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers. Examples of OTC pain relievers include acetaminophen (Tylenol) and ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin).

Side effects in children

Side effects in children are expected to be similar to side effects in adults, when Opdivo is used to treat certain skin or colorectal cancers. These are the only conditions that Opdivo is approved to treat in children.

However, there haven’t been any clinical trials testing the safety of Opdivo or how often side effects occur in children using the drug.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves prescription drugs such as Opdivo to treat certain conditions. Here you’ll find information on Opdivo for treating certain types of lung cancer. To learn more about Opdivo’s use for this condition, see this Opdivo for lung cancer article. And you can find more information about this condition in our lung cancer hub.

Opdivo for non-small cell lung cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat certain types of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), as described in the following text.

Opdivo for metastatic NSCLC

Doctors may prescribe Opdivo for NSCLC that’s metastatic (has spread from the lungs to other parts of the body).

It’s approved for use in adults whose NSCLC has gotten worse during or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. Examples include cisplatin and carboplatin.

Some people’s NSCLC has certain genetic changes, either EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements. People with these genetic changes need to receive medication that’s FDA approved to treat that specific type of cancer before they use Opdivo. In addition, the cancer must have worsened during or after treatment with those drugs before they can receive Opdivo.

Opdivo is also approved for previously untreated NSCLC that is metastatic and has a high level of protein called PD-L1 on the surface. For this use, the cancer must not have EGFR or ALK genetic changes. To treat this type of cancer, doctors prescribe Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy).

The drug may also be used for previously untreated NSCLC that is metastatic or recurrent (comes back) in combination with ipilimumab and certain chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin. For this use, the cancer must not have EGFR or ALK genetic changes.

Opdivo for resectable NSCLC

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat NSCLC that’s resectable (can be removed by surgery) in adults. For this purpose, doctors prescribe the drug in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs prior to surgery to help shrink tumors. Examples of such chemotherapy drugs include cisplatin and carboplatin.

In addition, Opdivo is approved to treat resectable NSCLC that has no EGFR or ALK genetic changes. For this purpose, it is used with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs prior to surgery. (Treatment prior to surgery is called neoadjuvant treatment.)

Opdivo is then used on its own after surgery to kill any cancer cells that remain. (Treatment after surgery is called adjuvant treatment.)

Effectiveness for non-small cell lung cancer

In clinical trials, Opdivo has been found effective in treating the types of NSCLC just described. For details about these trials, see Opdivo’s prescribing information.

In addition to treating lung cancer (described in the section “Opdivo for lung cancer“), the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has also approved Opdivo to treat other conditions. Opdivo may also be prescribed off-label for other conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Effectiveness of Opdivo for certain cancers

Clinical trials have shown Opdivo to be effective for the cancers the FDA has approved the drug to treat. For more information, see the drug’s prescribing information.

Some of the uses for Opdivo described in the following text received accelerated approval from the FDA.

The FDA may grant accelerated approval to a drug that shows promise for treating certain conditions. This would be based on information from early studies. The FDA’s decision for full approval will be made after additional studies are completed.

Opdivo for liver cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat hepatocellular (liver) cancer in adults when used in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy). Doctors prescribe it for people who have taken the drug sorafenib (Nexavar) in the past to treat their liver cancer.

For this use, Opdivo received accelerated approval from the FDA.

To learn more about this condition, see our list of liver cancer articles.

Opdivo for kidney cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat advanced renal cell (kidney) cancer in adults.

For this purpose, Opdivo is approved for use in people who have taken anti-angiogenesis drugs in the past for their kidney cancer. These drugs block the growth of blood vessels in and around cancer cells. This prevents the cancer cells from getting nutrients and oxygen, which they need to survive.

Examples of anti-angiogenesis drugs include axitinib (Inlyta) and lenalidomide (Revlimid). In this case, you would receive Opdivo on its own.

Opdivo is also FDA approved to treat advanced renal cell cancer in adults who haven’t previously received treatment for their cancer. In this case, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with another drug. Which drug is prescribed depends on whether the kidney cancer is considered intermediate or poor risk.

Kidney cancer is considered intermediate or poor risk based on several factors. These factors include your hemoglobin levels and calcium levels.

For kidney cancer that is considered intermediate or poor risk, you would receive Opdivo with ipilimumab. Otherwise, you would receive Opdivo with cabozantinib (Cabometyx).

Opdivo for bladder cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat urothelial cancer in adults. This type of cancer starts in the cells that line your bladder, ureters, and urethra. Urothelial cancer is often called bladder cancer.

Doctors prescribe Opdivo for previously untreated bladder cancer that is either unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery) or metastatic (has spread from the bladder to other areas in the body). For this purpose, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine.

