Nivolumab (Opdivo, Bristol-Myers Squibb) is an anti–PD-1 monoclonal antibody indicated in the treatment of metastatic melanoma, NSCLC, renal cell carcinoma, classical Hodgkin lymphoma and squamous cell carcinomas of the head and neck. The drug is administered as an IV infusion. This section covers the common adverse reactions, warnings and precautions, drug interactions and other contraindications associated with nivolumab.
Topics Covered:
Common adverse reactions
Warnings and precautions
Drug interactions and other contraindications
Nivolumab common adverse reactions
Adverse reactions occurring in at least 20% of clinical trials participants receiving nivolumab as a single agent included fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection and fever.
Adverse reactions occurring in patients receiving nivolumab in combination with ipilimumab included fatigue, rash, diarrhea, nausea, fever, vomiting and dyspnea.
Nivolumab warnings and precautions
The following adverse events have been reported in association with nivolumab treatment:
- immune-mediated colitis;
- immune mediated pneumonitis;
- immune-mediated hepatitis;
- immune-mediated endocrinopathies;
- immune-mediated nephritis;
- immune-mediated dermatologic reactions;
- immune-mediated encephalitis; and
- infusion reactions.
Nivolumab drug interactions and other contraindications
Women of childbearing age should be advised to use contraception during and after receipt of nivolumab because of potential toxic effects on the fetus.
Severe or life-threatening immune-mediated reactions may result in interruption or immediate discontinuation of nivolumab.
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