Opdivo

Generic name:nivolumab [ nye-VOL-ue-mab ]
Drug class:Anti-PD-1 monoclonal antibodies

Medically reviewed by Sophia Entringer, PharmD. Last updated on Jun 10, 2021.

What is Opdivo?

Opdivo is a cancer medicine that is used alone or in combination with other medicines that works with your immune system to interfere with the growth and spread of cancer cells in the body.

Opdivo is used alone or in combination with other medicines to treat adults with:

• advanced skin cancer (melanoma);

• advanced non-small cell lung cancer;

• pleural mesothelioma (cancer that affects the lining of the lungs and chest wall);

• kidney cancer;

• classical Hodgkin lymphoma;

• cancer of the stomach and esophagus;

• squamous cell cancer of the esophagus or head and neck;

• bladder cancer;

• liver cancer; or

• colorectal cancer.

Opdivo is often given when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), or cannot be surgically removed, or has come back after prior treatment. Opdivo is sometimes given only if laboratory testing shows specific genetic markers or DNA mutations associated with your cancer.

Warnings

Opdivo can cause side effects in many different parts of your body. Some side effects may need to be treated with other medicine, and your cancer treatments may be delayed.

Call your doctor at once if you have: a cough, shortness of breath, vision changes, muscle pain or weakness, stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stools, little or no urinating, bruising or bleeding, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, frequent headaches, dizziness, confusion, increased thirst or urination, ...