In addition, doctors may prescribe Opdivo for previously treated bladder cancer that is locally advanced (has spread to organs near the bladder) or metastatic. For this purpose, the bladder cancer has either:

  • gotten worse during or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin or carboplatin, or
  • gotten worse within 12 months of receiving platinum-based chemotherapy drugs before or after surgery

The drug is also used to help prevent certain bladder cancers from returning after surgery when there is a high risk of the cancer coming back.

Opdivo for colorectal cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat colorectal cancer (CRC). This type of cancer starts in your colon or rectum.

Opdivo is approved for use in adults and children ages 12 years and older with CRC that is all of the following:

  • is metastatic (has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body)
  • has gotten worse after treatment with certain other cancer drugs, such as oxaliplatin, irinotecan (Camptosar), and a drug that contains fluoropyrimidine, such as capecitabine (Xeloda)
  • has certain genetic changes called either microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)

Opdivo may be used on its own or in combination with ipilimumab to treat colorectal cancer.

For this use, Opdivo received accelerated approval from the FDA.

To learn more about this condition, see our list of colorectal cancer articles.

Opdivo for head and neck cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) in adults. Squamous cell cancer starts in the squamous cells (flat cells) that make up the surface of your skin, eyes, and other internal organs.

Doctors prescribe Opdivo for SCCHN that is recurrent (has come back after improving with past treatments). It’s also prescribed to treat SCCHN that is metastatic (has spread beyond the head and neck).

The FDA has approved Opdivo to treat SCCHN that has worsened during or after treatment with platinum-based chemotherapy drugs. Examples of these drugs include cisplatin and carboplatin.

To learn more about this condition, see our list of head and neck cancer articles.

Opdivo for melanoma skin cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat melanoma. Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives color to your skin). Melanoma can occur in your skin or in other parts of your body. For the types of melanoma Opdivo treats, doctors may prescribe the drug to adults and children ages 12 years and older.

To learn more about this condition, see our skin cancer hub.

Opdivo for unresectable or metastatic melanoma skin cancer

Opdivo is approved to treat melanoma that is unresectable (can’t be removed surgically). It’s also approved to treat melanoma that is metastatic (has spread from the area where it first started to other parts of your body).

For these conditions, Opdivo is approved for use on its own, or in combination with another cancer drug called ipilimumab.

Opdivo to prevent melanoma skin cancer from returning

Opdivo is also FDA approved as adjuvant treatment of melanoma. Adjuvant treatment is therapy you receive after surgery or use of other medication. The goal of adjuvant treatment is to reduce the risk of the cancer returning.

Opdivo is approved as adjuvant therapy for melanoma that is either still local but above a certain size, locally advanced, or metastatic. Opdivo is approved for this use after surgery to completely remove the cancer.

Opdivo for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma (cHL) in adults. Doctors prescribe Opdivo to treat cHL that has returned or gotten worse after treatment with either:

An autologous HSCT is a bone marrow transplant that’s done using stem cells that were harvested in the past from your own body. Stem cells work in your body to make new blood cells, which help you stay healthy as you fight off cancer.

For treating cHL, Opdivo received accelerated approval from the FDA.

Opdivo for malignant pleural mesothelioma

When used in combination with ipilimumab, Opdivo is FDA approved for previously untreated malignant pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining around the lungs) in adults. For this use, the cancer must be unresectable (cannot be removed by surgery).

Opdivo for esophageal cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat certain types of esophageal cancer in adults. This is cancer that occurs in the esophagus, the tube that connects your throat and stomach.

Doctors prescribe Opdivo to treat esophageal cancer that remains after surgery in people who have received chemotherapy and radiation therapy.

The drug is also used to treat esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) that is advanced (has spread to nearby areas) or metastatic (has spread from the area to other parts of the body). Squamous cells are flat cells that line parts of your body, including the inside of the esophagus.

For previously untreated advanced or metastatic ESCC that cannot be removed by surgery, Opdivo is used in combination with either:

  • a fluoropyrimidine drug, such as capecitabine, and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, or
  • ipilimumab

Opdivo may be used on its own to treat ESCC that is all of the following:

  • is either advanced, metastatic, or recurrent (comes back after treatment)
  • was previously treated with a fluoropyrimidine drug and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs
  • cannot be removed by surgery

Doctors may also prescribe Opdivo to treat esophageal adenocarcinoma, which is cancer in the glands of the esophagus. The adenocarcinoma must be advanced or metastatic. For treating this cancer, you ’ll receive Opdivo in combination with a fluoropyrimidine, such as capecitabine, and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.

Opdivo for gastric cancer

Opdivo is FDA approved to treat gastric cancer (stomach cancer) as well as gastroesophageal junction cancer (cancer in the area where the esophagus joins the stomach). The cancer must be advanced (has spread to nearby areas) or metastatic (has spread from the area to other parts of the body).

For treating these cancers, Opdivo is used in combination with a fluoropyrimidine, such as capecitabine, and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin.

