RENIVO (NIVOLUMAB) 100MG INJECTION 1`S

WHAT IS THIS MEDICINE AND WHAT IS IT USED FOR?

Renivo contains nivolumab, a type of cancer treatment called an immune checkpoint inhibitor. To understand how it works, it helps to know that cancer cells often 'hide' from the immune system by activating a molecular 'off switch' — a protein called PD-1 — on immune cells called T-cells. By switching T-cells off, cancer cells avoid being recognised and destroyed.

Nivolumab is an antibody that blocks PD-1, effectively releasing the immune system's 'brakes' and allowing T-cells to recognise and attack cancer cells again.

It may be prescribed — often in combination with other immunotherapy medicines or chemotherapy — for many cancer types including:

·       non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC),

·       melanoma (skin cancer),

·       kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma),

·       bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma),

·       head and neck cancers,

·       oesophageal cancer,

·       liver cancer (hepatocellular carcinoma),

·       gastric or gastro-oesophageal junction cancer, and certain blood cancers (classical Hodgkin lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma).

The specific indication will be confirmed by your oncologist.

3. HOW TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE

Nivolumab is always given as an intravenous infusion by trained healthcare staff — never self-administered. Common schedules: 240mg every 2 weeks, 360mg every 3 weeks, or 480mg every 4 weeks; or weight-based dosing (3mg/kg every 2 weeks).

The infusion takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes. Your oncologist will specify your schedule based on cancer type and combination regimen. Vial size selection (40mg vs 100mg) is a pharmacy preparation decision — it does not affect your dose.

4. POSSIBLE SIDE EFFECTS

5. WHO SHOULD NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE

There are no absolute contraindications based on a specific disease, but nivolumab requires very careful consideration in patients with pre-existing autoimmune conditions (such as rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease, lupus, or multiple sclerosis), as it can trigger severe flares of these conditions.

It should be used with caution in patients who have had organ transplants, as it may trigger rejection. Pregnancy — nivolumab can harm an unborn baby. Effective contraception is essential during treatment and for at least 5 months after the last dose.

6. MEDICINES THAT INTERACT WITH THIS TREATMENT

Corticosteroids (prednisolone, dexamethasone) used to treat immune-related side effects are compatible and frequently co-administered. Avoid high-dose systemic corticosteroids as routine prophylaxis before treatment starts — this can reduce nivolumab's effectiveness.

Other immunosuppressants (e.g. azathioprine, ciclosporin) may reduce nivolumab's activity and increase infection risk. Always tell all your healthcare providers that you are on immunotherapy before starting any new medicine or treatment.

7. HOW TO STORE THIS MEDICINE

Store at 2–8°C. Do not freeze or shake. Protect from light. Single-use vial. Use prepared infusions within hospital pharmacy-specified stability window.

8. PRESCRIPTION REQUIREMENT

9. GUIDANCE FOR PATIENTS & CAREGIVERS

You will receive this treatment as a drip in a cancer clinic or hospital. Each session takes approximately 30 to 60 minutes, and you will be monitored during and after the infusion. Between sessions, pay close attention to how you feel and report any new symptom — no matter how minor it seems — to your oncology team promptly.

Immunotherapy side effects can affect any part of the body and can develop at any time, including weeks after your last dose. Always carry your oncology team's contact number and do not hesitate to call if something changes. Tell every other doctor you see that you are on immunotherapy before they prescribe anything new. Use effective contraception throughout treatment and for 5 months afterwards.

10. PHARMACIST & PRESCRIBER NOTES

11. FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Q: Can immune-related reactions happen after my last infusion?

Yes — the immune system can remain activated for weeks to months after the last nivolumab dose. New symptoms can develop after treatment has ended. Stay alert and report anything unusual to your oncology team.

Q: How is nivolumab different from chemotherapy?

Please see entry 134 (Nivolunix 40mg) for a full explanation of how checkpoint immunotherapy works and how it differs from chemotherapy.

Q: Do I need blood tests before every infusion?

Yes — thyroid, liver, kidney, blood count, and blood sugar tests are typically checked before each cycle to detect any immune-related organ effects early.