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OPDIVO

nivolumab · Injection

Prescription Biologic BLA Official labelling
Informational index, not medical advice. Content is reproduced from public FDA and NLM data. Always confirm against the manufacturer's current prescribing information. Report adverse events to FDA MedWatch.

Overview

Brand name
OPDIVO
Generic name
nivolumab
Dosage form
Injection
Route
Intravenous
Marketing category
BLA · BLA
Labeler
E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C.
Product type
Human Prescription Drug
DEA schedule
Not scheduled
Active ingredients
1
NDC product codes
4
Packages
4
Data completeness
74% of corroborating sources present

Active ingredients

Source: NDC Directory
Active ingredients and strengths as listed in the NDC Directory.
Ingredient Strength RxCUI Monograph
Nivolumab 10 mg/mL 2700798 View

Forms, strengths and routes

Source: NDC Directory
Dosage form
Injection
Route of administration
Intravenous
Presentations
8

Pharmacologic classes are listed in the class section below.

Pharmacologic class

Source: NDC Directory
Established pharmacologic classes (EPC), mechanisms of action (MoA), chemical structures (CS) and physiologic effects (PE).
Class Type Browse
Programmed Death Receptor-1 Blocking Antibody [EPC] EPC 5 members — no class page
Programmed Death Receptor-1-directed Antibody Interactions [MoA] MoA 5 members — no class page

Regulatory status

Source: Drugs@FDANDC Directory
Application number
125554
Application type
BLA · Biologics License Application
Approval date
December 22, 2014
Sponsor
BRISTOL MYERS SQUIBB
Products on application
1
Submissions recorded
85
Products approved under application 125554.
Product Trade name Form Strength Ingredient Status TE Flags
125554-001 OPDIVO INJECTABLE NIVOLUMAB Prescription —

Approval history

Source: Drugs@FDA
Most recent submissions on application 125554.
Type No. Action Status Date Review
Supplement 138 Labeling Approved August 12, 2026 Standard
Supplement 136 Labeling Approved May 12, 2026 Standard
Supplement 135 Efficacy Approved March 20, 2026 Priority
Supplement 131 Labeling Approved July 1, 2025 Standard
Supplement 133 Efficacy Approved May 23, 2025 Priority
Supplement 129 Efficacy Approved April 11, 2025 Standard
Supplement 132 Efficacy Approved April 8, 2025 Priority
Supplement 127 Efficacy Approved October 3, 2024 Standard
Supplement 128 Labeling Approved March 6, 2024 Standard
Supplement 125 Efficacy Approved March 6, 2024 Priority
Supplement 122 Efficacy Approved January 26, 2024 Standard
Supplement 121 Efficacy Approved October 13, 2023 Standard
Supplement 119 Efficacy Approved February 15, 2023 Priority
Supplement 118 Efficacy Approved February 15, 2023 Priority
Supplement 117 Efficacy Approved February 15, 2023 Priority
Supplement 114 Efficacy Approved July 14, 2022 Standard
Supplement 106 Efficacy Approved May 27, 2022 Standard
Supplement 105 Efficacy Approved May 27, 2022 Standard
Supplement 108 Efficacy Approved May 11, 2022 Standard
Supplement 112 Efficacy Approved March 4, 2022 Priority
Supplement 109 Labeling Approved February 25, 2022 Standard
Supplement 97 Efficacy Approved August 19, 2021 Priority
Supplement 107 Labeling Approved July 23, 2021 Standard
Supplement 99 Efficacy Approved July 15, 2021 Standard
Supplement 92 Efficacy Approved May 20, 2021 Priority
Supplement 91 Efficacy Approved April 16, 2021 Priority
Supplement 98 Labeling Approved March 30, 2021 Standard
Supplement 90 Efficacy Approved January 22, 2021 Priority
Supplement 95 Labeling Approved December 29, 2020 Standard
Supplement 71 Labeling Approved November 10, 2020 Standard
Supplement 89 Efficacy Approved October 2, 2020 Priority
Supplement 86 Labeling Approved September 25, 2020 Standard
Supplement 85 Efficacy Approved September 18, 2020 Standard
Supplement 84 Efficacy Approved September 18, 2020 Standard
Supplement 83 Labeling Approved June 23, 2020 Standard
Supplement 81 Efficacy Approved June 10, 2020 Priority
Supplement 82 Efficacy Approved May 26, 2020 Priority
Supplement 80 Efficacy Approved May 15, 2020 Priority
Supplement 78 Efficacy Approved March 10, 2020 Priority
Supplement 75 Labeling Approved September 18, 2019 Standard
Supplement 73 Labeling Approved May 2, 2019 Standard
Supplement 70 Efficacy Approved April 18, 2019 Standard
Supplement 42 Efficacy Approved March 7, 2019 Priority
Supplement 72 Labeling Approved February 1, 2019 Standard
Supplement 69 Labeling Approved November 15, 2018 Standard
Supplement 67 Efficacy Approved August 16, 2018 Priority
Supplement 63 Efficacy Approved July 10, 2018 Priority
Supplement 58 Efficacy Approved April 16, 2018 Priority
Supplement 66 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 65 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 64 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 62 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 61 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 52 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 51 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 50 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 49 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 48 Efficacy Approved March 5, 2018 Standard
Supplement 45 Efficacy Approved February 15, 2018 Standard
Supplement 44 Efficacy Approved February 15, 2018 Standard