Opdivo for other conditions

In addition to the uses listed previously, Opdivo may be used off-label. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition. And you may wonder whether Opdivo is used for certain other conditions.

Opdivo for anal cancer (off-label use)

Opdivo is not approved to treat anal cancer. However, sometimes it’s prescribed off-label for this condition.

Opdivo is recommended in treatment guidelines as a preferred option for metastatic anal cancer. It’s recommended for use after someone has received treatment with other cancer drugs.

Studies for off-label uses of Opdivo

Here are examples of some of the conditions Opdivo is being studied to treat. However, more research is needed to determine the safety and effectiveness of Opdivo treatment for each of the conditions listed.

  • Pancreatic cancer: An ongoing study is looking at Opdivo as a treatment for pancreatic cancer before or after surgery. Opdivo is being tested in combination with cyclophosphamide and an experimental vaccine for this condition.
  • Ovarian cancer: A clinical study suggests that Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab may be more effective in treating ovarian cancer than Opdivo alone.
  • Prostate cancer: A study found that Opdivo was effective in treating prostate cancer when combined with ipilimumab. It hasn’t been approved yet for this purpose, but a clinical trial is ongoing.
  • Breast cancer: Ongoing studies such as this one are looking at the effectiveness of Opdivo for treating certain forms of breast cancer.
  • Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Ongoing studies such as this one are testing Opdivo’s effectiveness in treating certain forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
  • Multiple myeloma: Opdivo is part of ongoing studies to see whether it has a role in treating multiple myeloma.

Opdivo for children

Opdivo is FDA approved for use in children ages 12 years and older with colorectal cancer that is all of the following:

  • is metastatic (has spread from the colon or rectum to other parts of the body)
  • has certain genetic changes, either microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR)
  • became worse during or after treatment with other cancer drugs

See the “Opdivo for colorectal cancer” section earlier in this article for more details about this type of cancer.

Opdivo is also approved to treat the following types of melanoma in children ages 12 years and older:

  • melanoma that can’t be removed surgically
  • melanoma that is metastatic (has spread from the area where it first started to other parts of the body)

The drug may also be prescribed as adjuvant therapy (therapy you receive after surgery or use of other medication) for melanoma in children ages 12 years and older. For this purpose, the cancer must be either still local but above a certain size, locally advanced, or metastatic. Opdivo is approved for this use after surgery to completely remove the cancer.

See “Opdivo for unresectable or metastatic melanoma skin cancer” and “Opdivo to prevent melanoma skin cancer from returning” earlier in this article for more details about Opdivo for melanoma in children.

Effectiveness in children

The effectiveness of Opdivo to treat colorectal cancer and melanoma in children hasn’t been tested in children ages 12 through 18 years. However, the drug was approved for this use in children of these ages based on clinical trials of Opdivo’s effectiveness in adults with the same condition.

Also, the cancers Opdivo treats in children are expected to be similar to such cancers in adults.

Opdivo was also approved for these used based on how the body processes the drug. Opdivo is expected to be processed in children ages 12 years and older very similarly to how it’s processed in adults.

Opdivo is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to be used in combination with ipilimumab (Yervoy) for certain types of cancer. This combination of treatment is approved to treat specific forms of the following cancers:

Learn what to expect when receiving Opdivo and Yervoy together.

Opdivo is also approved to be used in combination with a fluoropyrimidine drug, such as capecitabine (Xeloda), and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin, for specific types of esophageal cancer, gastric cancer, and colorectal cancer.

In addition, the drug is approved to be used in combination with cabozantinib (Cabometyx) for certain types of kidney cancer.

See “Opdivo for lung cancer” and “Opdivo other uses” for more details about how Opdivo is used in combination with other drugs.

Other drugs are available that can treat your type of cancer. Some may be better suited for you than others. If you’re interested in finding an alternative to Opdivo, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that may work well for you.

Note: Some of the drugs listed here are used off-label to treat these specific conditions. Off-label use is when a drug that the FDA has approved to treat one condition is used to treat a different condition.

Alternatives for non-small cell lung cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat non-small cell lung cancer include:

Alternatives for liver cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat liver cancer after it’s been treated with sorafenib (Nexavar) include:

  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • regorafenib (Stivarga)
  • cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq)
  • ramucirumab (Cyramza)

Alternatives for kidney cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat kidney cancer include:

  • axitinib (Inlyta)
  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • pazopanib (Votrient)
  • sunitinib (Sutent)
  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)
  • cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq)
  • avelumab (Bavencio)

Alternatives for bladder cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat bladder cancer include:

  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • atezolizumab (Tecentriq)
  • durvalumab (Imfinzi)
  • avelumab (Bavencio)
  • erdafitinib (Balversa)
  • paclitaxel (Abraxane)
  • docetaxel (Taxotere)
  • gemcitabine

