Is nivolumab administered weekly or monthly?

How Often is Nivolumab Administered?

Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody used in the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and others. According to the prescribing information provided by Bristol-Myers Squibb, the manufacturer of nivolumab, the recommended dosing schedule is an initial dose of 240 mg, followed by 480 mg administered 3 weeks (21 days) apart [1].

This dosing schedule is based on a clinical trial that demonstrated the safety and efficacy of nivolumab in patients with advanced melanoma. The trial compared the efficacy of nivolumab administered every 3 weeks with that of ipilimumab, another immunotherapy medication.

Why Every 3 Weeks?

The choice of a 21-day dosing interval for nivolumab is thought to optimize its immune-enhancing effects while minimizing the risk of adverse reactions. Administering nivolumab every 3 weeks allows the medication to maintain its immune-enhancing effects while also allowing the patient's immune system to recover from any potential side effects.

No Weekly or Monthly Schedule?

In contrast to some other cancer medications, nivolumab is not typically administered on a weekly or monthly schedule. The 21-day dosing interval is the recommended schedule for most patients, although individualized dosing schedules may be considered in some cases.

[1] Prescribing Information, Opdivo (nivolumab), Bristol-Myers Squibb, 2022.

Cited Sources:

[1] Prescribing Information, Opdivo (nivolumab), Bristol-Myers Squibb, 2022. (https://www.opdivo.com/patient/pi.pdf)