NIVOLUNIX 40 INJECTION
NIVOLUMAB INN
What it does
Nivolumab is a medication that helps treat certain types of cancer by boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells.
Commonly used for: advanced melanoma (skin cancer), non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
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Source: Pharmacy and Poisons Board · fetched 2026-01-28 19:52:48 · updated 2026-08-28 02:30:29
About this medicine
Nivolumab is a medication that helps treat certain types of cancer by boosting the body's immune response against cancer cells.
What it treats
- advanced melanoma (skin cancer)
- non-small cell lung cancer
- kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
How it works
It works by blocking a protein that prevents the immune system from attacking cancer cells, thereby enhancing the immune response.
Who it's for
It is used for patients with specific types of cancer who may benefit from immunotherapy.
Cautions
- • Be cautious if taking other medications that can affect bone marrow function.
AI-assisted summary grounded in BNF data - general information only, not medical advice. Always confirm with your pharmacist or doctor.
Clinical monograph: Nivolumab
BNF-referencedNivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 monoclonal antibody that functions as an immune checkpoint inhibitor. It specifically binds to the programmed death-1 (PD-1) receptor on T-cells, thereby blocking its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2 ligands, which are often overexpressed in tumors. This blockade enhances T-cell activation and proliferation, improving the immune response against cancer cells.
Indications
- Melanoma
- Renal cell carcinoma
- Non-small cell lung cancer
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma
- Urothelial carcinoma
- Squamous cell cancer of the head and neck
- Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
- Gastrointestinal cancer
Dosage
Children: Safety and efficacy in children have not been established; refer to the BNF for Children for any potential use.
Adults: Dosage varies based on the specific indication; refer to the BNF for detailed dosing recommendations.
Mechanism of action
Nivolumab works by inhibiting the PD-1 pathway, which normally downregulates immune responses. By blocking PD-1, nivolumab prevents tumor cells from evading immune detection, promoting the activation of T-cells to attack and destroy cancer cells.
Pharmacodynamics
The pharmacodynamic effect of nivolumab is characterized by enhanced T-cell activity and increased immune surveillance against tumors. This may lead to an extended duration of response and improved overall survival in patients with certain malignancies. However, this immune activation can also result in immune-related adverse effects due to increased inflammation.
Pharmacokinetics
Nivolumab exhibits linear pharmacokinetics over a wide dose range. It has a volume of distribution of approximately 6.6 L. The half-life of nivolumab ranges from 15 to 28 days, allowing for less frequent dosing schedules. It is primarily eliminated through the reticuloendothelial system and does not undergo extensive metabolism by cytochrome P450 enzymes.
Contra-indications
- Hypersensitivity to nivolumab or any of its excipients
- History of severe or life-threatening cutaneous adverse reactions associated with other immunostimulant therapies
Adverse effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Nausea
- Pruritus
- Rash
- Anorexia
- Abdominal pain
- Myalgia
- Arthralgia
- Hypersensitivity reactions
- Autoimmune conditions exacerbation
- Severe cutaneous adverse reactions including Stevens-Johnson syndrome (SJS) and toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN)
- Immune-mediated pneumonitis
- Immune-mediated colitis
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Nephritis
- Endocrinopathies
Interactions
- Corticosteroids may reduce nivolumab efficacy due to immunosuppressive effects
- Other immunosuppressive agents may increase the risk of adverse effects
Precautions
- Caution in patients with a history of severe autoimmune disease
- Monitoring for signs of severe cutaneous adverse reactions
- Resuscitation facilities should be available during administration
Pregnancy
There are no adequate data on the use of nivolumab in pregnant women. Nivolumab is not recommended during pregnancy.
Breast-feeding
It is unknown whether nivolumab is excreted in human milk. A decision should be made whether to discontinue breastfeeding or to discontinue the drug.
Storage
Store in a refrigerator (2–8°C) and protect from light. Consult product literature for storage conditions after preparation of the infusion.
Formulations
- Nivolumab 1 mg/ml concentrate for solution for infusion
AI-synthesized from BNF references - general information only, not a substitute for professional medical advice or the current BNF. Verify doses with a pharmacist.