Opdivo ratings & reviews

Nivolumab
Company: BMS
Brand: Opdivo
Drug class: Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents
+4 more
Antineoplastic and Immunomodulating Agents, Antineoplastics, Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies, Immunomodulatory Monoclonal Antibodies, Antineoplastic Monoclonal Antibodies Targeting Programmed Death-1 (PD-1) and Programmed Death-Ligand 1 (PD-L1) Pathways

Sermo AI Overview

  • Opdivo is generally considered effective for several cancers, with many oncologists highlighting its positive outcomes and good tolerability. However, concerns about safety, accessibility, and variable efficacy, particularly in certain cancers like colorectal cancer, persist.
  • Adherence to Opdivo differs widely among patients, as some find it manageable while others experience challenges due to treatment complexity or financial barriers, suggesting the need for tailored support strategies.
  • Despite its positive reception among many specialists, Opdivo faces mixed opinions, particularly concerning its efficacy in treating small cell lung cancer and Hodgkin lymphoma, where some report lower effectiveness compared to other treatments.
  • While physicians rate Opdivo's safety favorably, issues related to its side effects, accessibility, and adherence variability are significant, impacting overall patient experience and treatment continuity across various cancer types.
Based on insights from Sermo’s triple verified physicians

Description

Opdivo's active ingredient is nivolumab, a PD-1 blocking antibody in the form of an IgG4 kappa immunoglobulin. This medication is formulated as an injectable, sterile liquid for intravenous use and is available in single-dose vials, with each milliliter containing 10 mg of nivolumab. Key inactive ingredients include mannitol, pentetic acid, polysorbate 80, sodium chloride, and sodium citrate dihydrate.

Source: This information is sourced from FDA and powered by AI

Dosage & Administration

How should I use this medication?

This medication is infused into a vein. It is given in a hospital or clinic setting. A special MedGuide will be given to you before each treatment. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. Talk to your care team about the use of this medication in children. While it may be prescribed for children as young as 12 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once. NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

Keep appointments for follow-up doses. It is important not to miss your dose. Call your care team if you are unable to keep an appointment.

Where should I keep my medication?

This medication is given in a hospital or clinic. It will not be stored at home.

NOTE: This sheet is a summary. It may not cover all possible information. If you have questions about this medicine, talk to your doctor, pharmacist, or health care provider.

Side Effects

What side effects may I notice from receiving this medication?

Side effects that you should report to your care team as soon as possible: -Allergic reactions—skin rash, itching, hives, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat -Dry cough, shortness of breath or trouble breathing -Eye pain, redness, irritation, or discharge with blurry or decreased vision -Heart muscle inflammation—unusual weakness or fatigue, shortness of breath, chest pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, dizziness, swelling of the ankles, feet, or hands -Hormone gland problems—headache, sensitivity to light, unusual weakness or fatigue, dizziness, fast or irregular heartbeat, increased sensitivity to cold or heat, excessive sweating, constipation, hair loss, increased thirst or amount of urine, tremors or shaking, irritability -Infusion reactions—chest pain, shortness of breath or trouble breathing, feeling faint or lightheaded -Kidney injury (glomerulonephritis)—decrease in the amount of urine, red or dark brown urine, foamy or bubbly urine, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet -Liver injury—right upper belly pain, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stool, dark yellow or brown urine, yellowing skin or eyes, unusual weakness or fatigue -Pain, tingling, or numbness in the hands or feet, muscle weakness, change in vision, confusion or trouble speaking, loss of balance or coordination, trouble walking, seizures -Rash, fever, and swollen lymph nodes -Redness, blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin, including inside the mouth -Sudden or severe stomach pain, bloody diarrhea, fever, nausea, vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report these to your care team if they continue or are bothersome): -Bone, joint, or muscle pain -Diarrhea -Fatigue -Loss of appetite -Nausea -Skin rash

This list may not describe all possible side effects. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Warnings & Precautions

What should I tell my care team before I take this medication?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions: -Allogeneic stem cell transplant (uses someone else's stem cells) -Autoimmune diseases, such as Crohn disease, ulcerative colitis, lupus -History of chest radiation -Nervous system problems, such as Guillain-Barre syndrome or myasthenia gravis -Organ transplant -An unusual or allergic reaction to nivolumab, other medications, foods, dyes, or preservatives -Pregnant or trying to get pregnant -Breast-feeding

What may interact with this medication?

Interactions have not been studied.

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

What should I watch for while using this medication?

Your condition will be monitored carefully while you are receiving this medication. You may need blood work while taking this medication. This medication may cause serious skin reactions. They can happen weeks to months after starting the medication. Contact your care team right away if you notice fevers or flu-like symptoms with a rash. The rash may be red or purple and then turn into blisters or peeling of the skin. You may also notice a red rash with swelling of the face, lips, or lymph nodes in your neck or under your arms. Tell your care team right away if you have any change in your eyesight. Talk to your care team if you are pregnant or think you might be pregnant. A negative pregnancy test is required before starting this medication. A reliable form of contraception is recommended while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose. Talk to your care team about effective forms of contraception. Do not breast-feed while taking this medication and for 5 months after the last dose.

Source: This information is sourced from Elsevier Inc.

Disclaimer

The reviews, ratings, comments, and opinions expressed on this platform are solely those of the individual medical professionals who posted them and do not reflect the views or positions of Sermo, Inc. Sermo does not endorse, verify, or validate the content of individual reviews. The information provided is user-generated and reflects personal clinical experiences, which may not be complete, accurate, or applicable to your specific health needs. It is not intended as medical advice.

Prescription medications affect individuals differently, and what works for one person may not work for another. Always consult your doctor, pharmacist, or other qualified healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed applies to your personal circumstances. Only a licensed healthcare provider can advise you on what is safe and effective for you.

Keep all medications out of the reach of children, never share your medicine with others, and use each medication only as prescribed. Your reliance on any information provided on this platform is at your own risk.

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