Opdivo/Yervoy Drug Combo Toxic For Most Cancer Patients: Study
New research suggests that side effects of Opdivo and Yervoy drug combinations may raise toxicity to dangerous levels among cancer patients, placing them at risk of severe injury.
Researchers with the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center and Well Cornell Medical College in New York published a study this month in the medical journal JAMA Oncology, warning that as many as nine out of 10 patients given the drug combo suffered significant immune-related adverse events.
Opdivo (nivolumab) and Yervoy (ipilimumab) are members of a class of cancer drugs known as Immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs). Both are manufactured and sold by Bristol-Myers Squibb, for treatment of melanoma skin cancer, and they are often combined together for treatment.
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Learn MoreThe study involved a cohort of 64 adults with advanced or unresectable melanoma, who were placed on a treatment involving multiple doses of Opdivo and Yervoy. The drugs were administered every three weeks, for up to four doses, between December 2014 and January 2016.
According to the findings, only 39% of the patients were able to tolerate all four doses. The researchers noted that most who discontinued treatment stopped due to toxicity side effects. The study found that 91% of the patients had clinically significant immune-related adverse events, and 72% of the patients needed systemic steroid treatment.
In addition, half of the patients had an emergency room visit, 11% developed hyperglycemia, and more than a third required hospital admission due to immune-related adverse events. The study also found that four patients who stopped the combination therapy early developed new immune system adverse events more than 16 weeks after treatments had ended.
“We observed a 91% incidence of clinically significant immune-related AEs leading to frequent emergency department visits, hospitalizations, and systemic immunosuppression,” the researchers warned. “Immuno-oncology trials should routinely report these metrics. Most patients do not tolerate 4 doses of (Opdivo and Yervoy); however, 4 doses may not be required for clinical benefit.”
In November 2016, a similar study was published in the New England Journal of Medicine, which found that a combination of Opdivo and Yervoy may increase the risk of a life-threatening heart condition. In that study, researchers warned that two patients died after developing myositis with rhabdomyolysis, as well as electrical instability in the heart. They also found T-cell and macrophage infiltrates in the hearts of the patients.
A 2016 study by Johns Hopkins researchers also linked Opdivo and Yervoy to immune-related adverse events, which could manifest as inflammatory arthritis and sicca syndrome.
Other types of immune responses have been linked to the drugs, which strengthens the chances that the drugs can cause arthritis as well. During the original clinical trials for Yervoy and Opdivo, increased risks were detected for inflammatory bowel diseases, lung inflammation, and other side effects that are considered immune-related.
37 Comments
SalvatoreNovember 28, 2024 at 12:57 am
I was given opdivo for stage 4 melanoma. Treatment went so bad after 2 weeks. I stopped the treatment but lost function of my pancreas. Now I'm type 1 diabetic and also suffer with exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Basically I shit myself all the time. Quality of life sucks. I hope one day BMS gets the ultimate law suit along with the oncologist that are supported by this company
DebbieMarch 24, 2024 at 6:23 pm
My husband was put on Obdivo and Yervoy after his cancer came back a second time. He started passing blood during bowel Movements, he ended up in the hospital with ulcerative colitis. His health got so bad they had to stop it. That was almost 6 months ago and he’s still feeling the side effects of it. They wanted to start it again when his cancer came back again but he said absolutely not, this t[Show More]My husband was put on Obdivo and Yervoy after his cancer came back a second time. He started passing blood during bowel Movements, he ended up in the hospital with ulcerative colitis. His health got so bad they had to stop it. That was almost 6 months ago and he’s still feeling the side effects of it. They wanted to start it again when his cancer came back again but he said absolutely not, this time they tried radiation.
