When you or someone you love is diagnosed with cancer, it's normal to be curious and a little scared about the treatment options. Especially when it comes to new, advanced treatments like Nivolumab and Relatlimab. So today, let's talk about these treatments in a simple, easy-to-understand way. After reading this, you'll have a better understanding of this treatment.
What kind of medicine is this?
Simply put, Nivolumab and Relatlimab are a combination of two drugs used to treat a type of skin cancer called melanoma . It usually comes under the brand name Opdualag.
This medicine belongs to a class of drugs called Monoclonal Antibodies . Think of it like 'smart missiles' that help our body's own immune system, teaching it to find and attack cancer cells only. This uses our own defense system to fight cancer.
This medicine is not something you can take home. It is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion , either in a hospital or cancer treatment clinic.
Things you need to tell your doctor before starting treatment
Before starting this treatment, it is very important to give your care team a complete description of your health condition. This information will determine whether this medicine is suitable for you and how it should be given. Be sure to tell them about the following in particular.
- Autoimmune diseases: These are conditions in which your body's own immune system attacks your own healthy cells. For example, if you have diseases like Crohn's disease, Ulcerative Colitis, or Lupus.
- Stem cell transplant: If you have previously had or are planning to have an allogeneic stem cell transplant.
- Other organ transplants: If you have had another organ transplant, such as a kidney or liver.
- If you have had radiation treatment to the chest (History of chest radiation).
- Nervous system diseases: If you have diseases related to the nervous system, such as Myasthenia Gravis or Guillain-Barre syndrome.
- Allergies: If you have an allergy to Nivolumab, Relatlimab, or any other medicine, food, or dye.
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding: This is very important if you are pregnant, trying to get pregnant, or breastfeeding . We will talk about this further.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
Your doctors will monitor you closely while you are taking this medicine and will also order regular blood tests (blood work) .
Special awareness about pregnancy and breastfeeding!
You should completely avoid getting pregnant while taking this medicine and for 5 months after stopping the medicine. You should also stop breastfeeding during this time. This can cause serious harm to the unborn baby. Talk to your doctor about this further.
What if I miss a dose of medication?
If you are unable to come in for your scheduled appointment, please contact your healthcare team as soon as possible. Skipping these appointments may affect the success of your treatment.
What if I accidentally overdose?
This is unlikely to happen as it is given in a hospital setting. However, if you suspect that something has happened, immediately contact the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital or go to the nearest ETU (Emergency Treatment Unit) .
Side effects of the medicine
Like any medicine, this medicine can cause side effects. However, not everyone gets them. The most important thing is to be aware of these symptoms and inform your doctor immediately if you experience any serious symptoms.
| Side effect | Features to watch out for |
|---|---|
| Serious side effects that should be reported to the doctor immediately | |
| Allergic Reaction | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, difficulty breathing. |
| Digestive system problems | Bloody or tarry stools, severe stomach pain, diarrhea. |
| Liver Injury | Pain in the upper right side of the stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, light-colored stools, dark yellow or brown urine, and yellowing of the eyes or skin. |
| Hormonal Issues | Hyperthyroidism: Rapid heartbeat, weight loss, excessive sweating. Hypothyroidism: Excessive fatigue, inability to tolerate cold, constipation, weight gain, depression. |
| Kidney Injury | Decreased urine output, swelling of the ankles, hands, or feet. |
| Lung problems | Dry cough, difficulty breathing for no reason. |
| Serious skin problems | Skin redness, blistering, peeling (even inside the mouth). |
| Other serious symptoms | Chest pain, irregular heartbeat, vision changes, eye pain, unusual bruising or bleeding, muscle pain, numbness or weakness in the limbs. |
| Side effects that are usually not serious, but should be reported to the doctor if they persist | |
| Common side effects | Headache, body aches, fatigue, loss of appetite, nausea. |
Take-Home Message
- Nivolumab and Relatlimab are advanced drugs that stimulate the immune system and are used to treat melanoma, a skin cancer.
- Before starting this treatment, it is imperative that you tell your doctor about all of your medical conditions and medications you are taking.
- It is very important to completely avoid pregnancy and breastfeeding while taking the medication and for 5 months after stopping.
- If you experience any serious side effects such as an allergic reaction, difficulty breathing, severe stomach pain, or yellowing of the skin or eyes, seek medical advice immediately.
- Do not skip scheduled appointments. If you are unable to attend, please notify the clinic in advance.
- If you have any questions about this medicine, don't be afraid to ask your doctor.
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