Opdivo and Fatigue: What Users Say

• hes...
• July 31, 2019

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I had NSCLC. I found out about April of 2018. The hospital I was going to tried radiation and chemo. The cancer had moved to the lymph nodes in my neck. The radiation shrank it some, but it came roaring back. My oncologist started me on Opdivo about October of 2018, and it has been smooth sailing so far. Here it is July 31, 2019, and I look forward to maybe only one or two more treatments. My last two PET scans have been good. There is no doubt in my mind that I am alive because of this treatment. I have had some shortness of breath, quite a lot of fatigue, a rash or two, some itching... Nothing unbearable, just uncomfortable. I am grateful for this technology. Having said that, I quite understand that people who have had negative experiences might even hate it, but how could I not give myself this chance?"

• fLB...
• September 16, 2020

For Urothelial Carcinoma "My dad was diagnosed with SCCB, underwent chemo. After that, cystectomy with neobladder from parts of his intestine. The surgeon at MSKCC is top in the nation. Months later, a CT with biopsy showed metastasis in his lung, did fine with the Ipi/Nivo combo, but when switched to Opdivo alone, he has been having more issues than when he was first diagnosed. Fatigue, low BP (80/50), anorexia, insomnia, anxiety, depression, mood swings, vision problems, eosinophilia, anemia, and the list goes on. After reading the reviews on this medication, I’m trying to make sure he is not given it again. It has led to more specialist visits for him than ever. Everyone needs to discuss quality of life versus quantity with their loved ones, prior to starting these meds. If one is constantly in pain, unable to eat, sleep, think straight, is constantly exhausted and fatigued, etc., is that really even living? It’s heartbreaking, to say the least. It may work for some, but for others, it has done the opposite."

• Cha...
• 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). Softball-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 the first infusion, I developed a facial tumor that tested out to be clear cell renal cancer in origin. Doctors 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 subdermal bump (subsequently, all evidence of that tumor was gone). I just received my 15th 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."

• KJa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 6, 2018

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband was given Opdivo for stage IV non-small cell lung cancer. Three days after his third treatment, he became seriously ill (short of breath, fatigue, increased oxygen requirements) and was hospitalized. His oxygen needs increased from a baseline of 5L to 13L upon admission. Three days later, his oxygen needs increased to 30L, and he passed away 10 days after his third treatment. I believe that Opdivo contributed to his death at age 57. Looking back, he should never have started this medication."

• scr...
• 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 a non-itchy skin rash. Had 24 treatments, ended 18 months ago."

• PRo...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• October 31, 2022

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "I've been on Opdivo for 4 years. I was diagnosed with Stage 3 lung cancer on Feb. 7, 2018. I had chemo once a week for about 3 months, but radiation 5 days a week at the same time. Then, a month and a half later, more radiation for about another 5 weeks. Started Opdivo treatments in Sept. 2018. I go every other Friday. My side effects were/are joints aching, with swelling. Get tired and feel fatigued at times. Had some weight gain also."

• Ric...
• March 9, 2023

For Colorectal Cancer "Cancer has decreased from 26 mm to 8 mm. Experienced diarrhea daily, need to drink lots of water, occasional dizziness, trouble focusing on written words on the computer, fatigue."