KarenMarch 23, 2024 at 1:21 pm
My husband had Ocular melanoma, we were told there is nothing out there to treat this condition. I am in Michigan and we were locked down, because of covid, so I was unable to go in with my husband, when the oncologist talked him into trying Opdivo and Yervoy. My husband had his first infusion on May 21, 2020, he became very ill, oncologist thought he had covid, test was negative. He had his secon[Show More]My husband had Ocular melanoma, we were told there is nothing out there to treat this condition. I am in Michigan and we were locked down, because of covid, so I was unable to go in with my husband, when the oncologist talked him into trying Opdivo and Yervoy. My husband had his first infusion on May 21, 2020, he became very ill, oncologist thought he had covid, test was negative. He had his second infusion June 18 2020. I was on the phone with the doctor, and nurses explaining everything happening, and they had no idea what was wrong. He was weak, sick, couldn't stand, was confused. Told me he took the jacket off the cat. I called the doctors office they prescribed a steroid, on June 22nd, June 25th my husband saw the oncologist, who yelled at him. My husband was so confused, he didn't know what was happening. That night I had to call an ambulance to have my husband taken to the hospital. He was thrashing so bad, they couldn't get him into an MRI machine to find out what was going on. One doctor in the ER told me he thought he was toxic, from the Opdivo and Yervoy. My husband died July 2nd, 2022, in Hospice care. All my husband wanted was to see Montana, before he died. That didn't happen.
KerriDecember 20, 2023 at 11:22 pm
My mom passed away after her second treatment of Opdivo and Yervoy for mesothelioma. She complained of body aches immediately after the 2nd treatment, which were brushed off as "a common side effect " 5 days later she was in the ICU, and 8 days after the treatment we lost her to ICU myocarditis. My whole family is devastated. Please do your research before taking.
GemJuly 22, 2023 at 7:10 pm
Opdiveo & yervoy combined are dangerous it killed my father in 12 days after his first treatment….
JanetMay 30, 2023 at 4:30 am
I had melanoma on my right shoulder. Was given Nivolumab (Opdivo) in 2021 as a type 2 diabetic, I told the doctor that my glucose numbers were going very high. I was told to increase my insulin, then the strength of the infusion was increased. Now I am a type 1 diabetic, because the infusion killed my pancreas. My quality of life has highly diminished, not to mention my out of pocket cost for my [Show More]I had melanoma on my right shoulder. Was given Nivolumab (Opdivo) in 2021 as a type 2 diabetic, I told the doctor that my glucose numbers were going very high. I was told to increase my insulin, then the strength of the infusion was increased. Now I am a type 1 diabetic, because the infusion killed my pancreas. My quality of life has highly diminished, not to mention my out of pocket cost for my diabetic medicine. In October 2022, I went into a diabetic coma, while driving and totaled my car. Gratefully, I survived and no one else was involved in the accident. Nivolumab (Opdivo) should be taken off the market, I wished I was never given this drug. My quality of life is worse since given this drug. It should be against the law, to be given this drug.
alexandraMay 24, 2023 at 9:46 pm
My dad was diagnosed in 10/2020 with kidney cancer (well cysts that were malignant) his kid and adrenal were removed. a year on traditional chemo and was deemed free. Then 6/22 he had some severe balance and personality changes to find he had a tumor on his cerebellum. After that we removed…CANCER FREE!! so the oncologist suggested opdivo/yervvoy to insure that his stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer[Show More]My dad was diagnosed in 10/2020 with kidney cancer (well cysts that were malignant) his kid and adrenal were removed. a year on traditional chemo and was deemed free. Then 6/22 he had some severe balance and personality changes to find he had a tumor on his cerebellum. After that we removed…CANCER FREE!! so the oncologist suggested opdivo/yervvoy to insure that his stage 4 metastatic kidney cancer wouldn’t come back. he had 2 3 week apart infusions and after the first treat he was really not himself anymore. after the second one he ended up in a myasthenia crisis. He developed the crisis from the glorious magic treatment five months later my dad came home and hospice care. He died with my hoe in the living room of my home with my mom, sister, and our kids. Losing my dad to a side effect when he was as strong as an ox is unfair and is a class action suit. this was supposed to treat him without side effects. the best part ws his cancer dr dropped him from care and left to die trapped in his brain. No one should go thru what we did. why aren’t drs held responsible for this type of life altering side effect!
