This medication is used to treat various types of
cancer. It contains 2 ingredients: nivolumab and hyaluronidase. Nivolumab
belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by
helping your immune system fight the cancer. Hyaluronidase is used to help
the body absorb nivolumab, which helps it work better.
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist
before you start using nivolumab/hyaluronidase and each time you get a
treatment. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or
pharmacist.
This medication is given by injection under the skin by
a health care professional. It is injected slowly into the abdomen or thigh
over 3 to 5 minutes. It is given as directed by your doctor, usually once
every 2 to 4 weeks. The dosage is based on your medical condition, weight,
and response to treatment.
Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit
from it. To help you remember, mark your calendar with a
reminder.
Injection site reactions (such as redness, pain,
swelling), nausea, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, headache,
bone/muscle pain, or tiredness may occur. If any of these effects last or
get worse, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.
People using this medication may have serious side
effects. However, you have been prescribed this drug because your doctor
has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side
effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your
risk.
Tell your doctor right away if you have any serious side
effects, including:
- new/worsening cough
- diarrhea with blood/mucus
- mouth/throat sores
- symptoms of liver disease (such as nausea/vomiting that
doesn't stop, stomach/abdominal pain, yellowing eyes/skin, dark
urine)
- signs of kidney problems (such as change in the amount of
urine, pink/bloody urine)
- easy bruising/bleeding
- swelling hands/ankles/feet
- unusual weakness
- joint stiffness/pain
- muscle weakness/tenderness/pain/spasms/cramps
- numbness/tingling of arms/legs
- loss of coordination
- eye redness/pain
- sensitivity to light
- vision changes
This medication may cause hormone gland problems (such
as thyroid, pituitary, adrenal, pancreas). Your body could make too much or
too little hormone. Tell your doctor right away if you have any symptoms
such as:
- cold or heat intolerance
- unexplained weight loss/gain
- increased thirst/urination
- mood or behavior changes (such as decreased sex drive,
irritability, forgetfulness)
- slow/fast/pounding/irregular heartbeat
Get medical help right away if you have any very serious
side effects, including:
- chest pain
- shortness of breath
This medication can commonly cause itching or a rash
that is usually not serious. However, you may not be able to tell it apart
from a rare rash that could be a sign of a severe reaction. Get medical
help right away if you develop any rash or itching.
A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare.
However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a
serious allergic reaction, including:
- fever
- swollen lymph nodes
- rash
- itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat)
- severe dizziness
- trouble breathing
This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If
you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or
pharmacist.
In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects.
You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at
www.fda.gov/medwatch.
In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about
side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at
1-866-234-2345.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist if you are allergic to nivolumab or hyaluronidase; or if you
have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients,
which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your
pharmacist for more details.
Before using this medication, tell your doctor or
pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
- immune system problems (such as Crohn's disease, ulcerative
colitis, lupus)
- organ transplant
- stem cell transplant with donor cells
- radiation treatment
- nervous system disorders (such as myasthenia gravis,
Guillain-Barre syndrome)
Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about
all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription
drugs, and herbal products).
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become
pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using nivolumab. Nivolumab
may harm an unborn baby. Your doctor should order a pregnancy test before
you start this medication. Ask about the use of reliable forms of birth
control during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose. If you
become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and
benefits of this medication.
It is unknown if this drug passes into breast milk.
Because of the possible risk to the infant, breastfeeding is not
recommended while using this drug and for 5 months after the last dose.
Consult your doctor before breastfeeding.
Drug interactions may change how your medications work
or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not
contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you
use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and
share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the
dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.
If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such
as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison
control center right away. US residents can call 1-800-222-1222. Canada
residents can call 1-844-764-7669.
Lab and/or medical tests (such as liver/kidney/thyroid
function, blood sugar) should be done before and during treatment with this
medication. Keep all medical and lab appointments. Consult your doctor for
more details.
It is important to get each dose of this medication as
scheduled. If you miss a dose, ask your doctor or pharmacist right away for
a new dosing schedule.
Not applicable. This medication is given in a hospital
or clinic and will not be stored at home.