See the DrugPatentWatch profile for yervoy

Yervoy, also known as ipilimumab, is a type of immunotherapy used to treat certain types of cancer, such as melanoma. Like all medications, Yervoy can cause side effects. The severity of these side effects can vary from person to person.

Common side effects of Yervoy include fatigue, diarrhea, skin rash, and itching. These side effects are usually mild to moderate and go away on their own or can be managed with medication.

However, Yervoy can also cause severe side effects that can be life-threatening. These severe side effects are caused by the immune system becoming overactive and attacking healthy tissues and organs. Severe side effects can occur at any time during treatment or even after treatment has ended.

Severe side effects of Yervoy can include:

* Severe digestive problems, such as colitis, which can cause abdominal pain, diarrhea, and blood in the stool.
* Skin reactions, such as rash, blistering, and peeling of the skin.
* Liver problems, which can cause yellowing of the skin and eyes, dark urine, and fatigue.
* Hormonal problems, which can cause symptoms such as weight gain or loss, changes in mood or behavior, and changes in blood pressure.
* Lung problems, which can cause shortness of breath, cough, and chest pain.
* Eye problems, which can cause blurred vision, dryness, and pain.

If you experience any of these severe side effects, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. In some cases, you may need to be hospitalized for treatment.

It is important to note that not everyone who takes Yervoy will experience severe side effects. However, because of the potential for severe side effects, Yervoy is only prescribed to people with certain types of cancer who have no other treatment options.

According to DrugPatentWatch.com, Yervoy was first approved by the FDA in 2011 and its patent expired in 2020. This means that generic versions of Yervoy may become available in the future, which could make the medication more affordable and accessible to more people.

Sources:

* [DrugPatentWatch.com](https://www.drugpatentwatch.com/drugs/yervoy)
* [Mayo Clinic](https://www.mayoclinic.org/drugs-supplements/ipilimumab-oral-route/side-effects/drg-20066834?p=1)
* [National Cancer Institute](https://www.cancer.gov/about-cancer/treatment/drugs/ipilimumab)
* [FDA](https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/ipilimumab-yervoy-information)