JeffMay 4, 2023 at 12:18 am
Was given opdivo/yervoy after kidney removal for cancer After second treatment I informed the doctor that I was having aches and pains in my joints and muscles but doctor allowed me to take third treatment after which I became completely paralyzed in less than two weeks I still have severe neuropathy in my hands and feet after one year Wish I never would have taken this medication
SusanMarch 10, 2023 at 3:19 pm
My husband received Opdivo as treatment for his renal cancer in 2019. Since then he has developed a-fib, blurred vision, peripheral neuropathy and cannot walk. He has constant itching and is taking daily prednisone. He now has been diagnosed with MSA which is an autoimmune disease that attacks your cerebellum and causes you to be off balance, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The canc[Show More]My husband received Opdivo as treatment for his renal cancer in 2019. Since then he has developed a-fib, blurred vision, peripheral neuropathy and cannot walk. He has constant itching and is taking daily prednisone. He now has been diagnosed with MSA which is an autoimmune disease that attacks your cerebellum and causes you to be off balance, slurred speech and difficulty swallowing. The cancer is gone but the side effects are horrible. Longer life does not equate a quality life.
CHERYLJune 12, 2022 at 7:54 pm
My father was given the Yervoy and Opdivo after having a kidney removed due to cancer. After the second treament he started have double vision and ended up in the hospital with Myastina Gravis. This was in april of 2021 and he has been in and out of the hospital ever since. On steriods for life, Has to get Rituximab treatments every 6 months to control the Myastina Gravis. We need to sue the [Show More]My father was given the Yervoy and Opdivo after having a kidney removed due to cancer. After the second treament he started have double vision and ended up in the hospital with Myastina Gravis. This was in april of 2021 and he has been in and out of the hospital ever since. On steriods for life, Has to get Rituximab treatments every 6 months to control the Myastina Gravis. We need to sue the drug company for put these drug on the market.
JasonMay 12, 2022 at 1:39 pm
My father went into the ER hours after his second dose of Opdivo and Yervoy. He became septic, his O2 sats dropped to 55%, He passed away 7 days later. His immune system was just too weak for this drug but the Dr said there wasn't any other options. He really went down after his 1st dose. The second basically killed him.
BartApril 22, 2022 at 10:29 pm
After my second dose it was so intolerable I had to stop. I was told by my oncologist it was the worst case he had ever seen. I have been taking steroids ever since. It got so bad I had to have infusions of steroid several times.That 4 years ago. I have been on disability ever since. So I had to start drawing my SSI and pension 10 years early lost my health care insurance. I have so many issues[Show More]After my second dose it was so intolerable I had to stop. I was told by my oncologist it was the worst case he had ever seen. I have been taking steroids ever since. It got so bad I had to have infusions of steroid several times.That 4 years ago. I have been on disability ever since. So I had to start drawing my SSI and pension 10 years early lost my health care insurance. I have so many issues after the yervoy it has and is effecting my daily life.
BryanOctober 1, 2021 at 4:04 pm
In 2016 I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, which resulted in having a radical neck dissection to remove all the lymph nodes in my neck. That was followed up with the (4) 10mg doses of Yervoy, which I was not able to further tolerate. After the second dose, I told my oncologist that I thought I was beginning to have pituitary issues, and showed him a clinical study in Europe I had printed ou[Show More]In 2016 I was diagnosed with metastatic melanoma, which resulted in having a radical neck dissection to remove all the lymph nodes in my neck. That was followed up with the (4) 10mg doses of Yervoy, which I was not able to further tolerate. After the second dose, I told my oncologist that I thought I was beginning to have pituitary issues, and showed him a clinical study in Europe I had printed out, suggesting potential damage to the pituitary gland. He basically wrote off the study and my concerns, and in the end my pituitary gland, my thyroid and adrenal systems were pretty much destroyed , with no hope of them ever working again. I now have to take Hydrocortisone pills (life sustaining), Synthroid, and testosterone for the rest of my life. I have to constantly fight the associated chronic fatigue, bilateral neuropathy, fluctuating weight gain, and night sweats, along with the many other drug side affects. Yeah, the cancer seems to be gone, but I believe this collateral damage could have been avoided if someone would have only listened.
