Reaction during first Opdivo infusion? :(

Hi there WW, the original dose of Nivo that was approved was 3mg/kg, which for a 100kg (220lbs) person would be 300mg. This amount was approved every two weeks over one hour infusion time. A few years go by and BMS ( Bristol Myer Squibb) ask the epa to allow a flat dose of 240mg for all patients and they can go 30 min instead of 1hr. They also asked for once a month at 480mg flat dose over 30 mins. The way I see it,,this put BMS ahead of the competition who offer once every 3 weeks ( Pembro,Merck). You are not the first person to have a reaction at the infusion and you won't be the last. Talk with your oncologist about what happened and maybe the best way forward would be to have less drug but more often, like the original trials showed to be the best path for patients!!! If you look up checkmate clinical trials of Nivolumab by BMS you will see the early approval data!!! Here is a link from BMS, just go down to infusion reactions.http://www.opdivohcp.com/metastatic-melanoma-regimen/resources-for-your-practice/management-adverse-reactions

At my first infusion, I started to get what I refer to as a "rush".  I was on the 240mg/30 minute dosing.  I was just getting ready to call the nurse when things settled down.  I really think I was so nerved up that I brought this on myself.  I told myself to take deep breaths and relax.  I decided to stay on the two week cycle just in case and never had any reaction.  I've had 18 treatments so far and never had any infusions issues.  I still get a pesky rash but I can live with it.  I'm scheduled for 24 treatments.  Like you, I had 6 lymphnodes with cancer and all  were removed.  I've had two scans since and they were clear other than the surgery site had some low grade suv.  Hang in there and see what the next infusion brings AND try to relax.

I have received 64 infusions of Opdivo.  I have never had a problem during an infusion.   I am always tired for a couple days afterward.

Hello, I am not the melanoma patient my husband is. He is usually a bit tired the day after his infusion and after and during infusions for the first few times he felt cold. What you described in your post sounds a lot like panic or anxiety. I am very familiar with that! Maybe just having your first treatment freaked you out a little bit and your body reacted. I wish you the best with your future treatments and sincerely hope the Opdivo works for you. 

I have received combo infusions and have experienced similar reaction but I try to keep calm by listening to music. Even still there is tightness in organs as the drug passes by. Even following infusions, I experience this thightness throughout my body but it dissipates in about an hour or so. I've been told that the drugs don't cause corrosion like chemo but they are still very strong and can give you a twinge of burning  around the infusion site. Thank God for Bendryl and it's good to know that you are not allergic. Also, it is normal to feel tired for few days but it goes away. Best of luck

Melanie 

Hello!

I watched this exact thing happen to my friend going through his first treatment. It scared the crap out of him.

rhe nurses reacted quickly, and he was given Benadryl and Zantac and continued treatment later on. for every following treatment he took those meds ahead of time, and had no issues. He got all four ipi/nivo treatments and a few maintenance afterwards.