This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended as medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional.
OTC
OPDIVO SC
INN: NIVOLUMAB
Data updated: 2026-05-14
Available in:
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About This Product
Manufacturer
User Reviews
Reviews reflect personal experiences and are not medical advice. Always consult your doctor.
BRISTOL-MYERS SQUIBB CANADA
ATC Code
L01FF01
Source
DPD · 02566931
USDailyMed:Nivolumab
AU:DUse is not recommended
L01FF01(WHO)
AU:S4(Prescription only)CA:℞-only/Schedule DUK:POM(Prescription only)US:℞-onlyEU:Rx-onlyIn general: ℞ (Prescription only)
946414-94-4
DB09035
none
31YO63LBSN
D10316
ChEMBL2108738
Nivolumab, sold under thebrand nameOpdivo, is ananti-cancer medicationin the class ofimmune checkpoint inhibitors. It selectively binds and blocks theprogrammed death-1(PD-1) receptor onT cells, thereby facilitating their activation. It is used to treat certain types ofcancerincludingmelanoma,lung cancer,malignant pleural mesothelioma,renal cell carcinoma,Hodgkin lymphoma,head and neck cancer,urothelial carcinoma,colon cancer,esophageal squamous cell carcinoma,liver cancer,gastric cancer, and esophageal or gastroesophageal junction cancer.It is administeredintravenously.
The most common side effects include fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain,pruritus(itching),diarrhea,nausea,asthenia(weakness), cough,dyspnea(shortness of breath), constipation, decreased appetite, back pain,arthralgia(joint pain), upper respiratory tract infection,pyrexia(fever),headache, abdominal pain, and vomiting.Use during pregnancy may harm the baby.Nivolumab is a humanIgG4monoclonal antibodythatblocks PD-1.It is a type ofimmunotherapyand works as acheckpoint inhibitor, blocking a signal that prevents activation ofT cellsfrom attacking the cancer.The most common side effects when used in combination with chemotherapy include peripheral neuropathy (damage to the nerves outside of the brain and spinal cord), nausea, fatigue, diarrhea, vomiting, decreased appetite, abdominal pain, constipation and musculoskeletal pain.
Nivolumab was approved for medical use in the United States in 2014.Nivolumab is a therapeutic alternative on theWorld Health Organization's List of Essential Medicines.It is made usingChinese hamster ovary cells.Nivolumab is the second FDA-approved systemic therapy for mesotheliomaand is the first FDA-approved immunotherapy for the first-line treatment of gastric cancer.
⚠️ Warnings
• Nivolumab treatment might result in side effects like immune-mediated pneumonitis (lung inflammation), colitis (inflammation of the intestines), hepatitis, kidney dysfunction and thyroid disorders. Consult your physician immediately if any signs or symptoms of these conditions are seen after taking nivolumab.
• • Symptoms like chest pain, severe cough, breathing difficulties, abdominal pain, diarrhea, jaundice, ankle swelling, hormonal problems, muscle weakness or changes in vision should be taken to the physician’s notice immediately.
• • Avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking nivolumab as it might pose a potential risk to the fetus. Women are advised contraception for at least 5 months following the completion of treatment with nivolumab.
• • Inform your doctor if you ever had an organ transplantation or auto immune diseases like Crohn’s disease (immune system attacks the digestive tract), ulcerative colitis which might cause sores or swelling in the intestines before nivolumab treatment.