CindySeptember 19, 2021 at 6:49 am
My husband had a bout of colon cancer about 6 years ago. He had surgery where they removed approx 5 inches of his colon with an immediate resection of the colon. He had radiation with chemo for about 2 months. He did very well. He was then diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years later. Had part of his lung removed and more radiation. He again did very well for another 2 years. Drs then found[Show More]My husband had a bout of colon cancer about 6 years ago. He had surgery where they removed approx 5 inches of his colon with an immediate resection of the colon. He had radiation with chemo for about 2 months. He did very well. He was then diagnosed with lung cancer about 2 years later. Had part of his lung removed and more radiation. He again did very well for another 2 years. Drs then found a small area on his clavical. We talked with the dr and was told that due to the fact he had already had so much radiation and chemo there was a new drug on the market that they thought would have a lot of success with. We talked it over and both agreed to try the combination. He did well for about 3 weeks. Started having diarrhea, swelling of his feet and hands, no appetite and not sleeping. The next to come along was confusion. I took him back to the dr and they put him on the steroids. He had so much oozing from his hands and arms that he was soaking our couch. I wrapped them and within 2 hours they were soaked. Wrapped them in towels and had about 6 thickness and it still soaked thru. He could not stand up to walk so I walked him to the bathroom. This June I had to take him off of the ventilator. I hope and pray that they take this crap off the market!!! Please tell everyone that is considering this garbage to not take it!!!
EmilyAugust 17, 2021 at 2:47 pm
My husband died April 25, 2021. He has metastatic melanoma and surgery to remove it. After he recovered from the surgery he was given yervoy and did okay. After a period of time the oncologist believed he should be on the opdivo as well, as a combination. It was a huge mistake. He suffered greatly, could not eat for months and lived off of pedialyte and IV fluids in the hospital. He was so weak he[Show More]My husband died April 25, 2021. He has metastatic melanoma and surgery to remove it. After he recovered from the surgery he was given yervoy and did okay. After a period of time the oncologist believed he should be on the opdivo as well, as a combination. It was a huge mistake. He suffered greatly, could not eat for months and lived off of pedialyte and IV fluids in the hospital. He was so weak he could not stand and he was in a lot of pain. In January of 2021 a new oncologist referred him to hospice and gave him months, (if that) to live. Hospice came in and with a steriod medication he was able to eat and gain strength and weight. For about three months he did very well. He never had another cancer treatment. Between the toxic drugs and doctors giving up on him and not helping him through the weeks and months after the treatment he could not survive. He is gone and doctors are still boasting about these 'miracle' drugs. We all know most cancers are terminal but we should not allow this poison nor the doctors that continue to minimize the ill effects to cause the additional pain and suffering to people that came to them in need of help, not to make so many people rich! These are very expensive drugs and beneficial to drug companies, hospitals, and doctors but add suffering and pain to an already bad situation to the patients. No matter what you say the doctors won't see it any differently. The oncologist that administered the drugs to my husband simply gave up on him. It took months to find another doctor to help, by then there was not much to be done.
GailJanuary 18, 2021 at 3:09 am
In 2017, I had surgery to remove melanoma from my left chest area. After the surgery, my physician declared me "cancer free." But, in 2018, my oncologist insisted I take Yervoy as a precautionary measure ("in case one rogue cell survived the surgery"). After a few treatments, I had to stop because the side effects were intolerable -- but, they were just the beginning. Three months after I stopp[Show More]In 2017, I had surgery to remove melanoma from my left chest area. After the surgery, my physician declared me "cancer free." But, in 2018, my oncologist insisted I take Yervoy as a precautionary measure ("in case one rogue cell survived the surgery"). After a few treatments, I had to stop because the side effects were intolerable -- but, they were just the beginning. Three months after I stopped, I ended up in the emergency room because my thyroid and adrenals were shot. Like... completely destroyed... and, I was having a very difficult time breathing and staying awake. As the years continued, the symptoms grew worse and worse. I developed transverse myelitis. I lost over 40 pounds in muscle mass. I have chronic tinitis (ringing in the ears). My wrists are in excruciating pain. And, my vagina is so dry, it causes constant pain. So, at 50 years old, I went from a super healthy marathon runner and ironman competitor to a broken-down, bent-over, sagging woman who walks like she's 90. But, that's not even the worse part. The brain fog ended my medical career and I've been living off my savings -- which is almost depleted. There is no assistance, no legal recourse and no hope for anyone poisoned by these filthy pharmaceutical drugs. Damn the pharmaceuticals. Damn the doctors. And, damn the FDA. They stole my health. They stole my career. They stole my quality of life.
