Key takeaways:
Opdivo (nivolumab) is available as an intravenous infusion and an under-the-skin injection (Opdivo Qvantig). The list price for both an Opdivo 240 mg vial and Opdivo Qvantig 600 mg vial is $8,101.94, as of January 2026.
Your out-of-pocket costs for Opdivo will depend on factors such as your dose, treatment schedule, and infusion location. They can also depend on whether you have insurance coverage, as well as your specific plan.
Manufacturer copay savings cards, patient assistance programs, and other types of financial support are available to help make treatment more affordable.
Save on related medications
Opdivo (nivolumab) is an immunotherapy medication used to treat several types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, and kidney cancer. It works by helping your immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
Opdivo comes in two forms: an intravenous (IV) infusion and a newer, subcutaneous (under-the-skin) injection called Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab / hyaluronidase-nvhy). Both forms are given by a healthcare professional.
As with any cancer treatment, cost can be a concern — especially if you don’t have insurance. Understanding what factors affect the cost of Opdivo and how to save can help you better plan for treatment.
How much does Opdivo cost without insurance?
As of January 2026, the list price for both an Opdivo 240 mg vial and Opdivo Qvantig 600 mg vial is $8,101.94. But you likely wouldn’t pay this amount. The actual cost of your medication will depend on insurer negotiations, rebates, and other markups or discounts. It will also depend on your prescribed dose and treatment schedule.
Keep in mind that, because Opdivo is administered by a healthcare professional, it is often billed through a clinic or hospital rather than a retail pharmacy. This means your bill for a treatment may include the cost of the medication itself, administration fees, and facility or infusion center charges.
What factors affect the cost of Opdivo?
Several factors can influence how much you’ll pay for Opdivo.
Brand-name vs. generic availability
Opdivo and Opdivo Qvantig are reference (“brand-name”) biologic medications. Biologics are complex therapies that can’t be exactly copied, which is why they don’t have traditional generic versions.
Instead, biologics may have highly similar alternatives called biosimilars. Like generics, biosimilars are often the lower-cost options. However, there are currently no biosimilar versions of Opdivo or Opdivo Qvantig available.
Dosage and quantity
Your dosage can affect how much you pay for Opdivo. Your dosage will depend on factors such as your age, your body weight, and the type of cancer being treated.
With the IV infusion, adults typically receive 240 mg every 2 weeks, 360 mg every 3 weeks, or 480 mg every 4 weeks. The infusion dosage for children is usually based on body weight.
With the subcutaneous injection, Opdivo Qvantig, adults usually receive 600 mg every 2 weeks, 900 mg every 3 weeks, or 1,200 mg every 4 weeks. Children typically receive 300 mg every 2 weeks or 600 mg every 4 weeks.
Your ongoing costs will depend on how often you receive Opdivo and your prescribed dose.
Location
Where you receive Opdivo can affect the cost. For example, a hospital-based infusion center may be more expensive than an outpatient clinic or a medical office. Prices for Opdivo may also vary by region.
Insurance coverage
If you have insurance, how Opdivo is covered will depend on your plan’s formulary (list of covered medications). You may need to fulfill certain requirements, such as prior authorization, before Opdivo is covered. After that, your deductible and copay or coinsurance amount will likely influence how much you pay.
It’s also important to note that Opdivo will likely be billed under your medical benefit, not your pharmacy benefit. This can affect how it’s covered under your plan. Contact your specific plan to learn more.
What to do if Opdivo isn’t covered by your insurance
If your insurance doesn’t cover Opdivo, try these options:
Request an exception or file an appeal. You can request that your plan makes a coverage exception. This will likely involve your prescriber submitting documentation explaining why Opdivo is medically necessary. You have the right to file an appeal if the request isn’t approved.
See if you’re eligible for a patient assistance program. You may be able to access Opdivo at no charge through the manufacturer’s patient assistance program or an independent charitable foundation.
Work with a financial counselor. Many cancer centers have staff who assist with navigating insurance coverage and financial assistance options.
