How many times a month is nivolumab given to adults?

Standard Dosing Schedule for Nivolumab in Adults

Nivolumab (Opdivo) is typically given every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks to adults, depending on the cancer type, body weight, and treatment regimen. This translates to roughly 2 doses per month every 2 weeks or 1 dose per month every 4 weeks.[1]

How Dosing Varies by Cancer Type

• Melanoma or non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks.[1]
  
• Renal cell carcinoma or classical Hodgkin lymphoma: 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks.[1]
  
• Combination therapy (e.g., with ipilimumab for melanoma): 240 mg every 2 weeks, often for initial cycles, then adjusted.[1]
  Doses are intravenous infusions lasting 30 minutes, calculated at 3 mg/kg (monotherapy) or adjusted for combinations.[1]
  
  

Why Frequency Isn't Always Exact per Month

A 28-day month fits two 14-day doses perfectly (days 1 and 15). Every-4-week schedules align with ~30-day months but may shift slightly in calendars (e.g., 4 weeks = 28 days). Oncologists adjust for cycles, tolerability, and scans, not strict monthly counts.[1]

What Happens If a Dose Is Missed or Delayed

Administer within 3 days of the scheduled date if possible; otherwise, skip and resume the next cycle. Delays beyond 6 weeks may require re-initiation at the original dose.[1]

Common Patient Questions on Frequency

Patients often ask about home administration (not standard; clinic-based) or reducing frequency—it's fixed by FDA labeling unless in trials. Weight-based dosing (e.g., 360 mg flat for <80 kg in some NSCLC regimens) affects total volume but not timing.[1]

[1]: [FDA Opdivo Prescribing Information](https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2023/125554s ws.html)
[2]: DrugPatentWatch.com - Nivolumab Patents