Opdivo User Reviews & Ratings (Page 2)
Opdivo has an average rating of 5.3 out of 10 from a total of 80 reviews on Drugs.com. 44% of reviewers reported a positive experience, while 48% reported a negative experience.
Reviews for Opdivo
- Broken...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- March 11, 2020
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband had been fighting this horrible disease (NSCLC) for two years. At one point the dr. said he was in remission. But the dr. still wanted him to try opdivo. I honestly believe the opdivo was what finished him. He had been on the opdivo for 3 months when the dr. said sorry but you have 3 months left and we are not going to continue the opdivo. Basically he said go home and die. Unfortunately he died 2 weeks later."
- Sister
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- July 14, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I am sharing my sisters experience with Opdivo. She had stage 3 NSCLC (non-small cell lung cancer). She started opdivo after a little over 2 years of chemo. The first year on it went great. All her scans showed no cancer. Then all of a sudden all her blood counts dropped. She was then diagnosed with AML (acute myeloid leukaemia) due to the opdivo.S he lived a month after that. The Doctors said the opdivo gave her a year she wouldn't have had with chemo. There is that but is only a chance to live longer with Opdivo. I don't believe it is a cure now. We are thankful for that one good year."
Frequently asked questions
- How long does Opdivo prolong life and what’s its success rate?
- What are monoclonal antibodies?
- How long does Opdivo take to work and how do you know if it's working?
- What is the difference between Opdivo and Keytruda?
- Charmed...
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- February 18, 2023
For Renal Cell Carcinoma "December 25, 2021 diagnosed with stage four clear cell renal cell carcinoma that had gone to my lungs (non small cell lung cancer). Soft ball sized tumor on my right kidney and numerous ping pong ball sized tumors in both lungs. No outward signs that I was ill. January 19, 2022 received my first infusion. Combo Opdivo with Yervoy by infusion. Two weeks into first infusion I developed a facial tumor that tested out to be clear cell renal cancer in origin. Drs wanted to start me on Cabometyx but I declined. One week later just prior to my second infusion that tumor had vanished and was only a small sub dermal bump (subsequently all evidence of that tumor was gone). I just received my 15 th infusion today ( 4 combo Opdivo/Yervoy at 3 week intervals and now my 11th Opdivo 480 mgs once a month). My tumors, both in my lungs and on my kidney, have shrunk by 60 % and I’ve had almost no side effects (slight fatigue, minor itching, some muscle/bone pain). It’s working for me."
- Cab
- November 18, 2017
For Melanoma, Metastatic "Surgery to remove polyp. Follow-up surgery to remove nasal and sinus mucosal melanoma. Proton beaming to clean-up remaining mm in nose/sinus. Metastasis in bones, brain, liver, kidney, gall bladder and spleen. Opdivo started and after 6 infusions observed reduction in size of tumors everywhere. Continue another 6 infusions until next scan."
Are you taking this medicine?
- Zhill
- December 20, 2017
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I would not be alive today without Opdivo. A year and a half ago I was diagnosed with lung cancer. I weighed 95 lbs. and I already had radiation and chemotherapy. I had no appetite and was continuing to lose weight. My doctors put me on Opdivo in October 2016. It is now December 2017 and I feel fabulous! My scans have been great and my weight is 145 lbs. I feel better and look better than I have in years. Thank you so much for saving my life."
- taylor
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- May 17, 2022
For Melanoma, Metastatic "Devastating life-threatening side effects. Started mouth breakouts, muscle, joint. and tendens swollen to the point of needing a wheelchair. Started 80 mg steroids to stop destruction of joints. After a month on 80 mg started reducing steroid then pituitary gland swelled crushing optical nerves in both eyes. Permanent vision loss with blindness in one eye. Vision went from 20-20 to 20-200 in left and 20-40 right. Thyroid damage came next followed by sugar levels monitoring to start insulin. This week it seems to be starting in the lungs and heart. Rapid heartbeat with skipping and 3 month follow-up CT scan now show lung damage, I ask for quality of life over quantity and was told this was safe and steroids could control side effects. Consulting with other doctors they say 15-20% survive metastatic melanoma and they do not know if those treated with Opvido and survive are the same ones that would survive without taking it. Destroyed my life and will lead to and earlier death."
More FAQ
- Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?
- How long does Opdivo stay in your system?
- What happens when you stop taking Opdivo for melanoma?
- Is Opdivo a chemotherapy or immunotherapy drug?
- Paul
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 19, 2018
For Melanoma "Everything was going well on the 2 week treatment for 8 weeks- then doctor tried to do a monthly dose and my sugar skyrockets to almost 500. I was hospitalized and had to start insulin shots! Still on shots for about a week hoping things get back to normal after the Opdivo is out of my system, just not sure how long that will take."