Ways to save on Opdivo
Without insurance, Opdivo can cost thousands of dollars per month. The good news is that there are savings strategies available to help make your prescription more affordable. Here are four to consider.
1. See if you qualify for a copay savings card
Opdivo’s manufacturer offers copay assistance for eligible people with commercial insurance. This could significantly reduce your out-of-pocket costs. If you qualify, you could pay as little as $0 per dose of Opdivo or Opdivo Qvantig.
Program requirements include:
Having commercial insurance that covers Opdivo
Living in the U.S. or a U.S. territory
Having a valid prescription for Opdivo
Being 18 or older (or having a parent or guardian apply on your behalf, if younger)
People paying cash and those with government-funded insurance (such as Medicare or Medicaid) are not eligible for this program.
If you qualify, you and your prescriber will need to submit the enrollment form online or by fax. With online enrollment, you’ll receive an email prompting you to review and sign your part of the form. With manual enrollment, you can sign the form electronically or in person at your prescriber's office.
2. Check if you’re eligible for a patient assistance program
If you’re uninsured or underinsured, you may qualify for a patient assistance program that provides Opdivo at a reduced cost or for free.
The Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation offers help with the cost of Opdivo for those who are eligible. Requirements typically include:
Living in the U.S. or a U.S. territory
Being treated by a licensed U.S. prescriber
Not having insurance coverage for Opdivo, or having spent a certain percentage of household income on prescriptions while covered by Medicare
Not qualifying for Medicare Extra Help if you’re 65 or older
Not qualifying for Medicaid
You can see if you’re eligible online. If you qualify, you and your prescriber will need to fill out the applicable form together. Download the form online or request a copy by calling 1-800-736-0003.
You can also explore programs sponsored by independent charitable foundations. These programs may help cover treatment-related costs such as copays, coinsurance, or travel expenses. Examples of organizations that offer this type of assistance include:
Your healthcare team or a financial counselor at your treatment center can help you find the best options for your situation and apply.
3. Tap into your HSA, FSA, or HRA
You can use funds from a health savings account (HSA), a flexible spending account (FSA), or a health reimbursement arrangement (HRA) to help pay for Opdivo treatment.
These accounts let you use pretax dollars for qualified medical expenses. Keep in mind that HSA funds roll over year to year, while FSA funds typically expire after a certain amount of time. HRA funds are subject to your employer’s rules.
4. Ask about payment plans or financial support
Many hospitals and cancer treatment centers offer payment plans or financial assistance programs to help people manage the cost of care.
A financial counselor or billing specialist at your treatment center may be able to help you:
Set up a payment plan to spread out costs over time
Apply for hospital-based financial assistance or charity care
Identify additional resources to help cover treatment-related expenses
If cost is a concern, don’t hesitate to ask your care team about these options early on in your treatment.
The bottom line
As of January 2026, the list price for both an Opdivo 240 mg vial and Opdivo Qvantig 600 mg vial is $8,101.94. What you actually pay for Opdivo will depend on your dose, where and how often you receive treatment, and whether you have insurance. Administration and facility fees may also apply, since Opdivo is given by a healthcare professional in a medical setting.
Manufacturer copay savings cards, patient assistance programs, and other financial support options can help make treatment more affordable. Talk to your cancer care team about resources that may be available to you.
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References
AnalySource. (2026). Colorado Opdivo pricing disclosures. Bristol-Myers Squibb.
AnalySource. (2026). Colorado Opdivo Qvantig pricing disclosures. Bristol-Myers Squibb.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Access Support. (n.d.). Co-pay & financial assistance for eligible patients.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Access Support. (2024). BMS Access Support Co-Pay Assistance Program terms & conditions.
Bristol-Myers Squibb Patient Assistance Foundation. (n.d.). Eligibility requirements.
E.R. Squibb & Sons. (2026). Opdivo - nivolumab injection [package insert]. DailyMed.
E.R. Squibb & Sons. (2026). Opdivo Qvantig - nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy injection, solution [package insert]. DailyMed.
