NIVOLUMAB - INJECTION

NIVOLUMAB - INJECTION

PHONETIC PRONUNCIATION: (nye-VOL-ue-mab)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Opdivo

GENERIC NAME(S): nivolumab

Uses

USES: Nivolumab is used to treat cancer. It works by changing the action of your own immune system, directing it to attack cancer cells. Nivolumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies.


How to use NIVOLUMAB - INJECTION

HOW TO USE: Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start receiving nivolumab and each time you get a treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. This medication is given by a health care professional. It is injected slowly into a vein over 30 minutes. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once every 2 to 4 weeks. Infusion reactions may happen while you are receiving the drug. Tell your doctor right away if you have symptoms such as fever, chills, flushing, dizziness, or fainting. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment. Your doctor may stop your treatment for some time if you get serious side effects. Your doctor may also prescribe another medication (a corticosteroid such as prednisone) to help treat side effects of this medication.

Side Effects

SIDE EFFECTS: Diarrhea may occur. If this effect persists or worsens, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly. People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk. Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side effects, including: signs of infection (such as fever, runny/stuffy nose, new/worsening cough), diarrhea with blood/mucus, mouth/throat sores, severe stomach/abdominal pain, symptoms of liver disease (such as persistent nausea/vomiting, loss of appetite, yellowing eyes/skin, dark urine), signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of urine, pink/bloody urine), easy bruising/bleeding, swelling hands/ankles/feet, unusual weakness, joint stiffness/pain, muscle weakness/tenderness/pain/spasms/cramps, numbness/tingling of arms/legs, loss of coordination, eye redness/pain, sensitivity to light, vision changes, persistent/unusual headache, seizures. Nivolumab may cause hormone gland problems (such as thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas). Your body could make too much or too little hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms such as: cold or heat intolerance, unexplained weight loss/gain, increased thirst/urination, mood or behavior changes (such as decreased sex drive, irritability, forgetfulness), slow/fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat, unusual tiredness, constipation. Get medical help right away if you have any very serious side effects, including: chest pain, shortness of breath. Nivolumab can commonly cause itching or a rash that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Therefore, get medical help right away if you develop any rash or itching. A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing. This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch. In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Precautions

PRECAUTIONS: Before using nivolumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: organ transplant. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using nivolumab. Nivolumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 5 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication. It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Interactions

DRUG INTERACTIONS: Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

Overdose

OVERDOSE: If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

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OPDIVO 40 MG/4 ML VIAL

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Faq for NIVOLUMAB - INJECTION

Nivolumab is a type of immunotherapy medication that is administered through injection. It specifically targets certain proteins in the body to help activate the immune system against cancer cells.

Nivolumab works by blocking the PD-1 protein on immune cells, which allows the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively.

Nivolumab is approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, bladder cancer, head and neck cancer, Hodgkin lymphoma, and certain types of colorectal cancer.

The frequency of Nivolumab injections depends on the specific cancer being treated and the individual's response to the medication. In general, it is administered once every two to three weeks.

Common side effects of Nivolumab include fatigue, rash, itching, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, and muscle or joint pain. However, it is important to note that not everyone experiences these side effects and some individuals may experience more severe side effects.

Yes, Nivolumab is often used in combination with other cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or targeted therapy, to provide enhanced efficacy against cancer cells.

The duration of response to Nivolumab varies depending on the type and stage of cancer being treated. Some individuals may experience a long-lasting response, while others may require periodic re-treatment.

Coverage for Nivolumab may vary depending on individual insurance plans and the specific indication for which it is being used. It is advisable to consult with insurance providers to determine coverage eligibility.

Nivolumab should not be used in individuals who are hypersensitive to the drug or any of its components. It is important to inform healthcare providers about any pre-existing medical conditions or ongoing treatments to ensure safe and appropriate use of Nivolumab.



Disclaimer

IMPORTANT: HOW TO USE THIS INFORMATION: This is a summary and does NOT have all possible information about this product. This information does not assure that this product is safe, effective, or appropriate for you. This information is not individual medical advice and does not substitute for the advice of your health care professional. Always ask your health care professional for complete information about this product and your specific health needs.