Nivolumab
Nivolumab is an immunotherapy medication that works by blocking the PD-1 receptor on T cells, helping restore the immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. It is used to treat various cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, kidney cancer, and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Nivolumab is a PD-1 inhibitor immunotherapy drug used to treat multiple cancers by helping the immune system attack tumor cells.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- L01FF01
- RxNorm
- 1597876
- Generic
- Nivolumab
- Class
- atc-l01
- Brands
- Opdivo, Opdualag, Opdivo Qvantig
- Availability
- rx
- Lactation
- unknown
- Routes
- —
- Forms
- injection
- Regions
- US, EU, CN, JP
- Monitoring
- —
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 240mg every 2 weeks or 480mg every 4 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks (max 240mg)
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 240mg every 2 weeks or 480mg every 4 weeks
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- every 2 weeks or every 4 weeks
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
9 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
pregnancy
second third trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during pregnancy unless benefits outweigh risks
regular fetal monitoring and ultrasound
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
lactation
breastfeedingdiscontinue breastfeeding
do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 5 months after last dose
none specified
Use of this medication in this population requires careful consideration of risks and benefits.
geriatric
elderly 65 and olderno specific dose adjustment required
monitor closely for adverse reactions as elderly may have higher incidence of severe adverse events
regular monitoring of organ function and adverse effects
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 12 to 17 yearsuse weight-based dosing
approved for melanoma in patients 12 years and older monitor for immune-mediated adverse reactions
close monitoring for immune-mediated adverse events
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
mild moderateno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild to moderate renal impairment
routine renal function monitoring
renal_impairment
severeuse with caution
use with caution in severe renal impairment due to limited data
close monitoring of renal function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
mildno dose adjustment required
no dose adjustment needed for mild hepatic impairment
routine liver function monitoring
hepatic_impairment
moderateuse with caution
use with caution in moderate hepatic impairment due to limited data
close monitoring of liver function
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
Drug class
Classification as PD-1 blocking antibody
Mechanism of action
Primary pharmacologic mechanism
Common indications
FDA-approved therapeutic indications
Treatment of various cancers including melanoma, non-small cell lung cancer, renal cell carcinoma, Hodgkin lymphoma, head and neck squamous cell carcinoma, urothelial carcinoma, colorectal cancer, hepatocellular carcinoma, and esophageal cancer.
Nivolumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor on T cells, blocking interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2 ligands that tumors use to evade immune detection. This restores T-cell proliferation and cytokine production, enabling the immune system to attack cancer cells.
Administered as intravenous infusion. May cause immune-related adverse events affecting various organs including skin, liver, lungs, and endocrine system. Requires monitoring by healthcare providers experienced in immunotherapy. Safety and efficacy in pregnancy unknown; breastfeeding should be avoided.
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 26, 2026. · Read our editorial policy