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Only Available By Prescription
A generic drug is a copy of the brand-name drug with the same dosage, safety, strength, quality, consumption method, performance, and intended use. Before generics become available on the market, the generic company must prove it has the same active ingredients as the brand-name drug and works in the same way and in the same amount of time in the body.
The only differences between generics and their brand-name counterparts is that generics are less expensive and may look slightly different (eg. different shape or color), as trademarks laws prevent a generic from looking exactly like the brand-name drug.
Generics are less expensive because generic manufacturers don't have to invest large sums of money to develop a drug. When the brand-name patent expires, generic companies can manufacture a copy of the brand-name and sell it at a substantial discount.
Opdivo (nivolumab) is a prescription medication in the class of drugs known as immune checkpoint inhibitors, specifically targeting the PD-1 (programmed death-1) receptor on T cells. Opdivo is designed to enhance the body's immune response against cancer cells by inhibiting the interaction between PD-1 and its ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2. This action helps to prevent cancer cells from evading the immune system.
Opdivo is approved for the treatment of various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, head and neck cancers, Hodgkin lymphoma, and more, depending on the stage of the disease and prior treatments. It is available as an intravenous formulation, administered by healthcare professionals in a clinical setting.
Before you buy Opdivo, it is crucial that you talk to your healthcare provider about potential side effects and Opdivo cost.
| Fact Table | |
|---|---|
| Formula | C6364H9846N1690O1997S42 |
| License | FDA approved |
| Bioavailability | Not applicable (intravenous administration) |
| Legal status | Prescription drug |
| Chemical Name | Nivolumab |
| Elimination half-life | Approximately 25 days |
| Dosage (Strength) | 10 mg/mL |
| Pregnancy | Not recommended |
| Brands | Opdivo |
| Protein binding | Not applicable (monoclonal antibody) |
| PubChem CID | 56930248 |
| MedlinePlus | a614014 |
| ChEBI | Not available |
| ATC code | L01XC17 |
| DrugBank | DB09035 |
| KEGG | D09965 |
| Routes of administration | Intravenous |
Opdivo is administered intravenously, typically over a 30-minute session. The dosage and schedule of Opdivo treatment can vary based on the type of cancer being treated, the stage of the disease, the patient's body weight and overall health, and their response to the therapy. Common regimens include:
240 mg every two weeks, or
480 mg every four weeks.
It is crucial that Opdivo is administered under the supervision of a qualified healthcare professional experienced in the use of cancer immunotherapies. Patients should follow the treatment schedule strictly as prescribed and attend all follow-up appointments to monitor the effectiveness of the therapy and any side effects.
The active ingredient in Opdivo is nivolumab.
Opdivo therapy should be used with caution in patients with a history of autoimmune diseases as the activation of the immune system can potentially exacerbate these conditions. It is also important to monitor for signs of immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can affect multiple organ systems and may become severe or life-threatening.
Patients should inform their healthcare provider of all their medical conditions, including if they:
Opdivo medication can interact with other medications, which can either reduce its effectiveness or exacerbate its side effects. It is important to inform healthcare providers of all medications being taken, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal supplements, and vitamins. Special caution should be exercised when using other immunosuppressive drugs, as they may alter the efficacy of Opdivo or increase the risk of serious infections.
While Opdivo is a targeted therapy and generally well-tolerated, it can still cause side effects, some of which can be severe. Common side effects include:
What type of cancer is Opdivo used for?
Opdivo (nivolumab) is used to treat various cancers, including advanced melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, pleural mesothelioma, kidney cancer, classical Hodgkin lymphoma, squamous cell cancer of the esophagus or head and neck, bladder cancer, liver cancer, colorectal cancer, and cancer of the stomach and esophagus.
What is the 5-year survival rate for Opdivo?
The 5-year survival rate for Opdivo varies depending on the type of cancer. For instance, in patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, the 5-year survival rate is about 16%. For advanced melanoma, the rate is 34% when used in combination with ipilimumab.
What is the life expectancy of someone on nivolumab?
Life expectancy varies depending on the type and stage of cancer. For instance, in patients with bladder cancer, nivolumab may extend life by about 9 months. In a study of patients with advanced melanoma, the median survival was over six years for those treated with nivolumab and ipilimumab.
What are the most common side effects of Opdivo?
Common side effects of Opdivo include fatigue, itching, diarrhea, nausea, rash, decreased appetite, and muscle, bone, or joint pain.
Do you lose your hair with Opdivo?
Hair loss is a rare side effect of Opdivo. However, it can occur due to certain other side effects of Opdivo or other factors.
What foods should you avoid while taking nivolumab?
While there are no specific foods to avoid, it’s recommended to maintain a balanced diet. Patients should avoid alcohol, especially if they have liver problems, as nivolumab can affect liver function.
How long does Opdivo prolong life?
The duration Opdivo prolongs life depends on the type and stage of cancer. In some cases, Opdivo has been shown to prolong life for over six years.
What happens when you stop Opdivo?
After stopping Opdivo, some patients continue to have a durable response to the treatment. However, side effects can still occur a few months after stopping the drug.
Can you drink alcohol on Opdivo?
While there aren’t any known interactions between alcohol and Opdivo, alcohol can raise the risk of liver damage, and Opdivo can cause liver-related side effects.
Who should not take Opdivo?
Opdivo may not be suitable for people with immune system problems such as Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus, with lung or breathing problems, with liver disease, or who have had an organ transplant. It should not be given to pregnant women or those intending to become pregnant.
Is Opdivo a form of chemo?
No, Opdivo is not a form of chemotherapy. It is an immunotherapy drug, which means it works with your immune system to fight off cancer cells.
How long can Opdivo be taken?
The duration of Opdivo treatment varies and is determined by your healthcare provider based on your condition and response to treatment.
Does nivolumab cause weight gain?
Weight gain is not a common side effect of nivolumab. However, changes in weight can occur due to other side effects or factors.
