If you have a certain kind of cancer, your doctor might suggest Opdivo as a treatment option for you.
Opdivo is a prescription medication that’s used to treat certain kinds of the following cancers in adults:
- non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
- melanoma
- mesothelioma
- liver cancer
- kidney cancer
- bladder cancer
- colorectal cancer
- head and neck cancer
- esophageal cancer
- stomach cancer
- classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Opdivo is also prescribed to treat certain kinds of the following cancer in some children:
- colorectal cancer
Opdivo is a biologic drug, which means it’s made from parts of living organisms. The active ingredient in Opdivo is nivolumab. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work.
Opdivo comes as a liquid solution. A healthcare professional will give you the solution as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time).
This article describes the dosages of Opdivo, as well as its strengths and how to use the drug. To learn more about Opdivo, see this in-depth article.
Note: This article covers Opdivo’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drug’s manufacturer. But your doctor will prescribe the Opdivo dosage that’s right for you.
This section covers common dosage and administration information for Opdivo. Before you begin Opdivo treatment, your doctor will go over a dosing schedule that’s specific to your condition.
What is Opdivo’s form?
Opdivo comes in single-use vials that contain a liquid solution. You’ll receive the drug as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). A healthcare professional will give you the infusion. For more information, see the “How is Opdivo used?” section below.
What strengths does Opdivo come in?
The strength of Opdivo is 10 milligrams (mg) per 1 milliliter (mL). It comes in vials containing the following amounts:
- 40 mg/4 mL
- 100 mg/10 mL
- 120 mg/12 mL
- 240 mg/24 mL
What are the usual dosages of Opdivo?
Opdivo dosages vary based on several factors, including your weight in kilograms (kg)* and the kind of cancer you have.
For treating certain kinds of cancer, you may receive Opdivo along with another medication, such as:
- ipilimumab (Yervoy)
- cabozantinib (Cabometyx, Cometriq)
- certain chemotherapy drugs (traditional drugs used to treat cancer)
If you use these medications with Opdivo, you’ll likely receive Opdivo every 2 or 3 weeks for a period of time. It’s possible you may then have a monthly dosing schedule.
If you’re receiving Opdivo by itself, your doctor may prescribe a fixed dose instead of a dose based on your weight.
The information below describes dosage schedules that are commonly prescribed or recommended for adults. Your doctor will determine the best dosage to fit your needs.
For information on children’s dosages, see “What’s the dosage of Opdivo for children?” below.
* 1 kg is about 2.2 pounds (lbs.).
Dosage for non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) that:
- is metastatic, meaning the cancer has spread to areas of your body outside of your lungs
- carries a specific protein called PD-L1
- has come back after it has already been treated in the past
Depending on the kind of NSCLC you have, you may receive Opdivo by itself. Or you may receive it with ipilimumab, or with ipilimumab and two rounds of chemotherapy. Following is a simple dosage chart for Opdivo when received by itself or with these other medications to treat NSCLC.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo alone | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab | 3 mg/kg* once every 2 weeks |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab and chemotherapy | 360 mg once every 3 weeks |
* For this dose, you’ll receive 3 mg of Opdivo for every kg that you weigh. For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 lbs.), your dose of Opdivo would be 210 mg.
Dosage for melanoma
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat melanoma that can’t be removed with surgery or has spread to other areas of your body. Opdivo can also be prescribed to prevent melanoma from returning after it has been removed with surgery.
Depending on the kind of melanoma you have, you may receive Opdivo by itself. Or you may receive Opdivo with ipilimumab for four doses, and then receive Opdivo by itself. The following chart shows the usual dosages of Opdivo for treating melanoma.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab, first four doses | 1 mg/kg* once every 3 weeks |
| Opdivo alone or after four doses with ipilimumab | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
* For this dose, you’ll receive 1 mg of Opdivo for every kg that you weigh. For example, if you weigh 70 kg (about 154 lbs.), your dose of Opdivo would be 70 mg.
Dosage for mesothelioma
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat a certain kind of mesothelioma that affects your chest or lungs.
For this use, you’ll usually receive Opdivo with ipilimumab. The dosage for this use is 360 mg once every 3 weeks.
Dosage for liver cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat a certain kind of liver cancer that’s already been treated with another drug.
For this use, you’ll likely receive Opdivo with ipilimumab for your first four doses. Then you’ll receive Opdivo by itself as shown in the dosage chart below.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab, first four doses | 1 mg/kg* once every 3 weeks |
| Opdivo after four doses with ipilimumab | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
* For this dose, you’ll receive 1 mg of Opdivo for every kg that you weigh.
Dosage for kidney cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat a certain kind of kidney cancer that has spread to other areas of the body.
For this use, you may receive Opdivo by itself or with cabozantinib. Or you may receive Opdivo with ipilimumab for four doses, followed by Opdivo by itself. The chart below shows the usual dosages of Opdivo for treating kidney cancer.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab, first four doses | 3 mg/kg* once every 3 weeks |
| Opdivo alone, with cabozantinib, or after four doses with ipilimumab | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
* For this dose, you’ll receive 3 mg of Opdivo for every kg that you weigh.
Dosage for bladder cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat certain forms of bladder cancer that have either:
- already been removed with surgery
- spread to other areas of the body after being treated with other medications in the past
For these uses, you’ll receive Opdivo by itself. Your dosage will be either 240 mg once every 2 weeks or 480 mg once every 4 weeks.