BettyDecember 15, 2020 at 2:25 am
My husband took opdivo & yervoy. Started in Sept.2019. On Oct1st broke out in rash. Blisters 65% burns went to Vanderbilt burn unit for two months died Nov. 25, 2019. I took pictures! He was a healthy 72 yr old took no prescriptions. Kidney cancer was the reason to start opdivo & yervoy. Doctors were always concerned about diarrhea which he never had.
BettyNovember 5, 2020 at 12:23 pm
. 60percent Burns. Had to send him to Vanderbilt to burn unit. He died Nov. 2019. I wish he never took took these drugs. He was 72 years old healthy no prescription medicine just vitamins & still worked.
louieSeptember 29, 2020 at 9:59 pm
Kathy Woodworth was near death with Optivo
RobertApril 17, 2020 at 3:15 am
I had two treatments of Yervoy for metastatic melanoma in 2017. I had a full body rash and it destroyed my adrenal glands. I spent 7 days in the hospital with them trying to figure out why I was having excruciating abdominal pain. On the third night I stopped breathing because of all the pain medication they had me on. My wife found me blue and not breathing. Yervoy has now put me on prednisone f[Show More]I had two treatments of Yervoy for metastatic melanoma in 2017. I had a full body rash and it destroyed my adrenal glands. I spent 7 days in the hospital with them trying to figure out why I was having excruciating abdominal pain. On the third night I stopped breathing because of all the pain medication they had me on. My wife found me blue and not breathing. Yervoy has now put me on prednisone for the rest of my life, and who knows how long that will be. It was the worst drug to take, I am now on Keytruda every three weeks for a year. I seem to be tolerant to it but not sure if it’s working. After my last PET scan they have found another small tumor in the same leg I had three removed from. Why is it the patients never get to sue these drug companies for their mistakes.
TammieFebruary 18, 2020 at 3:17 am
I was put on yervoy and opdivo for kidney cancer. After three sessions of the combined meds I was hospitalized with severe pain. Oncologist didn’t know what to do so she stopped the medicine but not before I had permanent damage to my pituitary gland and thyroid. Also nerve damage. I will be on meds for the rest of my life because of this. I wish there was something we could do to make the company[Show More]I was put on yervoy and opdivo for kidney cancer. After three sessions of the combined meds I was hospitalized with severe pain. Oncologist didn’t know what to do so she stopped the medicine but not before I had permanent damage to my pituitary gland and thyroid. Also nerve damage. I will be on meds for the rest of my life because of this. I wish there was something we could do to make the company pay for our misguided beliefs that it was suppose to help us when it damaged us for life.
HelenNovember 15, 2019 at 1:53 am
Five months since my ONE Infusion of Opdivo - it is utter poison, (for metastatic melanoma) have had lesions all over my body from the first week and they grow every day on more parts of my body. The itching and pain is intolerable. Cannot take steroids all the time. This drug should not be on the market, my body is messed up, disoriented, cannot sleep, it has affected my eyesight too. I Was forc[Show More]Five months since my ONE Infusion of Opdivo - it is utter poison, (for metastatic melanoma) have had lesions all over my body from the first week and they grow every day on more parts of my body. The itching and pain is intolerable. Cannot take steroids all the time. This drug should not be on the market, my body is messed up, disoriented, cannot sleep, it has affected my eyesight too. I Was forced into having this by my oncologist, he said I would not live longer than 5 - 7 months if I did not....no warnings on this drug were ever given to me. Pharma and Oncologists are definitely not on the patients side.....all about money - very sad! They no longer know what to do with my lesions How did FDA approve such a drug??
