About nivolumab
PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Used for
- Certain cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder, and head and neck cancers
- Some cancers when combined with other cancer medicines
Usual adult dose
Usually 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks; dose and schedule depend on cancer and treatment plan.
Usual dose in children
For some cancers in children aged 12 years and older, usually 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks, up to 240 mg per dose.
Common side effects
- Tiredness, rash, itching, or diarrhea
- Nausea, reduced appetite, or muscle and joint pain
- Immune-related inflammation of the lungs, bowel, liver, kidneys, or skin
- Hormone gland problems, including thyroid or adrenal disorders
Important warnings
- Immune reactions can affect any organ, during treatment or after it ends.
- Seek urgent medical assessment for breathing trouble, severe diarrhea, jaundice, or severe weakness.
- Infusion reactions can occur; treatment is given with monitoring.
- May cause harm to an unborn baby; effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for 5 months afterward.
Pregnancy
May harm the fetus. Avoid pregnancy during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.
Breastfeeding
Do not breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose.
Interactions
- No major direct drug interactions are established; tell the cancer team about all medicines.
- Immune-suppressing medicines, including corticosteroids, may affect immune-related reactions or treatment decisions.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.