Dosage for colorectal cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat certain kinds of colorectal cancer that have spread to other areas of the body.
For these conditions, you may receive Opdivo by itself. Or you may receive Opdivo with ipilimumab for four doses, and then receive Opdivo by itself. The following chart shows the usual dosages of Opdivo for treating colorectal cancer.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab, first four doses | 3 mg/kg* once every 3 weeks |
| Opdivo alone or after four doses with ipilimumab | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
* For this dose, you’ll receive 3 mg of Opdivo for every kg that you weigh.
Dosage for head and neck cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat certain kinds of head and neck cancer that have either:
- spread to other areas of the body
- come back after they’ve already been treated in the past
For these uses, you’ll receive Opdivo by itself. Your dosage will be either 240 mg once every 2 weeks or 480 mg once every 4 weeks.
Dosage for esophageal cancer or stomach cancer
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat certain kinds of esophageal cancer and stomach cancer that have spread to other areas of the body.
Opdivo can also be prescribed to treat certain kinds of esophageal cancer that:
- can’t be removed with surgery or have already been removed with surgery
- have been treated with other medications in the past
For these uses, you may receive Opdivo by itself or with chemotherapy. If you’re receiving Opdivo after surgery or other treatments for your cancer, you’ll also receive Opdivo by itself. But in this case, your dosing schedule will be different. The following chart gives an overview of the different dosages of Opdivo for treating esophageal cancer.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo alone | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
| Opdivo alone, after surgery or other treatments for esophageal cancer | For 16 weeks: • 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or • 480 mg once every 4 weeks Then for 1 year: • 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
| Opdivo with chemotherapy | 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or 360 mg once every 3 weeks |
Dosage for classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Opdivo can be prescribed to treat classic Hodgkin’s lymphoma that has worsened or come back after it has already been treated.
For this use, you’ll receive Opdivo by itself. Your dosage will be either 240 mg once every 2 weeks or 480 mg once every 4 weeks.
What’s the dosage of Opdivo for children?
Opdivo is prescribed to treat certain kinds of colorectal cancer in children ages 12 years or older. Children may receive Opdivo by itself or with ipilimumab for the first four doses.
The dosage of Opdivo for children depends on whether they weigh 40 kg (about 88 lbs.) or more. The following chart shows these dosages.
| Opdivo dosage | |
| Opdivo with ipilimumab, first four doses | 3 mg/kg* once every 3 weeks |
| Opdivo alone or after four doses with ipilimumab | Less than 40 kg: • 3 mg/kg once every 2 weeks At least 40 kg: • 240 mg once every 2 weeks, or • 480 mg once every 4 weeks |
* For this dose, a child will receive 3 mg of Opdivo for every kg that they weigh.
Is Opdivo received long term?
Yes, Opdivo is usually prescribed as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that Opdivo is safe and effective for you, it’s likely that you’ll use it long term.
How long your Opdivo treatment lasts depends on the cancer you’re receiving it to treat and side effects you may have from the medication.
Some kinds of cancer require treatment with Opdivo for up to 2 years. But if you have severe side effects or your cancer worsens, your doctor may have you stop receiving Opdivo.
The dosage of Opdivo you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:
- the kind and severity of the condition you’re receiving Opdivo to treat
- your age
- your weight
- how often you receive Opdivo
- side effects you may have from Opdivo
- other medications you may be taking along with Opdivo
A healthcare professional will give you Opdivo as an intravenous (IV) infusion (an injection into a vein given over time). You’ll need to go to a doctor’s office, infusion clinic, or hospital for your infusion, which will usually take about 30 minutes.
Your doctor will give you instructions on how to prepare for your appointment and how often you’ll need to come in for infusions.
It’s important that you keep your appointments for your Opdivo treatments. If you think you’re going to miss an appointment, contact your doctor right away to reschedule.
If you need help remembering your Opdivo appointments, try marking your appointments on a calendar. You could also download a reminder app on your phone.
The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drug manufacturer. If your doctor recommends Opdivo for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you.
Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.
Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Can my 10-year-old child receive Opdivo for colorectal cancer if they weigh more than 40 kilograms (kg)?
- Will I need to continue receiving Opdivo even if my condition has improved?
- What should I do if I start itching during my Opdivo infusion?
- Will you update my dosage based on what side effects I have from Opdivo?
Q:
Can you administer Opdivo for longer than 30 minutes?
AnonymousA:
Yes, in some cases.
A healthcare professional will administer Opdivo as an intravenous (IV) infusion. (This is an injection into a vein given over time.) Each infusion usually takes about 30 minutes.
But if you have certain side effects with Opdivo, the healthcare professional may slow down the infusion. This means your Opdivo infusion may last longer than 30 minutes.
For example, Opdivo can cause infusion reactions. These are side effects that can happen during the infusion or shortly after. Examples include rash, chills, fever, and shortness of breath. If you have an infusion reaction with Opdivo, your healthcare professional may slow down your next infusion. This lowers your risk of having these side effects again.
Your healthcare professional will let you know the length of time your Opdivo infusions will take.
Amber Watson, PharmDAnswers represent the opinions of our medical experts. All content is strictly informational and should not be considered medical advice.Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.
