Nivolumab and Shortness Of Breath: What Users Say

• hes...
• July 31, 2019

Nivolumab 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?"

• Hil...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• July 27, 2018

Nivolumab for Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My husband had stage 3B NSCLC with a small metastasis on his spine. Oncologist recommended Opdivo. Only had 2 treatments. After the first treatment, he ended up in the hospital with severe shortness of breath. He passed away a few days after the second treatment as the drug attacked healthy heart muscle. Don’t try this drug!"

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

Nivolumab 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."

• GCP...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 3, 2020

Nivolumab 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!"

• Kim...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• April 24, 2017

For Non Small Cell Lung Cancer "My dad was diagnosed last August 20, 2016, with stage 4 lung cancer. He came home from the hospital, and he started chemo right away. He had about 7 rounds of regular chemo. We thought he was doing so well. He had a scan in December, and they said it was stable. Still continued treatment through February. In the middle of March 2017, my dad went in the hospital. He was there for 10 days. Dr. said the cancer was spreading, he needed treatment. The new treatment, Opdivo, brought him home, and 3/29/17 my dad had his first treatment of Opdivo. My dad seemed to start going downhill, couldn't walk, was having a hard time breathing. He never made the 2nd treatment, my dad died 4/19/2017. I am not saying it was from the Opdivo, but it sure makes me wonder."

• My ...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 15, 2021

Nivolumab "My daughter was in treatment for Wilm's tumor. She was in treatment for over 3 years. She received chemo, surgery, radiation, proton therapy, more radiation, and a stem cell transplant. She was okay for 8 months post-transplant until the cancer returned to her lungs. We revisited drugs that she had not had since the beginning of her treatment. When all options were exhausted, her oncologist decided to try Opdivo. My daughter was already having trouble breathing, but after the first treatment, her breathing worsened. 3 weeks later, she had her second dose - the date was Dec 18th. Her breathing worsened even more to the point where she couldn’t walk. She had to be wheeled into the ER on Christmas night 2019. A CT determined there were many tumors in both lungs - too many to count. We were told there was nothing they could do. My beautiful daughter lost her battle on Jan. 12th, 2020. 15 days after her 15th birthday."