Key takeaways

  • Opdivo Qvantig is a prescription immunotherapy injection used to treat several types of cancer, including melanoma and lung cancer.
  • It’s given by a healthcare professional during a clinic visit, with the actual injection taking only 3 to 5 minutes.
  • It can cause severe immune-system reactions, so your doctor will monitor you closely during treatment.

If your doctor has recommended Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab/hyaluronidase-nvhy), you may have questions about what it does and what the treatment process looks like.

This overview will walk you through the essentials, from how the medication is given to the most common side effects, so you can feel more prepared and confident for your next appointment.

Opdivo Qvantig is an immunotherapy drug used to treat many different types of cancer in adults and some children ages 12 and older. Instead of attacking cancer cells directly, like traditional chemotherapy, it works with your body’s immune system, helping it better detect and fight cancer cells.

Your doctor may prescribe it alone or alongside other cancer treatments. It is currently approved to treat specific stages or types of:

Opdivo Qvantig is administered as a subcutaneous injection, meaning it is injected into the fatty tissue just under your skin. Your healthcare provider will usually give the injection in your stomach area (abdomen) or your thigh.

Because you won’t be managing this medication at home, you don’t have to worry about accidentally missing a dose or injecting too much. A healthcare professional will administer the medication at a doctor’s office, clinic, or infusion center. The injection itself is quite fast, typically taking only 3 to 5 minutes to complete.

How often you receive Opdivo Qvantig depends on your specific cancer type and your overall treatment plan. Many people receive it once every 2 weeks, once every 3 weeks, or once every 4 weeks. Your care team will set up a dosing schedule that is right for you.

If you miss your appointment, be sure to call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to reschedule.

Tips for treatment day:

  • Hydrate well the day before your appointment.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing to make it easy for your care team to access your thigh or abdomen.
  • Bring a book, tablet, or a friend to pass the time while you wait before or after the injection.

Because Opdivo Qvantig changes how your immune system works, it can cause side effects. Many are mild, but some require prompt medical attention.

Note: The information below does not reflect all possible side effects of Opdivo Qvantig.

Mild side effects

The most common mild side effects people experience include:

These side effects are often manageable with over-the-counter remedies. Always let your care team know if you experience these so they can help you find relief.

Experiencing side effects? After the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approves a drug, it tracks and reviews side effects of the medication. If you develop a side effect while taking this drug and want to tell the FDA about it, visit MedWatch or call 800-FDA-1088.

Serious side effects

Because this drug encourages your immune system to be highly active, your immune system can sometimes mistakenly attack healthy organs and tissues in your body. These are known as immune-mediated reactions.

These reactions can be severe or even life-threatening. They can affect any organ, but most commonly involve the lungs (pneumonitis), intestines (colitis), liver (hepatitis), hormone glands (such as the thyroid), and kidneys (nephritis). Your doctor will perform regular blood tests to monitor your liver, kidneys, and thyroid throughout your treatment.

An allergic reaction is also possible with Opdivo Qvantig. However, this side effect wasn’t commonly reported in the drug’s clinical trials.

Before starting Opdivo Qvantig, your doctor needs a complete picture of your health to ensure it is safe for you.

  • Health interactions: It’s important to tell your doctor if you have any autoimmune diseases (like Crohn’s disease, ulcerative colitis, or lupus) or have had an organ transplant, as this medication can worsen these conditions.
  • Drug interactions: Opdivo Qvantig can interact with certain medications, particularly other treatments that affect your immune system, such as corticosteroids. Be sure your doctor knows about all prescription and over-the-counter medications you take.
  • Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Opdivo Qvantig can cause harm to an unborn baby. If you are able to become pregnant, you should use an effective method of birth control during treatment and for at least 5 months after your last dose. You should also not breastfeed while receiving this medication and for 5 months after stopping.

Because Opdivo Qvantig is a specialty medication administered by a healthcare professional, the way it is billed can be complex. It is often covered under your medical insurance benefit (like Medicare Part B) rather than your standard pharmacy prescription benefit.

Your exact out-of-pocket cost will depend on your insurance plan, the clinic where you receive the injections, and whether you qualify for financial assistance.

Other drugs are available that can treat your condition. If you’d like to explore an alternative to Opdivo Qvantig, talk with your doctor. They can tell you about other medications that might work well for you.

The following drugs are similar to Opdivo Qvantig:

To help you get the most out of your next appointment, consider asking your doctor:

  • How long will I need to be on Opdivo Qvantig?
  • Who should I call if I experience side effects after clinic hours?
  • Are there any specific symptoms that mean I should go to the emergency room?
  • Can you connect me with a financial navigator or social worker at this clinic?

Opdivo Qvantig is an injectable immunotherapy that helps your own immune system fight various types of cancer. Because it is given quickly by a healthcare professional as a subcutaneous injection, it may offer a more convenient treatment experience compared to traditional, lengthy IV infusions.

While it can cause serious immune-related side effects, your care team will monitor you closely to keep you safe. The best next step is to write down any questions you have and discuss them with your oncologist to decide if this treatment aligns with your lifestyle and health goals.

Disclaimer: While Healthline strives for factual, comprehensive, and current information, this article is not a substitute for a licensed healthcare professional’s expertise. Always consult a doctor before taking or discontinuing any medication. Drug information is subject to change and may not cover all uses, directions, precautions, warnings, interactions, reactions, or adverse effects. The lack of a warning does not guarantee a drug’s safety, effectiveness, or appropriateness for all patients or specific uses. Learn more about our approach to content integrity.