Why is this medication prescribed?

In adults and children 12 years of age and older who weigh at least 40 kg, Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw are used to treat specific kinds of melanoma (a type of skin cancer) that have spread to other parts of the body or cannot be removed surgically. The drugs Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw are members of the monoclonal antibody drug class. They function by supporting your immune system’s ability to inhibit or stop the growth of cancer cells.

How should this medicine be used?

Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw are administered intravenously (into a vein) over a 30-minute period by a doctor or nurse in a hospital or other healthcare setting. As long as your doctor advises you to undergo treatment, it is typically administered every four weeks.

Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw during an infusion may result in severe or life-threatening responses. During and immediately after the infusion, a doctor or nurse will keep a close eye on you to make sure you are not having a severe response to the medication. Tell your doctor or nurse right away if you have any of the following infusion-related side effects: shivering or trembling, itching, rash, flushing, breathing difficulties, dizziness, fever, or feeling faint.

Depending on your reaction to the medication and any side effects you encounter, your doctor may slow down, delay, or halt your infusion of Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw injection, or provide more treatments. Tell your doctor how you are feeling as you receive treatment.

Other uses for this medicine

Other uses for Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw:

• Clinical trials: These drugs may be investigated in clinical trials for other types of cancer or conditions to evaluate their safety and effectiveness in treating different diseases.
• Combination therapy: Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw may be used in combination with other cancer treatments to improve treatment outcomes.

What special precautions should I follow?

Regarding special precautions, these drugs, like other immune checkpoint inhibitors, can have significant effects on the immune system. Therefore, it’s essential to consider the following precautions:

• Patient Selection: Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw are not suitable for everyone. They should be used under the supervision of a qualified oncologist who will assess the patient’s specific cancer type, overall health, and medical history to determine if these drugs are appropriate.
• Immune-related Adverse Events (irAEs): These drugs can cause immune-related side effects in various organs, including skin, lungs, liver, intestines, and hormone-producing glands. Patients need to be monitored closely for any signs of adverse reactions, and prompt management should be initiated if such events occur.
• Infections: Immune checkpoint inhibitors can weaken the immune system, making patients more susceptible to infections. Patients should be educated on recognizing the signs of infection and seek prompt medical attention if any symptoms arise.
• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: The safety of Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established. Pregnant or breastfeeding individuals should discuss the potential risks and benefits with their healthcare provider.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as some drugs can interact with Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw.
• Vaccinations: Some vaccines may not be as effective while on immune checkpoint inhibitors. Discuss vaccination schedules and requirements with your doctor.
• Monitoring: Regular follow-up appointments with the healthcare team are essential to monitor treatment response and manage any side effects.

Remember that the precautions and guidelines might change based on the latest research and medical knowledge. Always consult your healthcare provider for the most current and personalized information regarding Nivolumab, relatlimab-rmbw, or any other medication you are prescribed.

What special dietary instructions should I follow?

There were no specific dietary restrictions mentioned for Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw. However, it’s essential to maintain a balanced and healthy diet during cancer treatment to support your overall well-being. Discuss any specific dietary concerns or restrictions with your healthcare provider or a registered dietitian who can offer personalized guidance.

What should I do if I forget a dose?

If you miss a dose of Nivolumab or relatlimab-rmbw, it is crucial to contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They will advise you on the appropriate course of action, which may include rescheduling the missed dose or adjusting the treatment plan. It is essential not to take extra doses to make up for a missed one without consulting your healthcare provider, as this can increase the risk of side effects or complications.

What side effects can this medication cause?

Nivolumab (Opdivo) and relatlimab-rmbw are immune checkpoint inhibitors used to treat certain types of cancer. Like all medications, these drugs can cause side effects. The side effects may vary from person to person and can range from mild to severe. It’s essential to note that the list of side effects provided here is not exhaustive, and new information might have emerged since my last update.

Common side effects of Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw may include:

• Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak is a common side effect reported by patients on immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Skin Rash: Some individuals may experience a skin rash or itching.
• Gastrointestinal Issues: Digestive problems such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation can occur.
• Loss of Appetite: Some patients may experience a reduced desire to eat.
• Fever: A mild fever might develop as a result of the immune response.
• Cough and Respiratory Symptoms: Respiratory issues like cough or difficulty breathing can occur.
• Joint or Muscle Pain: Some patients may experience pain in their joints or muscles.
• Changes in Liver Function: Liver enzyme levels may be affected.
• Hormonal Changes: Some immune-related side effects may affect hormone-producing glands.
• Infections: Immune checkpoint inhibitors can increase the risk of infections due to a weakened immune response.

It’s important to remember that while some side effects may be manageable and resolve on their own, others can be severe and require immediate medical attention. Additionally, immune checkpoint inhibitors can lead to immune-related adverse events (irAEs), affecting various organs in the body. These can be serious and even life-threatening in some cases.

If you are prescribed Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw or any other medication, it’s crucial to have open communication with your healthcare team. They will monitor you closely for any potential side effects and provide guidance on managing and reporting any adverse reactions that may arise during the course of treatment.

Please consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for the most current and accurate information on the side effects of Nivolumab, relatlimab-rmbw, or any other medication you are taking. They can provide personalized information based on your specific health condition and medical history.

What should I know about storage and disposal of this medication?

Generally, medications like Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw should be stored according to the following guidelines:

• Storage: Keep these medications in their original packaging at the recommended temperature and away from moisture, light, and extreme temperatures unless instructed otherwise.
• Disposal: Do not dispose of medications in household trash. Instead, follow local regulations or guidelines for the proper disposal of unused or expired medications. Many pharmacies and healthcare facilities have medication take-back programs for safe disposal.

In case of emergency/overdose

In case of an emergency or suspected overdose:

• Emergency: If you experience severe side effects or reactions after taking Nivolumab or relatlimab-rmbw, seek immediate medical attention or call your local emergency number.
• Overdose: If you suspect an overdose or accidentally take more than the prescribed dose, contact your healthcare provider or go to the nearest emergency room right away. Bring the medication’s packaging or container with you, if possible.

What other information should I know

• Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: Inform your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. The safety of Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw during pregnancy and breastfeeding is not well-established, and the potential risks and benefits need to be discussed.
• Other Medications: Inform your healthcare provider about all the medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking, as certain drugs may interact with Nivolumab and relatlimab-rmbw.
• Regular Follow-up: Attend all scheduled appointments with your healthcare provider for regular check-ups, monitoring of treatment response, and management of any side effects or complications.
• Vaccinations: Discuss with your doctor if you need any vaccinations, as some vaccines may not be recommended or effective while on immune checkpoint inhibitors.
• Health History: Provide your healthcare team with your complete medical history, including any past or existing medical conditions.

Remember that the information provided here is general and might not be applicable to these specific drugs or their most recent usage. Always consult your healthcare provider or pharmacist for the most current and accurate information on Nivolumab, relatlimab-rmbw, or any other medication you are taking. They can provide personalized guidance based on your specific health condition and needs.