- Pat
- Taken for 5 to 10 years
- February 13, 2021
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband, a smoker for 60+years, was diagnosed with nsclc in 2015. After several months of traditional ineffective chemo, his doctor recommended the newly discovered Opdivo. That was late 2015. It is now Feb 2021 and he is still going strong with no/minimal side effects. As I’m sure many fortunate patients can attest, every day is a blessing!"
- Scarl...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 12, 2018
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My mom is 78 years old with stage iv lung cancer. She has had 6 treatments with Opdivo so far; minimal side effects. She was on Pemetrexed for 2 years, then in remission for almost 18 months. Her oncologist wanted to try Opdivo. A 93 year old gentleman who comes to the same cancer clinic biweekly, has been on Opdivo for 2 years now for melanoma. His daughter stated that he has minimal side effects from the medication."
- GCPYS
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- February 3, 2020
For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Opdivo was the end for my husband!!! The doctors had been pushing this drug at us for 2 years. My husband finally decided to try it and 7 weeks after his first infusion he passed away due to complications from the medication!!! It caused pseudo diabetic symptoms, respiratory failure and numerous other complications!!! I would not recommend this treatment for anyone!!! I feel that they faked their trial runs to get funding for their experimental treatment!"
- Powder
- January 19, 2017
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I have been taking Ondivo since March 2016. My cancer is now in my liver and the medicine seems to be keeping the cancer strictly in my liver, due to a PET scan in 12-2016. I have developed a red rash and found that lotion and creams do help. Lately I have noticed my nails looking strange and the thumb nails look like they may come off. Have not discussed with my doctor, and will do so at the next appointment. My cancer started in a knot on my neck and in my lung as stage 4. I only have the cancer in my liver. I am unsure as to what I will do considering that cancer has been contained to my liver only. I have had cancer since August 2013."
- Jnetk
- December 27, 2017
For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband has Stage 4 non-small cell lung cancer. He is 82 years old. He has been on Opdivo for 18 months. It has kept his cancer in remission with no new metastasis. He has some itching but no other side effects. It has been a wonder drug for him."
- Dano
- April 24, 2019
For Small Cell Lung Cancer "Writing this review on my fathers behalf, may he Rest In Peace. He got diagnosed with stage 4 small cell lung cancer with metastasis in the liver and lymph nodes. After his first round of chemo they did a new CT scan and PET scan, miraculously the doctor said the cancer is reduced to scarring and continued the radiation preventively. Three months later he is back in the hospital and things are not looking good, yet stable. From the first dose of Opdivo it was a rapid decline. He passed away within 24 hour of the second dose on Feb 14. He couldn’t eat or sleep, he couldn’t talk or walk, his face was dropping and he had a cough that wouldn’t give up. I can’t help but feel that they used my dad as some sort of lab rat to test this on. I know that cancer is terrifying and I know that u may feel there are not many options, but please consider finding another option than this medication. My father was strong even in his final moments but I genuinely feel he would still alive if not for these meds"
- jmano
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- February 8, 2021
For Melanoma, Metastatic "I had stage 4 melanoma in my lymph glands, lung, liver, and bladder. After one year on Optivo 98% of the cancer was gone. I stayed on Optivo for another year and my last scans showed no c-cells. Currently I'm Opdivo off until my next scans are done. Yes, it did save my life. And yes there are side effects but they out way the other."
- SF Dana
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- June 15, 2021
For Melanoma, Metastatic "My friend Jason was given this drug for Melanoma. He had a spot removed on his leg and his lymph nodes were removed. After that the Dr said he was cancer free but suggested he take this drug to stay in remission. The drug attacked his brain and caused his to lose the ability to talk, walk, and have proper motor skills and spent 9 months in a hospital bed in utter frustration and anger unable to do anything on his own including going to the bathroom. There was no recourse. Once it did the damage it was irreversible. He died almost a year later. Cancer was all over his body. He was 47."
- Joyce
- Taken for 6 months to 1 year
- November 9, 2022
For Esophageal Carcinoma "Stay away from this drug if you have esophageal cancer. It won’t work for you but will destroy any “itis” you might be susceptible to. It destroyed my husband’s thyroid and they could never get it back to normal with meds. After 9 infusions, by month 10 his esophageal cancer was back with a vengeance. Optivo does no good for esophageal patients. Just makes things worse."
- scrappy
- Taken for 1 to 2 years
- April 8, 2023
For Melanoma, Metastatic "I had a large lymph node that was melanoma, and also a lesion in my lung. After 5 treatments of Opdivo alone, I have no evidence of disease (NED). I have remained NED for 3 years and counting. The only side effects were fatigue and non-itchy skin rash. Had 24 treatments, ended 18 months ago."