Alternatives for colorectal cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat colorectal cancer that has certain gene changes (either microsatellite instability-high [MSI-H] or mismatch repair deficient [dMMR]) include:

  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)

Alternatives for head and neck cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat squamous cell head and neck cancer include:

  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • cisplatin
  • carboplatin
  • cetuximab (Erbitux)
  • docetaxel (Taxotere)
  • paclitaxel (Abraxane)

Alternatives for melanoma skin cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat melanoma include:

  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • dabrafenib (Tafinlar)
  • trametinib (Mekinist)
  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)

Alternatives for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:

Alternatives for mesothelioma

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat mesothelioma include:

  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)
  • pemetrexed (Alimta)

Alternatives for esophageal cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat esophageal cancer include:

  • capecitabine (Xeloda)
  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)
  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)

Alternatives for gastric cancer

Examples of other drugs that may be used to treat gastric cancer include:

  • capecitabine (Xeloda)
  • ramucirumab (Cyramza)
  • docetaxel (Taxotere)
  • ipilimumab (Yervoy)
  • pembrolizumab (Keytruda)
  • trastuzumab (Herceptin)
  • fluorouracil
  • doxorubicin hydrochloride
  • trifluridine/tipiracil hydrochloride (Lonsurf)
  • fam-trastuzumab deruxtecan-nxki (Enhertu)

You may wonder how Opdivo compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Opdivo and Keytruda are alike and different.

Uses

Opdivo and Keytruda are both approved to treat certain forms of the following types of cancer in adults.

Opdivo is also approved to treat mesothelioma in adults. Keytruda is also approved to treat several other types of cancer, including certain forms of the following cancers in adults.

  • primary mediastinal large B-cell lymphoma (a type of blood cancer)
  • cervical cancer
  • Merkel cell cancer (a type of skin cancer)
  • certain unresectable or metastatic solid tumors

Both drugs are approved to treat colorectal cancer and melanoma in some children. Keytruda is also approved to treat other types of cancer in some children.

Drug forms and administration

Opdivo contains the drug nivolumab. Keytruda contains the drug pembrolizumab.

Opdivo and Keytruda each come as a liquid solution. They’re given by intravenous (IV) infusion. The infusions for each drug last about 30 minutes, and they’re given in a healthcare facility.

A healthcare professional will administer Opdivo infusions every 2, 3, or 4 weeks. Your infusion schedule will depend on the condition you’re using Opdivo to treat and the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Keytruda infusions are given every 3 weeks or every 6 weeks, depending on the dosage your doctor prescribes.

Side effects and risks

Opdivo and Keytruda contain monoclonal antibodies. Both medications can cause very similar side effects. The following text gives examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

This list contains examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Opdivo and Keytruda, when they’re taken individually:

  • fatigue
  • muscle, joint, or bone pain
  • loss of appetite
  • diarrhea
  • itchiness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • skin rash
  • fever
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • constipation
  • abdominal or back pain
  • headache
  • weakness
  • upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • weight loss

Serious side effects

This list contains examples of serious side effects that can occur with both Opdivo and Keytruda, when they’re taken individually:

  • colitis (inflammation in your intestines)
  • pneumonitis (inflammation in your lungs)
  • hepatitis (inflammation in your liver)
  • hormonal problems, including changes in your thyroid hormone and cortisol levels
  • type 1 diabetes
  • kidney damage
  • severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • encephalitis (swelling in your brain)
  • infusion reactions (reactions that occur during or shortly after you receive a drug infusion)
  • immune system reaction (when your immune system attacks your organs), which can cause swelling in other parts of your body, including your muscles, heart, nerves, stomach, and eyes

Effectiveness

Opdivo and Keytruda have different approved uses, but they’re both used to treat the following conditions.

  • skin cancer
  • non-small cell lung cancer
  • squamous cell head and neck cancer
  • classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma
  • bladder cancer
  • colorectal cancer
  • liver cancer
  • kidney cancer
  • gastric cancer
  • esophageal cancer

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. But separate clinical trials have found both Opdivo and Keytruda to be effective for treating these conditions.

Costs

Opdivo and Keytruda are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms of either drug, both of which are biologic medications. (Biologics are made from living cells. A biosimilar is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic.) Brand-name biologics usually cost more than biosimilars.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the medical facility where you receive your drug infusions.

You may wonder how Opdivo compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. Here we look at how Opdivo and Tecentriq are alike and different.

Uses

Opdivo and Tecentriq are both approved to treat certain forms of the following types of cancer in adults:

Opdivo is also approved to treat certain forms of the following cancers in adults:

In addition, Opdivo is approved to treat some children with certain forms of colorectal cancer and melanoma.

Tecentriq is also approved to treat:

  • a certain type of small cell lung cancer in adults
  • a certain form of soft tissue cancer in adults and some children.