EthelJuly 14, 2019 at 11:53 pm
You should sue the drug company ASAP. Andrew, You cannot get your wife back, but you can get that drug removed off the market thus peventing others from pain and death,
AndrewJuly 5, 2019 at 5:53 pm
My wife had SCLC and was doing well after Chemo and radiation. They discovered a tumor in her brain which is very common. She received five radiation treatments for the tumor. Then the doctor suggested Opdivo and Yervoy. After one treatment everything bad started. She got severe fever blisters on her lips which turned into Bell's Palsey. After that she got pneumonia and pneumonitis. After [Show More]My wife had SCLC and was doing well after Chemo and radiation. They discovered a tumor in her brain which is very common. She received five radiation treatments for the tumor. Then the doctor suggested Opdivo and Yervoy. After one treatment everything bad started. She got severe fever blisters on her lips which turned into Bell's Palsey. After that she got pneumonia and pneumonitis. After that she broke out in huge blisters on her back and arms. After that she had pain in her arm that went to her hip and right leg. She was admitted to the hospital from the emergency ward and stayed for 3 weeks. They discovered a very small tumor on her brain and radiated the entire head (10 treatments). During the hospital stay no one could figure out where the pain was coming from. Many MRI's and CT Scans did not reveal any more spread of the cancer. It was not in her spinal fluid, near her spine or anywhere else; however the pain kept getting worse. Her muscles seemed to separate from leg and arms and appeared to be deteriorating. She was treated with steroids and pain killers. She was discharged from the hospital that she walked into after three weeks bedridden. She spent four days at a rehab center and 7 days at home on hospice before she passed away. I witnessed her steady decline over the 2 1/2 months from the date of the Opdivo and Yervoy treatment. I am 100% convinced this is what took her life early. Do not let your loved ones receive this treatment.
KevinJune 21, 2019 at 1:41 am
Took yervoy, 10 mg, 4 treatments, severe reactions put me on prednisone. I have hearing loss, some vision loss, and my adrenal gland is shot, I’m on prednisone for the rest of my life. I asked my oncologist if I should come off the high dose slowly, and he advised me no, now I’m stuck with these effects.
KevinApril 9, 2019 at 5:18 pm
I have kidney cancer with mets to bone and liver. I had the correct PDL markers and was placed on OpdivoYervoy every 3 weeks. This combination was HORRIBLE. I developed A-FIB and was hositalized for 2 weeks after the first treatment and for 1 week following the 2nd. My symptoms amp!ified beginning on day 3 and lasting until day 16. I was bedridden most of this time and extremely week with various [Show More]I have kidney cancer with mets to bone and liver. I had the correct PDL markers and was placed on OpdivoYervoy every 3 weeks. This combination was HORRIBLE. I developed A-FIB and was hositalized for 2 weeks after the first treatment and for 1 week following the 2nd. My symptoms amp!ified beginning on day 3 and lasting until day 16. I was bedridden most of this time and extremely week with various side effects. Finally, my oncologist stopped the Yervoy after those first 2 treatments. I am now on only Opdivo every 4 weeks and I have no issues or side effects. I am gaining my strength and hope back. I am now 4 months out of that combination and feel so much better.
CarolApril 3, 2019 at 8:45 pm
My husband was given Opdivo for lung cancer. He did not have a spleen. I am furious Bristol Myers and the oncologist did not flag this, since it works with your immune system and his was compromised. His lung did collapse, and had the worst side effects ever. I would not give this drug to my worst enemy. He was treated like a guinea pig, or dying animal. They have stopped clinical trials on [Show More]My husband was given Opdivo for lung cancer. He did not have a spleen. I am furious Bristol Myers and the oncologist did not flag this, since it works with your immune system and his was compromised. His lung did collapse, and had the worst side effects ever. I would not give this drug to my worst enemy. He was treated like a guinea pig, or dying animal. They have stopped clinical trials on Opdivo,and have a class action suit if you invested $100,000 or more in stock, and lost money due to deaths caused by the drug. Really? What about the people that suffered a horrible death because of it. Something needs to be done!!!
