Opdivo and Weakness: What Users Say

• Ter...
• July 20, 2017

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My dad started Opdivo in May 2017. By the second treatment, he was terribly sick, weak, no appetite, upset stomach, talking out of his head, and confused. By the third treatment, he had so much fluid in his feet and was so weak he couldn't even move himself in bed. They should have never done a third treatment but were more concerned about the price of the treatment. My dad died a week and a half later. In my opinion, he spent the last part of his life miserable because of this medicine."

• gga...
• July 24, 2016

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "Took it after chemo stopped working. After 2 years, first 2 infusions went okay. 3 days after the 3rd infusion, my legs/feet stopped working. Stayed in the hospital for 4 days, legs/feet slowly coming back. Ran every test known to man, all normal. Conclusion is a side effect of Opdivo. Now off all treatment, trying to resolve. Better but still some weakness and balance issues."

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

For Melanoma "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."

• 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."

• 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 as 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."

• 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 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."