Opdivo Qvantig (Nivolumab and Hyaluronidase-Nvhy) for Melanoma

Overview
Opdivo Qvantig is approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of melanoma in several scenarios. It is indicated for adults with unresectable (not operable) or metastatic melanoma (cancer that has spread), as well as for adjuvant treatment of completely resected stage 2B, stage 2C, stage 3, or stage 4 melanoma. Additionally, it is approved for individuals with unresectable or metastatic melanoma following prior treatment with intravenous nivolumab and ipilimumab. However, it is not approved for use in combination with ipilimumab for melanoma. Opdivo Qvantig is also known by its drug name, nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy.

Opdivo Qvantig belongs to the category of immunotherapy treatments. Nivolumab blocks the PD-1 receptor, enabling the immune system to detect and attack melanoma cells, while hyaluronidase enhances the absorption of the medication when administered as a subcutaneous injection.

How do I take it?
Prescribing information states that Opdivo Qvantig is administered as a subcutaneous injection into the abdomen or thigh by a healthcare professional. For the treatment of melanoma, the medication is given every two weeks or four weeks, depending on dose size. The drug must be taken exactly as prescribed by a healthcare provider.

Side effects
Common side effects of Opdivo Qvantig as monotherapy for melanoma 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, vomiting, and urinary tract infection.

Rare but serious side effects may include immune-mediated adverse reactions such as pneumonitis (lung inflammation), colitis (inflammation of the colon), hepatitis (liver inflammation), endocrinopathies (disorders of hormone-producing glands), and nephritis (kidney inflammation). Individuals may also experience complications if they have undergone allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) before or after receiving PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. The drug may also cause embryo-fetal toxicity (harm to an unborn fetus) if taken by a pregnant person. 

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Label: Opdivo Qvantig — Nivolumab and Hyaluronidase-Nvhy Injection, Solution — DailyMed