Drug forms and administration

Opdivo contains the drug nivolumab. Tecentriq contains the drug atezolizumab.

Opdivo and Tecentriq each come as a liquid solution. They’re given as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

A healthcare professional will administer Opdivo infusions every 2, 3, or 4 weeks. These infusions last about 30 minutes.

Tecentriq infusions are given every 2, 3, or 4 weeks. These infusions last either 30 or 60 minutes.

Your schedule for infusions of either drug will depend on the condition you’re using the drug to treat.

Side effects and risks

Opdivo and Tecentriq both contain monoclonal antibodies. Both medications can cause some similar side effects and some different side effects. The following text gives examples of these side effects.

More common side effects

These lists contain examples of more common side effects that can occur with both Opdivo and Tecentriq, when they’re taken individually.

  • headache
  • muscle, joint, or bone pain
  • upper respiratory infections, such as the common cold
  • weight loss
  • anemia (low red blood cell level)
  • swelling in your feet, lower legs, and hands
  • urinary tract infection (UTI)
  • fatigue
  • weakness
  • nausea or vomiting
  • cough
  • shortness of breath
  • loss of appetite
  • abdominal or back pain
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • skin rash
  • itchiness
  • fever

Serious side effects

These lists contain examples of serious side effects that can occur with Opdivo, with Tecentriq, or with both drugs (when taken individually).

  • Can occur with Opdivo:
  • Can occur with Tecentriq:
  • Can occur with both Opdivo and Tecentriq:
    • colitis (inflammation in your intestines)
    • pneumonitis (inflammation in your lungs)
    • hepatitis (inflammation in your liver)
    • hormonal problems, including changes in your thyroid hormone and cortisol levels
    • type 1 diabetes
    • infusion reactions (reactions that occur during or shortly after you receive a drug infusion)
    • immune system reaction (when your immune system attacks your organs), which can cause swelling in other parts of your body, including your muscles, heart, nerves, stomach, and eyes
    • encephalitis (swelling in your brain)
    • kidney damage
    • severe skin reactions, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome

Effectiveness

Opdivo and Tecentriq have different approved uses, but they’re both used to treat certain forms of the following conditions:

  • non-small cell lung cancer
  • melanoma
  • liver cancer

These drugs haven’t been directly compared in clinical trials. But separate clinical trials have found both Opdivo and Tecentriq to be effective for treating these conditions.

Costs

Opdivo and Tecentriq are both brand-name drugs. There are currently no biosimilar forms of either drug, both of which are biologic medications. (Biologics are made from living cells. A biosimilar is a drug that’s similar to a brand-name biologic.) Brand-name biologics usually cost more than biosimilars.

The actual price you’ll pay for either drug depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the medical facility where you receive your drug infusions.

The Opdivo dosage your doctor prescribes will depend on several factors. These include:

  • the condition you’re using Opdivo to treat
  • your treatment schedule (how often you’re receiving Opdivo)
  • whether you’re receiving Opdivo in combination with another drug, such as ipilimumab (Yervoy)
  • your weight

The following information describes dosages that are commonly used or recommended. However, be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to suit your needs.

For more information about Opdivo’s dosage, see this Opdivo dosage guide.

Drug forms and strengths

Opdivo contains the active ingredient nivolumab. It comes as a liquid solution inside vials. The vials contain 10 milligrams (mg) of drug in every milliliter (mL) of solution.

A healthcare professional will give Opdivo as an intravenous (IV) infusion.

Opdivo infusions typically last for 30 minutes. You’ll receive them at a healthcare professional’s office or clinic.

Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for NSCLC when Opdivo is used with other drugs

The usual Opdivo dosage when it’s used in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs, ipilimumab, or both to treat NSCLC is 360 mg every 3 weeks.

Ipilimumab is given every 6 weeks. If your doctor prescribes chemotherapy with ipilimumab, you would receive the chemotherapy drugs for two cycles.

For treating NSCLC as part of neoadjuvant treatment (treatment before surgery), you would receive platinum-based chemotherapy drugs for three cycles.

If your doctor prescribes Opdivo as both neoadjuvant treatment and adjuvant treatment (treatment after surgery), you would receive platinum-based chemotherapy drugs for up to four cycles before surgery. After surgery, you would receive Opdivo alone at a dosage of 480 mg every 4 weeks.

Dosage for liver cancer

To treat liver cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

Your first four doses of Opdivo depend on your weight. The usual dosage is 1 mg of drug per kilogram (kg), or about 2.2 pounds (lb), of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

For example, if a person weighs 68 kg (about 150 lb), their dose would be 1 mg of drug multiplied by 68 kg. This equals 68 mg of Opdivo, which is given every 3 weeks for the first four doses.

