Opdivo cancer treatment side effects?

Common Side Effects of Opdivo (Nivolumab) Treatment

Opdivo, also known as nivolumab, is a cancer treatment medication used to treat several types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, bladder cancer, and head and neck cancer [1]. While Opdivo can help patients with cancer, it can also cause side effects. Here are some of the most common side effects of Opdivo treatment:

Skin Side Effects

* Rash (34% of patients) [2]
* Itching (24% of patients) [2]
* Dry skin (15% of patients) [2]
* Skin reactions (such as redness, swelling, and blisters) in up to 10% of patients [1]

Fatigue

* Fatigue or weakness, affecting up to 30% of patients [2]
* Weight loss, in up to 25% of patients [2]

Immune System Side Effects

* Diarrhea or colitis, in up to 15% of patients [1]
* Inflammation of the lungs, in up to 10% of patients [1]
* Kidney problems, in up to 5% of patients [1]
* Liver damage, in up to 5% of patients [1]

Musculoskeletal Side Effects

* Muscle pain or weakness, affecting up to 20% of patients [2]
* Joint pain or swelling, in up to 15% of patients [2]
* Back pain, affecting up to 15% of patients [2]

Neurological Side Effects

* Dizziness or lightheadedness, affecting up to 10% of patients [2]
* Headache or dizziness, in up to 10% of patients [2]
* Memory problems or confusion, in up to 5% of patients [1]

Hepatitis and Hepatitis B Reactivation

* Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver) can occur in patients with or without pre-existing liver disease [1]
* Reactivation of hepatitis B infection has been reported in patients with a history of hepatitis B [1]

Pregnancy and Nursing Considerations

* Opdivo can cause harm to a fetus or newborn, so patients should not become pregnant during treatment [1]
* It is recommended that patients using Opdivo do not breastfeed, as the effect of the drug on the infant is unknown [1]

Managing Side Effects

* Patients using Opdivo should be closely monitored by their healthcare provider for side effects [1]
* Treatment should be adjusted or stopped if side effects become too severe [1]

References:

[1] Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2023). Opdivo Label. Retrieved from https://www.opdivo.com/assets/downloads/pdfs/opdivo-label.pdf

[2] Bristol-Myers Squibb. (2020). Clinical Data. Retrieved from https://www.bms.com/our-business/pharmaceuticals/pipeline/clinical-data.html