About nivolumab
PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor
Used for
- Treats several cancers, including melanoma, lung, kidney, bladder, and head and neck cancers.
- Used alone or with other cancer medicines, depending on cancer type and treatment setting.
Usual adult dose
Usually 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks; schedules vary by cancer and combination treatment.
Usual dose in children
For certain cancers in children aged 12 years or older: commonly 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks, up to 240 mg; specialist protocols vary.
Common side effects
- Tiredness, rash, itching, nausea, diarrhea, or reduced appetite.
- Immune-related inflammation affecting lungs, bowel, liver, kidneys, skin, or hormone glands.
- Infusion reactions, including fever, chills, or breathing difficulty.
Important warnings
- Immune reactions can be severe or life-threatening and may begin during treatment or afterward.
- New or worsening symptoms need prompt assessment; treatment may need to be paused or stopped.
- Use only under specialist cancer care; monitoring is required during treatment.
Pregnancy
May harm an unborn baby. Pregnancy should be avoided during treatment and for at least 5 months after the final dose.
Breastfeeding
Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment and for at least 5 months after the final dose.
Interactions
- Systemic corticosteroids or other immune-suppressing medicines may affect treatment; use is assessed by the cancer team.
- Combination cancer treatments can increase side effects.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.