Description

Opdualag (Nivolumab Relatlimab) is an anticancer agent. It is typically used to treat advanced melanoma (a serious type of skin cancer) in adults who do not have a specific mutation (called BRAF mutation). This medication helps the immune system recognize and fight cancer cells. Normally, the immune system has “checkpoints” that prevent it from attacking healthy cells. Some cancers take advantage of these checkpoints to avoid being destroyed. OPDUALAG works by blocking these checkpoints, allowing the immune system to better detect and attack the cancer. It may also have other uses.

Additional information

Opdualag (Nivolumab Relatlimab) is usually given once every 4 weeks. However, your doctor or pharmacist may have suggested a different schedule that is more appropriate for you. Important: Follow the instructions on the label. Do not use more of this product, or more often, than prescribed. If you miss a dose, contact your pharmacist. It is given as an intravenous infusion (into your vein) over 30 minutes by your healthcare professional.

WARNING: Opdualag acts on your immune system and may cause inflammation in parts of your body. Inflammation may cause serious damage to your body and some inflammatory conditions may be lifethreatening. Opdualag can cause inflammation of the lungs (pneumonitis), acute lung swelling caused by too much fluid trapped (edema) and a rare disease in which your immune system makes too many of otherwise normal infection fighting cells.

In addition to its desired action, this medication may cause some side effects, notably:

It may cause infection of the urinary tract, decreased number of red blood cells (which carry oxygen) and white blood cells, important in fighting infection

It may cause headache, cough, diarrhea

Contraindications: Do not use this medication if you have a known allergy (hypersensitivity) to any of its ingredients, or if you are younger than 12 years of age or you are 12 years of age or older and weigh less than 40 kg.

Taking this medication during pregnancy is contraindicated and harmful for the baby. Women of childbearing potential should use an effective contraceptive method. Pregnant women should not use this product. If you're planning a pregnancy or become pregnant or breastfeeding, contact your family doctor.

A treatment with this medication requires regular monitoring by a doctor. Be sure to see your doctor for all regularly scheduled appointments.

Warning

Each person may react differently to a treatment. If you think this medication may be causing side effects (including those described here, or others), talk to your doctor or pharmacist. He or she can help you to determine whether or not the medication is the source of the problem.