Opdivo (nivolumab)
Immunotherapy (PD-1 blocker) · Used for: Lung cancer, Colorectal cancer
💉 Given by IV or injection · Immunotherapy (PD-1 blocker)
Cliff notes
What it is: Immunotherapy (PD-1 blocker).
How it's given: An IV infusion, usually every 2, 3 or 4 weeks depending on the plan. It may be given alone or with other drugs.
How it works: Like Keytruda, Opdivo blocks PD-1, a 'brake' on your immune cells. Taking off the brake helps your immune system attack the cancer. It can also cause the immune system to attack healthy organs.
Common side effects and what helps at home
| Side effect | What can help |
|---|---|
| Tiredness | Rest and gentle activity both help. |
| Rash and itching | Moisturize and avoid hot showers. |
| Muscle and joint pain | Ask which pain relievers are safe. |
| Diarrhea | Report it early. It can mean colon inflammation. |
| Cough | Always report new cough or breathing trouble. |
| Nausea, constipation, decreased appetite | Small meals and fluids. |
Not everyone gets these. Your team may suggest other ways to manage them.
Call your care team now if you have:
- New or worse cough, chest pain or shortness of breath
- Diarrhea, many more bowel movements than usual, or black, tarry or bloody stools
- Yellow skin or eyes, dark urine, or pain on the right side of your belly
- Severe tiredness, headaches that won't go away, dizziness or fainting (possible hormone gland problems)
- Peeing much less, or blood in your urine
- Rash with blistering, peeling or mouth sores
- Fever of 100.4°F (38°C) or higher
- Chills, itching, flushing or trouble breathing during or after the infusion (infusion reaction)
Call 911 for trouble breathing, chest pain or signs of stroke.
🗓 What to expect
1️⃣ Before you start
- Ask your team for a written schedule and an after-hours phone number.
- Bring a list of all your medicines and supplements.
2️⃣ During each infusion
- You'll get the medicine through an IV in a clinic; nurses check you during the infusion.
- Tell the nurse right away about chills, itching, flushing or trouble breathing.
- Bring a snack, water and something to pass the time.
3️⃣ Between doses
- Watch for the side effects below and use the checklist.
- Keep up with blood tests and visits.
- Call your team for anything in the red box.
✅ Side-effect checklist
Print this and check off what you notice so you can tell your team.
| Side effect | Noticed? | Notes for my team |
|---|---|---|
| Tiredness | ☐ | |
| Rash and itching | ☐ | |
| Muscle and joint pain | ☐ | |
| Diarrhea | ☐ | |
| Cough | ☐ | |
| Nausea, constipation, decreased appetite | ☐ |
Help paying for Opdivo
Official manufacturer program:
- BMS Access Support: Benefits checks and copay help; the BMS Patient Assistance Foundation may provide free drug to those in need.
Copay cards are usually only for people with commercial (job or marketplace) insurance. If you have Medicare or Medicaid, look at free-drug programs and these independent foundations:
- PAN Foundation: Copays and coinsurance, including for people with Medicare, when a disease fund is open.
- HealthWell Foundation: Grants for copays, deductibles and premiums when a fund is open.
- CancerCare Co-Payment Assistance Foundation: Help with treatment copays for insured people under income limits.
- Good Days: Copay help and some travel costs.
- NeedyMeds: Free database of assistance programs, open to anyone.
📋 Medicare: Medicare Part B usually covers drugs given by infusion in a doctor's office or hospital outpatient clinic. You typically pay 20% after the Part B deductible. See Medicare and your cancer drugs.
More: Our guide to paying for cancer treatment.
▶ Watch
Watch: Introduction to Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor (ICI) Immunotherapy Side Effects (Princess Margaret Cancer Centre)
Watch: How to Prepare for Your First Infusion Treatment (Chemotherapy, Immunotherapy or Targeted Therapy) (Fred Hutch Patient Education)
Videos open on YouTube and are made by the channels named. We don't host them.
❓ Questions to ask your doctor
- What is the goal of this treatment for me?
- How will we know if it's working?
- Which side effects should I call about right away, and what number do I call after hours?
- Which medicines, vitamins or supplements should I avoid?
- Will this affect my ability to work, drive or care for my family?
- What will this cost me, and who can help me with coverage?
Support groups
- LUNGevity: Patient education, support groups and survivorship programs
- GO2 for Lung Cancer: Helpline, biomarker testing support and navigation
- Fight Colorectal Cancer: Patient guides, advocacy and community
- Colorectal Cancer Alliance: Helpline (877-422-2030) and patient navigation
- CancerCare: Free counseling, support groups and financial help
- Cancer Support Community: Support groups, a helpline and the MyLifeLine online community
Common questions
How does Opdivo work?
It blocks PD-1 so your immune cells can recognize and fight cancer cells.
What's the difference between Opdivo and Keytruda?
Both block PD-1. They are approved for different (sometimes overlapping) cancers and on different schedules. Your oncologist picks based on your cancer and approvals.
Does Opdivo cause hair loss?
Hair loss is not a common side effect of Opdivo alone. It is common when Opdivo is given with chemo.
📄 The official FDA label for Opdivo, including its patient information section, is on DailyMed.
Written by the Cancer Side Effects Guide team from FDA labels and leading cancer centers. Not medical advice. · Last updated: October 15, 2026 · How we write