KarenMarch 21, 2019 at 12:09 am
My son had the combination of Yervoy and opdivo for stage 4 melanoma. He ended up with a intussuception of the bowels and a resection. I believe it was all caused by the Yervoy. Think twice and research this drug before taking it. I think if my son had been treated with only the Opdivo, or Keytruda preferably, he may still be alive today. Because of his bowel resection, he had NO treatment f[Show More]My son had the combination of Yervoy and opdivo for stage 4 melanoma. He ended up with a intussuception of the bowels and a resection. I believe it was all caused by the Yervoy. Think twice and research this drug before taking it. I think if my son had been treated with only the Opdivo, or Keytruda preferably, he may still be alive today. Because of his bowel resection, he had NO treatment for several months, thus allowing the melanoma to progress. After one further treatment with Opdivo, his oncologist insisted the Opdivo wouldn’t work and said he only had about a month to live. I blame that doctor and the big drug companies for my son’s death. He should have been back on Opdivo ASAP, as it was not adversely affecting him. He may have had a chance....
Edward MichaelJanuary 21, 2019 at 6:33 pm
Diagnosed with an anal melanoma. Had surgery to remove tumor. Now have permanent colostomy. Cancer also in lymph nodes in groin and on lungs. Had immunotherapy of opdivo and yervoy every two weeks for about a year. Now have many side effects.
MikeDecember 29, 2018 at 7:16 pm
Opdivo and yervoy has taken care of my cancer for the time being for which I am thankful. But all of the collateral damage of the drugs has made my life difficult.
MaryAugust 9, 2018 at 2:50 pm
My husband passed away after one treatment. He had myasthenia gravis which the oncologist was aware of. He died 3 weeks later of a myasthenia crisis and stage 4 Melanoma. Look for other alternatives
CoreyFebruary 18, 2018 at 5:54 pm
I took Pd-1 treatments which caused some nerve damage andtemporary double vision. Shortly after i took Yervoy. I have very extensive nerve damage and was almost paralyzed from the Yervoy and hospitalized for a week. A year later and I am still experiencing nerve problems and now arthritis. I'm told the nerve damage may be permanent. While on Yervoy i experienced alot of pain, double vision again, [Show More]I took Pd-1 treatments which caused some nerve damage andtemporary double vision. Shortly after i took Yervoy. I have very extensive nerve damage and was almost paralyzed from the Yervoy and hospitalized for a week. A year later and I am still experiencing nerve problems and now arthritis. I'm told the nerve damage may be permanent. While on Yervoy i experienced alot of pain, double vision again, very bad intestinal problems, lost 30 lbs, memory loss, couldn't sleep although exhausted, nerve damage in both legs, throat, eyes, right arm, both hands and my side which the muscle protruded about the size of a baseball. By the time I got to the hospital it had worked its way around to my back. I also know a lady that was completely paralyzed from the same treatments. It's a very dangerous drug.
gwenNovember 25, 2017 at 1:52 am
My mom passed away after 1 treatment of opdivo....supposedly the oncologist said her body rejected the treatment n caused her lung to colapse. If I'd been aware of the side affects we would not have fine this!
KarisaOctober 13, 2017 at 3:36 am
I still don't understand how my mom was given this treatment for SCLC. She passed away after her second treatment.
ConnieSeptember 28, 2017 at 9:16 pm
I had 4 doses of this combo, and I no longer have a pituitary gland, torched it and I almost died...I have to take prednisone for the rest of my life....my a$$hole oncologist lied to me!! I went to MX for my cancer treatment. ...Will never trust a U.S. oncologist again. What happened to the oath they take, "to do no harm". They are all controlled by Big Pharma , insurance companies, and the FDA.
GinaSeptember 23, 2017 at 2:41 pm
Thins is a horrible drug.
PaulSeptember 13, 2017 at 5:33 pm
This combo is a very dangerous choice of treatment for melanoma. Please do your research before making a decision. I wish I did for my father.