Nivolumab is used to treat cancer of the skin, lung, kidney, blood, liver, colon, rectum, bladder, head and neck.
Nivolumab is given intravenously (into the vein) via a drip. It is delivered directly into the bloodstream via the blood vessel.
Your doctor or nurse will administer this medicine to you.
The dose of this medicine will be decided by your doctor. Your doctor will advise you on the treatment timeframe depending on the type and severity of your condition.
Ensure that you keep all appointments with your doctor so that you do not miss any doses. Your doctor also needs to regularly monitor your response to Nivolumab.
If you miss an appointment or miss an injection, alert your doctor or nurse. A replacement appointment or injection should be given as soon as possible.
Inform your doctor if you have the following conditions:
- moderate to severe liver disease
- autoimmune disease (a condition where the body attacks its own cells)
- stem cell transplant recipient
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Keep your appointments with your doctor. Your doctor may need to perform tests such as liver, kidney, and thyroid function tests before you use Nivolumab and thereafter depending on your doctor’s advice. Your blood sugar level may also be monitored.
Nivolumab may cause dizziness and weakness. If affected, do not drive or take part in any activity in which you need to be alert.
Other side effects may include any of the following: fever, tiredness, diarrhoea, vomiting, nausea, decreased appetite, constipation, cough, shortness of breath, muscle or joint pain, stomach pain, dry skin, rash, itching, white patches on your skin, hair loss, and swelling in your ankles, feet, or hands.
Some side effects may need immediate medical help. Alert your doctor quickly if you experience any of the following:
- darkening of skin, severe tiredness, unintentional weight loss, salt craving, lightheadedness or fainting
- rashes with skin peeling or blisters
- yelllowing of the skin or eyes
- severe diarrhoea, blood in stool
- severe headache, frequent urination
- pain or burning sensation when urinating, blood in urine
- swelling in your neck, being sensitive to heat or cold
- unusual bleeding or bruising
- mouth sores, frequent and persistent sore throat with fever
Inform your doctor if any of these side effects do not go away or are severe, or if you experience other side effects.
Inform your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking immunosuppressants (medicines used in organ transplant or certain immune disorders).
Always notify your doctor and pharmacist if you are taking any other medicines, including herbal tonics such as traditional Chinese medicines, supplements and medicines that you buy without a prescription.
Avoid
alcohol.
Store in the refrigerator, between 2-8°C. Do not allow to freeze. If frozen, this medicine will become ineffective and should not be used. Protect from light.
Medicines must not be used past the expiry date.
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