After that, you’ll receive Opdivo alone. The usual dosage of Opdivo is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for kidney cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for kidney cancer is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for kidney cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with other drugs

To treat certain types of kidney cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

Your first four doses of Opdivo depend on your weight. The usual dosage is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

After your first four doses of these drugs, you’ll receive Opdivo alone. The usual dosage is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

If you’re receiving Opdivo in combination with cabozantinib (Cabometyx), you may take cabozantinib once daily for the duration of treatment. The Opdivo dosage is the same as just listed.

Dosage for bladder cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for bladder cancer is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for bladder cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with other drugs

To treat certain types of bladder cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with certain chemotherapy drugs for the first six doses. Your first six doses of Opdivo will be 360 mg every 3 weeks.

After your first six doses of these drugs, you’ll receive Opdivo on its own. The usual dosage is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for colorectal cancer

The usual Opdivo dosage for adults with colorectal cancer is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

The usual dosage for children ages 12 years and older is described in the “Pediatric dosage” section later in this article.

Dosage for colorectal cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab

To treat certain types of colorectal cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

Your first four doses of Opdivo depend on your weight. The usual dosage is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

After your first four doses of these drugs, you’ll receive Opdivo alone. The usual dosage is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for head and neck cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for head and neck cancer is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for melanoma skin cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for metastatic melanoma in adults is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Doctors prescribe this dosage as treatment for metastatic melanoma and also as adjuvant treatment (treatment you receive after surgery or use of other medications) of melanoma.

The usual dosage for children ages 12 years and older is described in the “Pediatric dosage” section later in this article.

Dosage for melanoma skin cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab

To treat certain types of melanoma, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

Your first four doses of Opdivo depend on your weight. The usual dosage is 1 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

After your first four doses of these drugs, you’ll receive Opdivo alone. The usual dosage is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma

The usual dosage of Opdivo for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for mesothelioma

To treat mesothelioma, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab. The usual dosage for Opdivo is 360 mg every 3 weeks. Ipilimumab is given every 6 weeks.

Dosage for esophageal cancer

The usual dosage of Opdivo for esophageal cancer is either:

  • 240 mg every 2 weeks, or
  • 480 mg every 4 weeks

Dosage for esophageal cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with other drugs

To treat certain types of esophageal cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with ipilimumab. You’ll receive ipilimumab every 6 weeks. Depending on your doctor’s recommendation, your dosage of Opdivo may be 360 mg every 3 weeks. Or they may calculate your dosage based on your weight. The usual dosage is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 2 weeks.

For esophageal cancer, Opdivo may also be used in combination with a fluoropyrimidine drug, such as capecitabine (Xeloda), and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin. The usual dosage for Opdivo is 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks, with the other drugs given on the same schedule.

To treat esophageal adenocarcinoma, Opdivo is also used in combination with a fluoropyrimidine and certain other chemotherapy drugs. The typical dosage of Opdivo for this use is 240 mg every 2 weeks or 360 mg every 3 weeks, with the other drugs given on the same schedule.

Dosage for gastric cancer

To treat gastric cancer, you’ll receive Opdivo in combination with a fluoropyrimidine, such as capecitabine, and platinum-based chemotherapy drugs, such as cisplatin and carboplatin. The typical dosage of Opdivo for this use is 240 mg every 2 weeks or 360 mg every 3 weeks, with the other drugs given on the same schedule.

Pediatric dosage

Opdivo is prescribed to treat colorectal cancer and melanoma in children ages 12 years and older.

Opdivo is given at a healthcare professional’s office. It’s administered as an IV infusion that lasts 30 minutes.

Opdivo dosage for colorectal cancer in children

The usual dosage of Opdivo for children with colorectal cancer who weigh 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more is the same as it is for adults. See “Dosage for colorectal cancer” earlier in this article for details.

The usual dosage for children who weigh less than 40 kg is based on their weight. Their dosage of Opdivo is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 2 weeks.

For example, if a child weighs 45 kg (about 100 lb), their dose would be 3 mg of drug multiplied by 45 kg. This equals 135 mg of Opdivo, which is given every 2 weeks.

Dosage for colorectal cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab

To treat certain types of colorectal cancer in children, Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

The first four doses of Opdivo depend on a child’s weight. The usual dosage is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

After the first four doses of Opdivo and ipilimumab, children will receive Opdivo on its own. The usual dosage for children who weigh 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more is the same as it is for adults. See “Dosage for colorectal cancer” earlier in this article for details.

The usual dosage for children who weigh less than 40 kg is based on their weight. Their dosage of Opdivo is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 2 weeks.

Opdivo dosage for melanoma skin cancer in children

The usual dosage of Opdivo for children with melanoma who weigh 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more is the same as it is for adults. See “Dosage for melanoma skin cancer” earlier in this article for details.

