NIVOLUMAB

Overview

NIVOLUMAB is a Schedule H drug.
Nivolumab is a cancer medicine that works with your immune system to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.Nivolumab is sometimes used if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body or cannot be treated with surgery. The mode of action involves slowing down or stopping the growth of cancer cells by working with the immune system. It works by changing the action of your own immune system, directing it to attack cancer cells.In people with non-small cell lung cancer, nivolumab may increase the chance of a longer survival time.Safety and efficacy have not been established in patients younger than 12 years for colorectal cancer.

Usage

NIVOLUMAB is generally used to treat: Melanoma, Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer, Colorectal Cancer, Liver Cancer, Kidney Cancer, Bladder Cancer, Head And Neck Cancer, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Is it safe on my liver?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe on my kidney?
A: Not Safe

Q: Can I take it with alcohol?
A: Not Safe

Q: Is it safe for children?
A: Ask your doctor

Q: Can it be taken during pregnancy?
A: Studies indicate Risk – Doctor advice is must

How Do I Take It?

Route of Administration: IV (Intravenous)

Precautions

  • You should not use nivolumab if you are allergic to it.
  • Do not use nivolumab if you are pregnant.
  • Nivolumab is given as an infusion into a vein by a healthcare provider. Nivolumab must be given by slow infusion over at least 1 hour.
  • Nivolumab is usually given once every 2 to 3 weeks.
  • You will need frequent medical tests to help your doctor determine if it is safe for you to keep receiving nivolumab.
  • Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.
  • Do not receive any kind of immunization or vaccination without your doctor’s approval while taking nivolumab.
  • Drink at least two to three quarts of fluid every 24 hours,use caution when driving a car, using machinery, or anything that requires you to be alert.
  • Wash your hands often.
  • Avoid contact sports or activities that could cause injury.
  • To reduce any potential nausea eat small, frequent meals. Sucking on lozenges and chewing gum may also help.
  • Eat foods that may help reduce diarrhea
  • Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 sunblock and protective clothing.
  • In general, drinking alcoholic beverages should be kept to a minimum or avoided completely.
  • Get plenty of rest.
  • Maintain good nutrition.

Common Side-Effects

NIVOLUMAB : Pain, Skin Rash, Itchy Skin, Diarrhoea, Constipation, Nausea, Vomit, Abdomen Pain, Constipation, Fatigue (tiredness), Loss Of Appetite, Weakness (generalized), Shortness Of Breath, Runny Nose, Sneezing, Cough, Throat Soreness, Fever, Body Pain, Back Pain, Head Headache, Chills, Depressed Mood, Hair Loss, Hoarse Voice, Eyes Redness, Eyes Eye Irritation, Irregular Heartbeat, Mouth Soreness, Difficulty Breathing, Chest Pain, Dark Colored (brown) Urine, Body Discomfort, Nervousness, Increased Sensitivity To Heat, Abdomen Stomach Cramps, Body Excessive Sweating, Difficulty Sleeping, Right Side Upper Abdomen Pain, Eyes Yellow Eyes, Body Discoloration, Bloody Or Red Colored Stools, Weight Loss (unintentional)

Serious Side-Effects

NIVOLUMAB : Vision Problems, Muscle Pain, Joint Pain, Seizure, Depressed Mood, Chest Discomfort, Slow Heart Rate (pulse), Blood Or Red Colored Urine, Lower Back Pain, Memory Problems, Confusion, Stiff Neck, Seizures (uncontrollable Jerking Of Limbs), Difficulty Breathing, Ankles Swelling, Hands Swelling, Easy Bleeding, Easy Bruising, Loss Of Coordination, Arms Tingling, Eyes Sensitive To Light, Shortness Of Breath

Rare Side-Effects

NIVOLUMAB : Dry Skin, Itchy Skin, Skin Rash, Abdomen Bloating Or Fullness, Cloudy Urine With Strong Odor, Dizziness, Drowsiness, Eyes Blurred Vision, Eyes Pain, Fainting, Fruity Odor On Breath, Face Swelling, Feet Swelling

Disease Interactions

NIVOLUMAB can interfere with: Bacterial Infection, Fungal Infection, Urticaria, Angioedema, Hypotension, Hypertension, Inflammatory Bowel Disease, Diabetes Mellitus, Acute Liver Failure, Acute Renal Failure

Technical Classification

NIVOLUMAB is categorized as: ANTI-PD-1 MONOCLONAL ANTIBODIES / ANTINEOPLASTICS

Storage Conditions

Refrigeration (Between 2 To 8 C)

Available Alternatives

What are the other drugs with similar Ingredients?

NIVOLUMABNIVOLUMAB