Nivolumab

Uses	Various Advanced Cancers
Therapy	Anti-Neoplastic
Side Effects	Tiredness, Rash, Itching, Diarrhoea

3 Step Quality
Assurance

Cash on delivery
available

NPPA
Regulated

Molecule Description

Nivolumab contains nivolumab, a monoclonal antibody that blocks a receptor called PD-1 on immune T-cells. By blocking PD-1 signalling, it helps remove the signals that suppress the immune response, allowing T-cells to recognise and attack cancer cells. Nivolumab is used to manage certain types of advanced or metastatic cancers. It enables the body's immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Nivolumab is administered strictly by qualified healthcare professionals via intravenous (IV) infusion in specialized clinical settings. Nivolumab is a prescription-only medicine and should be used strictly under medical supervision. The treatment plan is decided by the treating doctor based on the condition being treated, your body response and the other medicines you are receiving. Do not change, stop or repeat a dose on your own. Before starting Nivolumab, tell your doctor about all your existing medical conditions, especially heart, liver or kidney problems, and about every medicine, vitamin, supplement and herbal product you take. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy or breastfeeding. Regular blood tests and clinical check-ups are usually needed during treatment so that side effects are picked up early.

Uses

Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)
Melanoma (advanced skin cancer)
Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) (advanced kidney cancer)
Bladder & Urinary Tract Cancer (UC) (advanced urinary tract cancer)
Advanced Esophageal & Stomach Cancers
Advanced Liver Cancer
Colorectal Cancer (CRC) (advanced bowel cancer)
Head & Neck Cancer
Advanced Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma
Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma (advanced chest lining cancer)

Contraindications

When should one not use Nivolumab

If you have a known severe hypersensitivity or systemic allergic reaction to nivolumab or any inactive ingredients in the product.

Side effects

Common side effects of this drug are:

Very Common Side Effects
Fatigue, weakness, and fever
Musculoskeletal pain, joint pain, and muscle pain
Rash and itching
Nausea, diarrhea, constipation, and abdominal pain
Decreased appetite and weight loss
Cough and dyspnea
Headache and dizziness
Other Common Side Effects
Peripheral swelling and mucosal inflammation
Thyroid disorders (hypothyroidism, hyperthyroidism)
Stomatitis and vomiting
Upper respiratory tract infection
Serious Side Effects (Seek Immediate Medical Care)
Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis: New or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, or hypoxia.
Immune-Mediated Colitis: Severe diarrhea, severe abdominal pain, loose stools, or blood/mucus in stool.
Immune-Mediated Hepatitis: Yellowing of skin or eyes (jaundice), severe nausea, dark urine, or right upper quadrant pain.
Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies: Severe headaches, extreme fatigue, weight changes, dizziness, or mood changes (thyroid, adrenal, or pituitary dysfunction).
Immune-Mediated Nephritis: Decreased urine output, blood in urine, or swelling in ankles.
Severe Skin Reactions: Blistering, peeling rash, or painful sores involving the skin or mucous membranes.

Precautions and Warnings

Pregnancy

Nivolumab may cause fetal harm when administered in pregnancy. Women who can become pregnant should discuss effective contraception with their doctor during treatment and for the recommended period after the final dose.

Breast Feeding

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment with Nivolumab. Discuss with your doctor when you can safely resume breastfeeding.

Driving

Nivolumab may cause fatigue, dizziness, or weakness, which may affect the ability to drive or operate machinery. Avoid these activities if you feel impaired.

Alcohol

There is no specific established alcohol interaction with nivolumab. Discuss alcohol consumption with your doctor during treatment, as alcohol can increase fatigue, nausea, or liver strain.

Other General Warnings

Talk to your doctor if

Consult your doctor if:
You have a history of autoimmune diseases (such as Crohn's disease, lupus, or ulcerative colitis).
You have a solid organ transplant or donor stem cell transplant.
You experience severe fatigue, continuous head pain, or visual changes during therapy.
Report any new or worsening symptoms (especially cough, diarrhea, rash, or extreme fatigue) to your doctor immediately.
Do not attempt to self-treat side effects like diarrhea or cough with over-the-counter drugs without consulting your oncologist.
Attend all appointments for routine regular blood tests and clinical monitoring as recommended by your oncologist.

Mode of Action

How Does It Work?

Nivolumab blocks a protein called PD-1 on immune T-cells. This removes signals that can suppress T-cell activity, helping the immune system recognise and attack cancer cells

Interactions

Interactions with other medicines

Tell your doctor about all prescription medicines, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, supplements, and herbal products you take.
Systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressive medicines may affect immune responses and should be used only as your doctor advises.

Interactions with food items

Since Nivolumab is administered intravenously, food intake does not impact systemic drug absorption.

Dosage

Overdose

Because Nivolumab is administered by healthcare professionals in monitored clinical settings, accidental overdose is uncommon. In the event of an overdose, the medicine should be managed under medical supervision and appropriate supportive treatment provided.

Missed a Dose

Because Nivolumab is administered on a planned treatment schedule, contact your oncology team if you miss or delay an infusion appointment so they can review the schedule.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Traditional chemotherapy directly targets and kills rapidly dividing cells (both cancer and healthy cells), while Nivolumab works by training your body's own immune system so that your T-cells can recognize, target, and destroy cancer cells.

Nivolumab increases immune activity, which can sometimes attack healthy organs and tissues. This can lead to inflammation in the lungs (pneumonitis), bowel (colitis), liver (hepatitis), skin, or hormone glands. Seek prompt medical assessment if new or worsening symptoms develop. How long will I receive Nivolumab treatment?Your doctor advises treatment duration depending on your specific cancer type, how your tumor responds, and how you tolerate the drug.

Discuss all planned vaccinations with your oncologist. Live attenuated vaccines may not be appropriate during treatment and should only be given if recommended by your healthcare professional.

Articles

View All

Did you find this helpful?

References:

Explore More at Pharmeasy

Why trust PharmEasy?

# ONE OF INDIA'S MOST TRUSTED HEALTHCARE PLATFORM

CODAvailable

100%Genuine Medicine

30 DAYReturn Policy

Making medicines affordable, authentic, and easily accessible across India

700+100% Genuine & verified medicines

70,000+Medicine orders everyday

70 MillionTotal customer served

70 MillionDelivery hubs & fulfillment centre

7000Trained & trusted delivery partners