Opdivo for Melanoma User Reviews

• Old...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• October 17, 2019

"My husband has stage 4 melanoma that developed tumors in both lungs, 2 years after the melanoma was surgically removed. His infusions were a combination of Yervoy and Opdivo. His tumors have shrunk to being almost undetectable on the left side and very small on the right. No side effects except a rash, which was treated with steroids or ointment. We are beyond thrilled. This is an amazing medication."

• Amo...
• October 17, 2018

"My sister (age 35) was diagnosed with melanoma in April 2018. The cancer had spread to her lymph nodes but was confirmed to have not spread to any organs. In May 2018, after the removal of 40 lymph nodes, she had “no detectable melanomas.” She immediately began her infusions. Pain started within the first 2 treatments but was determined to be a side effect of this treatment. Then in early September, she was in such pain she went to the emergency room. It was shortly confirmed that she had large tumors pretty much everywhere except her brain. Within 3 weeks, she died. This treatment in no way worked, indeed, her oncologist believes it actually accelerated her melanoma. Please consider not using this treatment, it is like playing a game of roulette! For those that it doesn't work on, it REALLY doesn't work. She would have lived much longer by just dealing with the tumors as they arose and without the last 3 months of her life filled with terrible pain."

• Ivy...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 6, 2019

"After two treatments of Opdivo for melanoma, my father experienced many of the side effects, including muscle weakness, swelling (including in his brain), loss of appetite, constipation, droopy eye muscles, blurred vision, and irregular heartbeats and blood pressure. He is currently being treated at the Mayo Clinic in the ICU. He is the third case they have seen with similar reactions, but they are having trouble treating the side effects. Thankfully, he sought help before the symptoms worsened. My advice is to learn the side effects and immediately let your doctor know if they appear."

• Pau...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 19, 2018

"Everything was going well on the 2-week treatment for 8 weeks, then the doctor tried to do a monthly dose, and my sugar skyrocketed 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."

• J P...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• March 24, 2022

"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 I 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, I 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 research, or have someone help."

• Foo...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• November 15, 2021

"Boyfriend diagnosed with 3C metastatic melanoma in 2017. Surgery (WLE) to remove tumor in upper arm and several lymph nodes removed. One year of monthly Opdivo infusions following surgery. Hasn’t been the same since. Multiple infections and syndromes (C-diff, diverticulitis, SIADH...) one thing after another. He has lost a ton of weight and is pretty much bedridden 20 hrs per day. In his case, I truly question whether the benefits outweigh the risks. After watching his decline, I would have serious reservations. No quality of life at 64 years old."

• Bur...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 26, 2022

"To put my experience with Opdivo in perspective. I was stage 4 melanoma, had radical dissection on my left neck, removed 29 lymph nodes. I was then given Opdivo for 8 months. First PET scan showed no recurrence. Was to get 12 doses, only took 8. At this time, the side effects of good organs being attacked started-my lungs and my heart. Prednisone is used or was used by my doctor to back the immuno down. This steroid has its own side effects but did what it was supposed to do. This was all in the first year of using Opdivo. It's been four years since it all started, I have had no recurrence at this time."

• The...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 13, 2022

"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 - the second and final treatment was at the end of January. Ever since the first treatment, he has had 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."

• Wha...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• March 14, 2025

"I have had great success with Opdivo for the first 14 months. I was in remission after 9 months. I have had very few side effects. Diarrhea was the most common, nothing Imodium AD wouldn't take care of. My most recent side effect is joint pain in ankles and wrists. No one can tell me if this is temporary while using the Opdivo or if it will be permanent."

• Mar...
• February 26, 2025

"My eyes have changed. I have developed macular degeneration. Because my left eye was wet, I have been getting eye injections. My vision is changing constantly. Would this be part of my Opdivo treatment? I also need cataracts removed. Would my Opdivo treatment affect this?"

• Wal...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 11, 2025

"I was diagnosed with stage 4 melanoma that had metastasized to my left lung. I had real good success with this treatment. Had a couple side effects, but nothing serious. I received treatments for 10 months and I was in remission. Just starting to see some more side effects: swollen ankles, wrist joints, and itching. Other than that, I am happy with the results."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 19, 2017

"My husband has had wonderful success with this medicine, it never made him sick the whole time he has been taking it. He is presently still on it for maintenance."

• Joe...
• August 11, 2024

"Seems to be working. I haven’t needed any of the nausea meds they gave me. Caused increased appetite with weight gain."