About ipilimumab
CTLA-4 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Used for
- Treats certain advanced cancers, including melanoma, kidney cancer, colorectal cancer, and lung cancer.
- Often used with other cancer immunotherapy medicines.
Usual adult dose
Given by intravenous infusion; dose and schedule depend on cancer type, weight, and combination treatment.
Usual dose in children
For selected cancers in children aged 12 years and older; specialist dosing depends on weight and treatment regimen.
Common side effects
- Diarrhea, nausea, tiredness, or rash
- Inflammation of the bowel, liver, lungs, kidneys, or hormone glands
- Severe skin reactions
- Infusion reactions
Important warnings
- Immune reactions can be severe, affect multiple organs, or occur after treatment ends.
- Report new or worsening symptoms promptly; treatment may need to be paused or stopped.
- Use only under specialist cancer-care supervision.
- Not suitable for some people with serious immune-system disorders or organ transplants.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is recommended during treatment and for three months afterward.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment or for three months after the last dose.
Interactions
- Other immune checkpoint inhibitors or immune-stimulating treatments may increase immune-related side effects.
- Systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants may affect treatment; clinicians manage their use.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.