Opdivo vs. Opdivo Qvantig for Lung Cancer and Stomach Cancer: Important Differences and Potential Risks.

Opdivo

(nivolumab)

Opdivo Qvantig

Summary for Opdivo

Prescription only

Opdivo (nivolumab) is a type of immunotherapy medication used to treat many types of cancer. They can include melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, colon cancer, and others. Opdivo (nivolumab) is given as infusion through the vein (IV) every few weeks at an infusion center. This medication can cause side effects, like rash, diarrhea, and breathing problems. Depending on the cancer treated, Opdivo (nivolumab) can be used by itself or with other therapies.

Indications for Opdivo

Certain types of:

Melanoma
Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
Pleural mesothelioma (cancer of the lining of the lungs)
Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
Hodgkin lymphoma
Head and neck cancer
Bladder cancer
Colorectal cancer
Liver cancer
Esophageal cancer
Stomach cancer

Pros and Cons for Opdivo

Pros

Less common to have nausea, vomiting, and hair loss than traditional chemotherapy
Recommended first-choice treatment for certain people with melanoma and esophageal cancer
Given every few weeks

Cons

Given as an infusion through the vein that takes at least 30 minutes
Might cause immune-related side effects like diarrhea, rash, and lung problems
Might need to take breaks from treatment and take a steroid to manage some side effects

Common Side Effects for Opdivo

Tiredness (59%)
Higher blood sugar levels (46%)
Muscle or bone pain (42%)
Anemia (low red blood cell count; 41%)
Low white blood cell count (41%)
Rash (40%)
Diarrhea (36%)
Nausea (30%)
Higher liver enzyme levels (up to 29%)
Cough (28%)
Lower appetite (22%)
Upper respiratory tract infection (22%)
Vomiting (20%)

Warnings for Opdivo

Immune-related side effects
Infusion-related reactions
Complications from stem cell transplants
Harm to an unborn baby

Summary for Opdivo Qvantig

Prescription only

Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab / hyaluronidase) is an injection that’s given under the skin. It’s an immunotherapy medication approved to treat adults with certain cancers, like melanoma and kidney cancer. A healthcare professional will help inject it into your stomach or thigh at a clinic every few weeks. Opdivo Qvantig can cause side effects like rash, trouble breathing, and diarrhea. It can also cause injection site reactions like redness or swelling. Depending on the type of cancer you have, it might be used alone or with other treatments.

Indications for Opdivo Qvantig

Certain types of:

Pros and Cons for Opdivo Qvantig

Pros

Given as an injection under the skin that takes a few minutes
Given every few weeks
Less common to have nausea, vomiting, and hair loss than traditional chemotherapy

Cons

Must be given by a healthcare professional
Might cause side effects like rash, coughing, diarrhea, and injection site reactions
Not approved for children