Disclaimer: This patient information sheet summarizes the information about ipilimumab as prescribed for treatment of advanced kidney cancer and is not meant to substitute for medical advice. If you would like more information, talk with your healthcare team. Every patient is different, and only you and your doctor can decide the best treatment plan for you. Please see our guide on talking to your doctor about treatments for kidney cancer.
Manufacturer
Bristol-Myers Squibb (BMS)
Patient Assistance Programs (PAP) are financial programs to help cover costs of medical tests and treatments. They are usually offered by drug manufacturers but can also be through individual hospitals, local governments, and private organizations, and each PAP will have different benefits and enrollment requirements and forms. Don’t let the paperwork stop you from getting the help you need and contact the KCA if you need help understanding your options.Patient Assistance Program
BMS Access Support
800-861-0048
What type of drug is it?: Immunotherapies are drug treatments that help boost your own immune system to better find and destroy cancer cells, removing them from the body entirely. Immunotherapy (also called IO or ICI) can be given by itself or in combination with other IO or targeted (TKI) therapies. Immunotherapy.
How is it prescribed?: Yervoy is approved to be used in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo), and this combination is often referred to as Ipi/Nivo for short.
How is it administered?: This medication is given intravenously, also referred to an IV (meaning directly into a vein).
How often do I take it?: The ipilimumab/nivolumab (Ipi/Nivo) combination is given once every 3 weeks for a total of 4 doses. Further infusions of nivolumab are continued every 2-4 weeks after these initial 4 combination doses.
If you miss a dose, please call your healthcare provider for guidance on how to proceed.
Storage: This will be handled by the infusion clinic.
Restrictions: None. Please see our guide on what to ask and tell your doctor before starting any medication.
Side Effects: There can be a range of side effects for any medication. Letting your doctor know about these side effects does not mean you have to stop treatment – but may mean that your treatment needs to be adjusted. Therefore, it is important to let your doctor know if you are experiencing side effects so they can manage your medications appropriately. Please see our educational sheet on side effects for more information on what to watch out for and how to talk with your doctor should you experience any of them.
Revised May 2022
Adapted from the package insert. Bristol-Myers Squibb, May 2022