Opdivo – An Overview of Uses, Dosage, Demographic, Side Effects, Interactions, and Generic Options Opdivo is a medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, head, and neck cancer, among others. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. In this article, we will cover everything you need to know about Opdivo, including its uses, dosage, demographic, side effects, interactions, and generic options. Uses Opdivo is used to treat certain types of cancer that have spread or cannot be removed with surgery. It works by blocking a specific protein called PD-1, which is found on some immune cells. PD-1 normally helps to keep the immune system from attacking the body's own tissues. By blocking PD-1, Opdivo allows the immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. Opdivo is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the following types of cancer: - Melanoma - Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) - Small cell lung cancer (SCLC) - Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) - Squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN) - Classical Hodgkin lymphoma (cHL) - Urothelial carcinoma (UC) - Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) - Colorectal cancer (CRC) Dosage Opdivo is given by injection, typically into a vein (intravenous, or IV, infusion). The dosage and frequency of treatment depend on the type of cancer and several other factors, such as the patient's age, weight, and overall health. Your healthcare provider will determine the correct dosage and schedule of treatment for you. The recommended dosage of Opdivo for melanoma is 240 mg every two weeks or 480 mg every four weeks. For NSCLC, the recommended dosage is 360 mg every three weeks. For SCLC, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks. For RCC, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks or 480 mg every four weeks. For SCCHN, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks. For cHL, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks or 480 mg every four weeks. For UC, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks or 480 mg every four weeks. For HCC, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks. For CRC, the recommended dosage is 240 mg every two weeks. Demographic Opdivo can be used in both adults and children. However, it is usually reserved for patients whose cancer has not responded to other treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy. It is important to note that Opdivo may not be suitable for everyone, including people who have severe or uncontrolled immune system disorders, those who have had a severe allergic reaction to the medication, and pregnant or breastfeeding women. Side Effects Like all medications, Opdivo can cause side effects. The most common side effects of Opdivo include: - Fatigue - Rash - Diarrhea - Nausea - Loss of appetite - Constipation - Weakness - Shortness of breath - Cough - Fever - Itching - Infections Other, less common side effects of Opdivo may include: - Joint pain - Muscle pain - Abdominal pain - Headache - Decreased thyroid function - Increased liver enzymes - Changes in heart rhythm - Kidney damage - Lung inflammation If you experience any side effects while taking Opdivo, it is important to tell your healthcare provider right away. In some cases, your healthcare provider may need to adjust the dosage or frequency of your medication, or prescribe additional medications to manage side effects. Interactions Opdivo can interact with other medications, including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Opdivo. Some medications that may interact with Opdivo include: - Corticosteroids - Immunosuppressants - Anti-inflammatory drugs - Blood thinners - Anticonvulsants - Antibiotics Generic Options Opdivo is a brand name medication, and there are currently no generic versions available. However, there are other immunotherapy medications that work in a similar way to Opdivo, including Keytruda, Tecentriq, and Imfinzi. Your healthcare provider can help you determine the right medication for your specific needs. Conclusion Opdivo is a medication that is used to treat certain types of cancer by boosting the body's immune system to fight cancer cells. It is given by injection, typically into a vein. The dosage and frequency of treatment depend on the type of cancer and several other factors. Like all medications, Opdivo can cause side effects, which may include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and nausea. It is important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting treatment with Opdivo. There are currently no generic versions of Opdivo available, but there are other immunotherapy medications that work in a similar way.