Review documents

  • 0 · Supplement · August 18, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · August 18, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · August 13, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · May 18, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · May 13, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · March 24, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · March 23, 2026
  • 0 · Supplement · July 2, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · July 2, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · June 2, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · May 28, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · April 24, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · April 21, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · April 9, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · April 8, 2025
  • 0 · Supplement · October 4, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · October 3, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · March 12, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · March 11, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · March 7, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · March 7, 2024
  • 0 · Supplement · November 15, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 16, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · October 13, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · July 11, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · July 11, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · June 29, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · February 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · February 17, 2023
  • 0 · Supplement · February 17, 2023

Prescribing information

Source: openFDA Drug Labeling

Reproduced verbatim from the Structured Product Labeling submitted to the FDA (effective 20260812). This is the manufacturer's labelling text, not a summary and not advice.

HUMAN PRESCRIPTION DRUG · 20260812

Recent Major Changes

openFDA Drug Labeling

Indications and Usage (1) 3/2026 Dosage and Administration (2) 3/2026 Warnings and Precautions (5) 5/2026

Indications and Usage

openFDA Drug Labeling

1 INDICATIONS AND USAGE OPDIVO is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1)-blocking antibody indicated for the treatment of: Melanoma • adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma, as a single agent or in combination with ipilimumab. (1.1) • for the adjuvant treatment of adult and pediatric patients 12 years and older with completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma. (1.2) Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) • adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer in the neoadjuvant setting, in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy. (1.3) • adult patients with resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer and no known EGFR mutations or ALK rearrangements, for neoadjuvant treatment, in combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy, followed by single-agent OPDIVO as adjuvant treatment after surgery. (1.4) • adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer expressing PD‐L1 (≥1%) as determined by an FDA-authorized test, with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations, as first-line treatment in combination with ipilimumab. (1.5) • adult patients with metastatic or recurrent non-small cell lung cancer with no EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations as first-line treatment, in combination with ipilimumab and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. (1.5) • adult patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer and progression on or after platinum-based chemotherapy. Patients with EGFR or ALK genomic tumor aberrations should have disease progression on FDA-approved therapy for these aberrations prior to receiving OPDIVO. (1.5) Malignant Pleural Mesothelioma • adult patients with unresectable malignant pleural mesothelioma, as first-line treatment in combination with ipilimumab. (1.6) Renal Cell Carcinoma (RCC) • adult patients with intermediate or poor risk advanced renal cell carcinoma, as a first-line treatment in combination with ipilimumab. (1.7) • adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma, as a first-line treatment in combination with cabozantinib. (1.7) • adult patients with advanced renal cell carcinoma who have received prior anti-angiogenic therapy. (1.7) Classical Hodgkin Lymphoma (cHL) • adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with previously untreated, Stage III or IV classical Hodgkin lymphoma in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD). (1.8) • adult patients with classical Hodgkin lymphoma that has relapsed or progressed after: (1.8) • autologous hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) and brentuximab vedotin, or • 3 or more lines of systemic therapy that includes autologous HSCT. Squamous Cell Carcinoma of the Head and Neck (SCCHN) • adult patients with recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck with disease progression on or after a platinum-based therapy. (1.9) Urothelial Carcinoma • adjuvant treatment of adult patients with urothelial carcinoma (UC) who are at high risk of recurrence after undergoing radical resection of UC. (1.10) • adult patients with unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma, as first-line treatment in combination with cisplatin and gemcitabine. (1.10) • adult patients with locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma who: • have disease progression during or following platinum-containing chemotherapy. • have disease progression within 12 months of neoadjuvant or adjuvant treatment with platinum-containing chemotherapy. (1.10) Colorectal Cancer • adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with unresectable or metastatic microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) colorectal cancer (CRC) in combination with ipilimumab. (1.11) • adult and pediatric (12 years and older) patients with microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed following treatmen …

