Opdivo (Nivolumab) for Lung Cancer

Overview
Opdivo is a prescription drug approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat metastatic non-small cell lung cancer. Opdivo is often prescribed with ipilimumab (Yervoy). Opdivo is also known by its drug name, nivolumab.

Opdivo is a member of a class of drugs called monoclonal antibodies. Opdivo is believed to work by binding to cancer cells and signaling the body’s immune system to destroy the cells.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Opdivo is given as an IV injection (into your vein) by a health care professional. Opdivo is usually given in a health clinic or doctor’s office. It should be administered according to the frequency specified by the physician.

Opdivo is available only as an IV injection.

Side effects
The FDA-approved label for Opdivo lists common side effects including fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, itching, diarrhea, nausea, weakness, cough, shortness of breath, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, joint pain, fever, headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting.

Rare but serious side effects listed for Opdivo include fetal harm and infusion reactions.

For more details about this treatment, visit:

Opdivo — Bristol Myers Squibb
https://www.opdivo.com/

Nivolumab (Intravenous Route) — Mayo Clinic
https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ni...