The usual dosage for children who weigh less than 40 kg is based on their weight. Their dosage of Opdivo is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 2 weeks, or 6 mg per kg of body weight, given every 4 weeks.

Dosage for melanoma skin cancer when Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab

To treat certain types of melanoma in children, Opdivo is used in combination with ipilimumab for the first four doses.

The first four doses of Opdivo depend on a child’s weight. The usual dosage is 1 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 3 weeks.

After the first four doses of Opdivo and ipilimumab, children will receive Opdivo on its own. The usual dosage for children who weigh 40 kg (about 88 lb) or more is the same as it is for adults. See “Dosage for melanoma skin cancer” earlier in this article for details.

The usual dosage for children who weigh less than 40 kg is based on their weight. Their dosage of Opdivo is 3 mg of drug per kg (about 2.2 lb) of body weight, given every 2 weeks, or 6 mg per kg of body weight, given every 4 weeks.

What if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor’s office right away if you realize that you’ve missed an appointment for your Opdivo infusion. The office staff will reschedule the appointment for you.

To help make sure that you don’t miss a dose, try setting a reminder on your phone.

Will I need to use this drug long term?

Opdivo is meant to be used as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Opdivo is safe and effective for you, you’ll likely use it long term.

Here are answers to some frequently asked questions about Opdivo.

Does Opdivo cause hair loss?

Hair loss isn’t a common side effect of Opdivo. However, it could be a symptom of hormonal problems, which are a more serious side effect of Opdivo.

One hormonal problem that can occur with Opdivo use is hypothyroidism (low thyroid hormone levels). Your body needs normal thyroid hormone levels to maintain healthy hair growth. When your thyroid hormone levels are too low, hair loss can occur.

If you have hair loss while you’re receiving Opdivo, talk with your doctor. They will check to see whether your hair loss is related to hormonal problems. If needed, they can prescribe treatment to help regulate your hormone levels.

Is Opdivo a form of chemotherapy or immunotherapy?

Opdivo is not a form of chemotherapy, but it is a form of immunotherapy.

Doctors typically prescribe chemotherapy drugs to treat cancer. This type of treatment works by killing quickly multiplying cells. This includes not only cancer cells but also some healthy cells.

Immunotherapy drugs such as Opdivo work by helping your immune system fight certain diseases, including cancer. For treating cancer, these drugs boost the immune system so that it recognizes and attacks cancer cells.

To learn more about how Opdivo works to treat certain cancers, see the “How Opdivo works” section later in this article. Your doctor can also tell you more.

How long do people using Opdivo treatment live?

This is different for each person because it depends on many factors. Your life expectancy (the length of time you are expected to survive) depends on:

  • the type of cancer you have
  • the stage of your cancer
  • your age
  • other health conditions you may have

Your doctor can discuss with you how Opdivo treatment may affect life expectancy given your specific situation.

Do I need to follow a certain diet while I’m using Opdivo?

Your doctor may recommend that you follow a certain balanced diet while you’re receiving treatment with Opdivo. However, your doctor would take into account the type of cancer you have and your overall health when making diet recommendations. They would not make such recommendations based on how Opdivo works.

Talk with your doctor about ways to maintain a balanced, nutritious diet that reduces your risk of side effects and helps maintain your energy level during treatment.

Can I receive Opdivo before or after a stem cell transplant?

Yes, you might be able to. Doctors may prescribe Opdivo to treat classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma in people whose cancer has returned or worsened after they’ve had a stem cell transplant.

However, some people who took Opdivo before or after a stem cell transplant have had transplant complications. One complication is graft-versus-host disease. With this condition, the transplanted cells attack your healthy cells. This can cause side effects such as skin rash, diarrhea, and liver problems.

Other complications can include blockages in your veins and severe fevers.

Talk with your doctor about whether receiving Opdivo before or after a stem cell transplant is right for you.

Where will I get my Opdivo treatments?

You’ll receive Opdivo as an intravenous (IV) infusion at a healthcare facility. Opdivo infusions last about 30 minutes.

A healthcare professional will administer your infusion and monitor you for any side effects that may occur during your infusion.

There aren’t any known interactions between Opdivo and alcohol.

If you drink alcohol, talk with your doctor if you’re concerned about whether drinking it is safe during your treatment.

There aren’t any known drug interactions with Opdivo. However, before taking any drug, it’s always a good idea to talk with your doctor and pharmacist. Tell them about all prescription, over-the-counter, and other drugs you take. Also tell them about any vitamins, herbs, and supplements you use. Sharing this information can help you avoid potential interactions.

If you have questions about drug interactions that may affect you, ask your doctor or pharmacist.

Opdivo and herbs and supplements

There aren’t any herbs or supplements specifically reported to interact with Opdivo. However, you should still check with your doctor or pharmacist before using any of these products during Opdivo treatment.

As with all medications, the cost of Opdivo can vary. The actual price you’ll pay depends on your insurance plan, your location, and the pharmacy you use.

