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Learn MoreImmunotherapy Monoclonal Antibody
Brand names:
Opdivo®
Often used for:
Colorectal cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, Melanoma, Renal cell cancer, Head and neck cancer, Lung cancer, Hepatocellular carcinoma, Urothelial carcinoma
Nivolumab is a type of medicine called a monoclonal antibody. Nivolumab is considered a type of immunotherapy because it uses the patient’s immune system to attack the cancer cells. It is also a targeted therapy because the medicine is specific to certain cell features and “targets” those cells.
Blood pressure, heart rate, breathing, and temperature will be checked regularly during and after the infusion to watch for infusion-related side effects.
Patients will have regular blood draws to check blood counts and blood glucose levels and monitor kidney, liver, and thyroid function.
Given as a liquid into a vein by IV
Not all patients who take nivolumab will experience these side effects. Common side effects are in bold, but there may be others. Please report all suspected side effects to your doctor or pharmacist.
Be sure to discuss these and other recommendations with your doctor or pharmacist.