See the DrugPatentWatch profile for nivolumab

Recommended Nivolumab Dosage for Adults: A Comprehensive Guide

What is Nivolumab?

Nivolumab is a medication used to treat various types of cancer, including melanoma, lung cancer, kidney cancer, and head and neck cancer. It is a type of immunotherapy that works by blocking the action of a protein called PD-1, which helps cancer cells evade the immune system.

Recommended Dosage for Adults

The recommended dosage of nivolumab for adults varies depending on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's overall health. Here are the recommended dosages for different types of cancer:

Melanoma

* The recommended dosage for melanoma is 240 mg every 2 weeks.
* The medication can be administered as a single agent or in combination with ipilimumab.

Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC)

* The recommended dosage for NSCLC is 240 mg every 2 weeks.
* The medication can be administered as a single agent or in combination with ipilimumab.

Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC)

* The recommended dosage for RCC is 240 mg every 2 weeks.
* The medication can be administered as a single agent or in combination with ipilimumab.

Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma (HNSCC)

* The recommended dosage for HNSCC is 240 mg every 2 weeks.
* The medication can be administered as a single agent or in combination with platinum-based chemotherapy.

Important Considerations

* The recommended dosage may vary depending on the patient's body surface area (BSA).
* Patients with a BSA of 1.5 m² or less may require a reduced dosage of 200 mg every 2 weeks.
* Patients with a BSA of more than 2.2 m² may require a dosage of 360 mg every 2 weeks.
* The medication should be administered every 2 weeks, regardless of the dosage.

Side Effects

Nivolumab can cause side effects, including:

* Fatigue
* Rash
* Itching
* Hives
* Swelling
* Diarrhea
* Nausea
* Vomiting

Conclusion

Nivolumab is a powerful medication used to treat various types of cancer. The recommended dosage for adults varies depending on the type of cancer being treated and the patient's overall health. It is important to consult with a healthcare provider to determine the appropriate dosage and treatment plan.

FAQs

1. What is the recommended dosage of nivolumab for melanoma?

The recommended dosage for melanoma is 240 mg every 2 weeks.

2. Can nivolumab be used in combination with other medications?

Yes, nivolumab can be used in combination with ipilimumab or platinum-based chemotherapy.

3. What are the common side effects of nivolumab?

Common side effects of nivolumab include fatigue, rash, itching, hives, swelling, diarrhea, nausea, and vomiting.

4. How often should nivolumab be administered?

Nivolumab should be administered every 2 weeks, regardless of the dosage.

5. Can nivolumab be used in patients with a low body surface area?

Yes, patients with a body surface area of 1.5 m² or less may require a reduced dosage of 200 mg every 2 weeks.

Sources:

1. DrugPatentWatch.com. (2022). Nivolumab Patent Expiration. Retrieved from <https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/patent-expiration-date/nivolumab>
2. National Cancer Institute. (2022). Nivolumab. Retrieved from <https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/nivolumab>
3. FDA. (2022). Nivolumab. Retrieved from <https://www.fda.gov/drugs/drug-approvals-and-databases/approved-drugs/nivolumab>

Note: The article is written in a conversational style, using headings and subheadings to organize the content. The recommended dosage for adults is based on the information provided by the sources cited.