This leaflet provides information for patients having treatment with nivolumab. The leaflet will explain what nivolumab is and when and how it is given. It will also tell you about common side effects that you may experience. Contact telephone numbers and details of how to obtain further information on nivolumab are given at the end of the leaflet.
What is nivolumab and why am I having it?
Nivolumab is a treatment which helps your immune system to attack and destroy cancer cells. Nivolumab is used to treat your type of cancer, but it is not a chemotherapy drug.
How often will I receive nivolumab?
For this treatment to be most effective, it is given at specific time intervals. Nivolumab is given every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks. Your doctor will discuss with you how long you will have to continue having the treatment.
How often will I see the specialist team?
You will need to be seen in the outpatient clinic before each treatment. At each outpatient clinic the medical team who prescribes your nivolumab will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have.
You will have regular blood tests and we will check how you are feeling and discuss any problems you may have. This is so we can check how the treatment is affecting you. If your blood results are satisfactory, your treatment will be given.
How is nivolumab given?
Nivolumab is given through a drip into a vein in the back of your hand or arm.
Where will my treatment be given?
The treatments will be given in the day case treatment areas at Velindre.
How long will I be in the hospital?
The Nivolumab treatment is given over 1 hour, however please allow approximately 2 hours for your appointment.
Can I bring relatives and friends with me?
You are welcome to bring someone to stay with you during your treatment. Space is limited so there is not usually room for more than one person. Treatment areas are not suitable for young children.
Reactions during the treatment
If you experience any of the following during the treatment please tell your nurse straight away:
If any of these occur we will slow down or stop the nivolumab until you feel better. The treatment can then start again, usually without any further problems.
What are the possible side effects?
Some people have very few side effects whilst others may experience more. Most of the side effects happen because Nivolumab affects the immune system causing inflammation of other parts of the body such as the skin, the bowels and hormone producing glands. Most, if not all severe side effects can be controlled by the use of steroid medication immediately either as tablets or through a drip. Hospital admission may become necessary, however, for severe immune related reactions.
Mostly side effects are mild and can be easily managed at home. But it is important that if you have more severe side effects that you contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet. Further details of when to contact Velindre are included in the individual side effects listed below.
If you are admitted to another hospital, you must inform the doctors and the nurses that you are taking Nivolumab. It is possible you could be having an immune reaction and should be started on steroids. The doctors and nurses need to contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. They can either telephone the chemotherapy pager or speak to your oncologist.
You will be given an alert card, please show this to the nurses or doctors if you are admitted to any hospital.
Effects on the bowels
This treatment has been known to cause either constipation or diarrhoea.
Please note:
If you have any of the symptoms below you must inform Velindre Cancer Centre immediately, the telephone numbers are at the end of the leaflet.
There is a risk of inflammation of the bowel (colitis) or rupture of the bowel (perforation) in a small minority of patients.
Effects on the skin
You may develop an itching skin rash which can be treated with moisturising cream. However if you get a severe skin reaction you may need to be treated in hospital.
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if:
Effects on your hormone glands
Nivolumab can cause inflammation of the glands that produce the different hormones (chemicals that control many of the body’s functions) in the body. Symptoms will vary depending on which glands are affected.
It is important to contact Velindre cancer Centre if you have the following :
Effects on the liver
This is rare, but if you are affected you may feel more tired than usual and may also feel sick or vomit. Your doctor will give you anti sickness medicine to take.
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if:
More severe effects on the liver are very rare but can be very serious so you should contact Velindre Cancer Centre if:
Tiredness and fatigue
Nivolumab can make you feel more tired than usual. It is important to listen to your body and rest if you need to, but carry out your normal activities if you feel able. Some people find it beneficial to take gentle exercise as well as taking rest. If you are sleeping more than 50% during the daytime you need to contact Velindre Cancer Centre on the treatment helpline. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Loss of appetite
You may experience a loss of appetite and some people may feel sick whilst taking nivolumab but this can usually be well controlled with anti sickness medication. If you are sick more than once in 24 hours despite taking regular anti-sickness medicine, you should contact Velindre Cancer Centre for advice. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Effects on the nerves
You may have numbness or tingling in your hands or feet.
Please contact Velindre Cancer Centre if:
Myalgia (pain in the muscles)
Some patients may experience myalgia which is muscle or joint pain. If you already have painkillers at home you may find they relieve the pain. If this does not work please contact Velindre Cancer Centre. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Infection
You are at an increased risk of picking up infections because your white blood cells which help fight infections can be reduced by this treatment. Contact Velindre Cancer Centre immediately if you develop any signs of infection, for example flu like symptoms or a temperature above 37.5°centigrade. The telephone number is at the end of the leaflet.
Hair loss
Nivolumab should not make you lose your hair. However, a small number of people may experience some hair thinning. We have a leaflet that tells you more about coping with hair loss. Please ask your nurse if you would like a copy.
Other side effects:
You may have these additional side effects, if so please contact Velindre Cancer Centre:
Other information
It is important you do not become pregnant, breastfeed or father a child whilst having nivolumab treatment and for a year after treatment.
Side effects may continue for up to 18 months after treatment. If you have any side effects contact your consultant. If you are admitted to hospital or see your GP during this period, inform the doctor you have had Nivolumab, an immune therapy.
Sometimes cancer drugs can have very serious side effects which can be life threatening. It is important to inform Velindre cancer centre if you are concerned about any side-effects.
A diagnosis of cancer can increase your risk of developing a blood clot (thrombosis), and having cancer treatment may increase this risk further. It is important to tell your doctor immediately if you have symptoms such as pain, redness and swelling in your leg, or breathlessness and chest pain.
Blood clots can be very serious. However, most clots can usually be successfully treated with drugs to thin the blood. Your doctor or nurse can give you more information.
Manufacturer’s patient information leaflets
Velindre leaflets provide information about very common and commonly reported side-effects (we are unable to list all of the common side effects), for more information regarding these and the less common side-effects please refer to the manufacturers patient information leaflets, obtained from Velindre pharmacy and/or on the internet at www.medicines.org.uk. Sometimes patients may find these leaflets difficult to read however. Please ask if you would like a copy from your doctor or from Velindre pharmacy
Contact telephone numbers
Velindre Cancer Centre 029 2061 5888
If you are unwell at home and need immediate advice at any time of the day or night ask for the treatment helpline
Pharmacy department 029 2061 5888 ext 6223
Monday – Friday 9am – 5pm for queries about your medicines
Tenovus freephone 0808 808 1010
cancer helpline
Macmillan freephone Helpline 0808 808 0000
This leaflet was written by health professionals. The information contained in this leaflet is evidence based. The leaflet has been approved by doctors, nurses, pharmacists and patients. It is reviewed and updated every 2 years.
Prepared March 2016
Reviewed October 2018