- Ltano
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 8, 2018
For Head and Neck Cancer "My Father was on Opdivo for 77 days. He became sick with all of the side effects (pneumonia, inflammation of the brain) as well as ultimately losing the use of both of his legs. In my opinion, the drug only increased his life by 77 painful days and it did nothing effective at all. I do not recommend using this drug at all."
- For...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- November 24, 2021
For Renal Cell Carcinoma "Daddy was on this for about 6 months. Would have been longer if his cancer didn't spread to his brain. This does not cross the blood brain barrier. This was the best medicine he ever took. Took in combination with Yervoy. Daddy had CLEAR cell RCC. It was in his stomach, liver, lung, and right atrium (heart) at the time. This medicine got rid of the cancer in his stomach, atrium, and lungs. I highly recommend this medicine. Daddy was still working at an automotive mechanic while taking this medicine. Side effects were minimal. The only thing is his immune system seemed to be more weak. That was it. He also had no kidneys left from the cancer. So he was on dialysis. I wish he could have stayed on this."
- Corey
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- July 20, 2022
For Esophageal Carcinoma "Don’t take this drug it only causes harm. After 4 treatments it fried my thyroid and my adrenal gland’s. I’ve gone through hell for months as they try to adjust my medication. I will have to deal with this for the rest of my life. Your own immune system destroys your organs quickly."
- ilove...
- January 9, 2018
For Colorectal Cancer "I have small intestines cancer/stage 4 .I have been on opdivo for 1 full year because I could not tolerate chemo any more. It took 9 months for pain relief and 4 months ago, my CT scan showed that my tumors have shrunk 30 percent. Opdivo has saved my life ! I have only diarrhea as a side effect. I am so grateful that my dr. put me on this as I would not be alive . I have gained 20 lbs and don't feel as if i have cancer. I can't wait to get my next CT scan"
- J P
- Taken for less than 1 month
- March 24, 2022
For Melanoma "I had a spot of melanoma skin cancer on my side, and it spread to two lymph nodes. All the cancer was removed by surgery. No more cancer, but Opdivo was strongly recommended as a preventative. I was told there may be side effects with Opdivo, but had no idea of what that really meant, or how severe they could be. I was put on the once a month regimen so was given the double dose. A few days later my daughter rushed me to the hospital with a fluttering heart and a pulse way over a hundred. My body was beginning to experience massive inflammation. Opdivo attacked my heart, thyroid, liver, eyes (double vision), severe muscle pain, no control of bowels, severe rash and itching, extreme weakness. I was put on six weeks of prednisone to as they said, "put out the fire". The Opdivo had already done its damage to my heart, had to have a catheter ablation, and I will be on thyroid medication the rest of my life. Don't just jump into Opdivo, do your own your own research, or have someone help."
- The...
- Taken for 1 to 6 months
- October 13, 2022
For Melanoma "My husband was diagnosed with Stage III melanoma and had a softball sized tumor removed 11/11/21. His first Opdivo treatment was at the end of December. He had some reactions to the medication - second and final treatment was at the end of January. Ever since the first treatment, he has has mouth blisters/ulcers. He got 'black tongue'. Had double vision issues. Still has fluttering heart. He is suffering from severe arthritic pain. If we had realized the potential long term effects, we wouldn't have started treatment. My husband has always been a healthy, active, hard-working kind of guy. He has been on various doses of prednisone ever since. (Adrenal insufficiency at this point, as well) This drug has destroyed his quality of life. Please do your research. This drug was basically fast-tracked for approval. In addition, at $37,000 a pop for treatment....makes you wonder who has the patient's best interest at heart."
- big...
- Taken for 2 to 5 years
- March 8, 2018
For Melanoma, Metastatic "Been on Nivolumab & Opdivo for 27 months with small amount of side effects and great success in tumor reduction . Merkel cell (MCC ) is what I have and went thru several Chemos & radiation and this treatment is working Great on this cancer. Merkel cell MCC is one of the cancer that foundations do not help with so these patients are on there own. Pricey but it does make a different s in the length of your life ."
Reviews may be edited to correct grammar/spelling or to remove inappropriate language and content. Reviews that appear to be created by parties with a vested interest are not published. This information is not intended to endorse any particular medication. While these reviews may be helpful, they are not a substitute for the expertise, knowledge, and judgement of healthcare professionals.
More about Opdivo (nivolumab)
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- Drug class: anti-PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (immune checkpoint inhibitors)
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For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My Dad had lung cancer, and it had spread to his liver. His doctor recommended starting Opdivo because chemo was no longer an option. He got his first treatment on July 24, 2017. He began having constipation issues, severe stomach pain, no appetite, with in a week of having the first treatment. Was admitted to the hospital August 5th, and died August 14th. He was suffering and miserable his last few weeks of life. I believe this medication contributed to his death. I think a persons body needs to be in a specific state for it to be successful. By reading the reviews it works wonders on some, and others they die very shortly after starting treatment."