For more information about Opdivo and cost, see this Opdivo cost article.

Financial and insurance assistance

If you need financial support to pay for Opdivo, or if you need help understanding your insurance coverage, help is available.

Bristol-Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of Opdivo, offers a program called BMS Access Support. For more information and to find out if you’re eligible for support, call 800-861-0048 or visit the program website.

A healthcare professional will administer your Opdivo dose at a doctor’s office or clinic.

They’ll give you Opdivo as an intravenous (IV) infusion. Opdivo IV infusions last about 30 minutes.

If you’re using Opdivo in combination with other drugs, such as ipilimumab (Yervoy), your doctor will let you know your dosage schedule.

When it’s administered

When you’ll receive Opdivo infusions depends on what condition you’re using the drug to treat and whether you’ll receive it with other medications.

You and your doctor will determine the dosing schedule that’s best for you. To help make sure that you don’t miss an appointment for your dose, try setting a reminder on your phone.

Opdivo is a monoclonal antibody. This type of drug is made from immune system cells in a lab. Monoclonal antibodies work by blocking the action of certain substances in your body.

Opdivo belongs to a class of drugs called programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) inhibitors. PD-1 receptors (attachment sites) are found on immune system cells in your body. When certain proteins bind to these receptors, the immune cells stop making other proteins that attack and kill cancer cells.

Some forms of cancer, like those that Opdivo is used to treat, have higher-than-usual amounts of proteins that bind to PD-1 receptors. This means the cancer is able to prevent your immune system from attacking cancer cells.

Opdivo blocks the activity of the PD-1 receptor. When Opdivo binds to the PD-1 receptor, it prevents other proteins from attaching to it. This allows your immune system to make and release more proteins that attack cancer cells.

Because there are greater numbers of proteins attacking the cancer cells, the cancer shrinks or even disappears, in some cases.

How long does it take to work?

It’s not known exactly how long Opdivo takes to work in your body. Your doctor will recommend that you come to their office every few weeks or months after you start using Opdivo. They’ll monitor your cancer at these appointments to see whether the drug is working for you.

Opdivo isn’t safe to receive during pregnancy. Animal studies have shown harm to fetuses when the pregnant animal received Opdivo. The drug has also been shown to cause pregnancy loss and fetal death.

If you’re able to become pregnant, you’ll need to have a pregnancy test before you start Opdivo treatment. This will help make sure you’re not pregnant before you start the drug.

If you become pregnant while you’re using Opdivo, tell your doctor right away.

Opdivo isn’t safe to receive during pregnancy. If you’re sexually active and can become pregnant, you should use effective birth control during your Opdivo treatment. You should continue to use birth control for at least 5 months after your last dose of Opdivo.

Talk with your doctor about your birth control needs while you’re using Opdivo.

There aren’t any studies to determine how safe Opdivo use is while you’re breastfeeding. It’s not known whether Opdivo passes into breast milk.

However, the side effects of Opdivo are severe, and if the drug does appear in breast milk, it may harm a child who consumes it. Because of this, you should not breastfeed during Opdivo treatment. You also should not breastfeed for at least 5 months after receiving your last dose of Opdivo.

Talk with your doctor about ways to safely feed your child while you’re receiving Opdivo.

Before using Opdivo, talk with your doctor about your health history. Opdivo may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. These include:

  • Stem cell transplant: Opdivo can cause serious complications if you receive it before or after an allogenic hematopoietic stem cell transplant (transplant of blood-forming cells from someone who has a similar genetic makeup as you). If you’ve had a stem cell transplant or are planning to have one, talk with your doctor about whether Opdivo is right for you.
  • Immune system or nervous system conditions: It’s possible for Opdivo to make your immune system overactive. This could cause side effects such as inflammation. Immune system conditions, including Crohn’s disease, or nervous system conditions, including myasthenia gravis, could worsen as a result. If you have an immune system or nervous system condition, tell your doctor before starting treatment with Opdivo. This will help them determine whether Opdivo is a good treatment option for you.
  • Chest radiation treatment: Pneumonitis is a serious side effect of Opdivo. People who have had radiation treatment to the chest have an increased risk of developing this side effect. Tell your doctor if you’ve ever had chest radiation treatment. They can recommend whether Opdivo should be part of your treatment plan.
  • Pregnancy: Opdivo can cause harm to a growing fetus. You should not receive Opdivo while pregnant. For more information, see the “Opdivo and pregnancy” and “Opdivo and birth control” sections.
  • Breastfeeding: You should not breastfeed while you’re using Opdivo, or for at least 5 months after your last dose of Opdivo. For more information, see the “Opdivo and breastfeeding” section.

Note: For more information about the potential negative effects of Opdivo, see the “Opdivo side effects” section.

Disclaimer: Medical News Today has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

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