Opdivo and Pneumonia: What Users Say

• Dav...
• August 11, 2017

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My mom started this treatment after her oncologist suggested that it was an alternative to other chemo because it was not as harsh. Well, after her initial treatment ($27,000), she started swelling, couldn't eat, had no energy, was confused, basically confined to her bed, and then the second treatment, she developed pneumonia and was hospitalized 4 days later. Mom passed after 4 days, after numerous antibiotics, blood transfusions, and a lot of agony. I would not recommend this treatment to anyone. It's awful with life-threatening side effects. I think this is just a money racket to get cash from the dying and the government."

• Ric...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 23, 2016

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My mom started on radiation and chemo, traditional chemo did not work because the cancer had spread to her bone marrow. Her doctor started her on Opdivo, and she went downhill from there. She had pneumonia and joint pain, diarrhea, etc. The side effects were worse than the cancer. I would not recommend this drug to anyone. Taking this drug was a HUGE setback for my mom, she passed away yesterday, 11/21/16. Please do your homework before taking it."

• kde...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2023

For Urothelial Carcinoma "My dad was diagnosed with bladder cancer that spread to his prostate, and in August 2022, he had both removed. In October 2022, he started taking Opdivo. After two treatments, he developed a rash and was treated with steroids. In mid-November, he had another treatment along with a steroid IV to counteract another rash. However, he gradually worsened. He developed a fever, became weak and tired, lost his appetite, experienced severe back pain, and had a cough. He had another treatment at the end of December. At the end of January 2023, we took him to the emergency room where he was diagnosed with pneumonia in his lungs, a kidney infection, a blood clot in his right leg, and a blood clot near his heart in his lung. He also had mild fluid surrounding his heart and gastroparesis. It is February 3rd and he is still in the hospital. The doctors have confirmed through dye and X-rays that gastroparesis is a side effect of Opdivo and not caused by a blockage or mass. They are trying to figure out how to treat him as steroids are not working. Our experience with Opdivo has been thumbs down. If only we had known beforehand."

• Lta...
• 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."