Dosage and Administration

openFDA Drug Labeling

2 DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION • Administer by intravenous infusion after dilution based upon recommended infusion rate for each indication. (2) • Unresectable or metastatic melanoma • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 1 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: 1 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 3 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Adjuvant treatment of melanoma • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Neoadjuvant treatment of resectable (tumors ≥4 cm or node positive) non-small cell lung cancer • 360 mg with platinum-doublet chemotherapy on the same day every 3 weeks for 3 cycles. (2.2) • Neoadjuvant and adjuvant treatment of resectable non-small cell lung cancer • 360 mg with platinum-doublet chemotherapy on the same day every 3 weeks for up to 4 cycles, then continued as single-agent OPDIVO 480 mg every 4 weeks after surgery for up to 13 cycles (~1 year). (2.2) • Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer • 360 mg every 3 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. (2.2) • 360 mg every 3 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy. (2.2) • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Malignant pleural mesothelioma • 360 mg every 3 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks. (2.2) • Advanced renal cell carcinoma • 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks administered in combination with cabozantinib 40 mg once daily without food. (2.2) • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Classical Hodgkin lymphoma • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 240 mg in combination with doxorubicin, vinblastine, and dacarbazine (AVD) every 2 weeks for 6 cycles. (2.2) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: 3 mg/kg in combination with AVD every 2 weeks for 6 cycles. (2.2) • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Recurrent or metastatic squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Adjuvant treatment of urothelial carcinoma • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • First-line unresectable or metastatic urothelial carcinoma • 360 mg every 3 weeks with cisplatin and gemcitabine on the same day for up to 6 cycles, then 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Previously treated locally advanced or metastatic urothelial carcinoma • 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. (2.2) • Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 240 mg followed by ipilimumab 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for a maximum of 4 doses, then 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. ( 2.2 ) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 40 kg: 3 mg/kg followed by ipilimumab 1 mg/kg on the same day every 3 weeks for a maximum of 4 doses, then 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks or 6 mg/kg every 4 weeks. ( 2.2 ) • Microsatellite instability-high (MSI-H) or mismatch repair deficient (dMMR) metastatic colorectal cancer that has progressed following prior treatment for metastatic disease. • Adult and pediatric patients weighing 40 kg or greater: 240 mg every 2 weeks or 480 mg every 4 weeks. ( 2.2 ) • Pediatric patients weighing less than 4 …

Dosage Forms and Strengths

openFDA Drug Labeling

3 DOSAGE FORMS AND STRENGTHS Injection: 40 mg/4 mL (10 mg/mL), 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL), 120 mg/12 mL (10 mg/mL), and 240 mg/24 mL (10 mg/mL) clear to opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose vial. • Injection: 40 mg/4 mL (10 mg/mL), 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL), 120 mg/12 mL (10 mg/mL), and 240 mg/24 mL (10 mg/mL) solution in a single-dose vial. (3)

Contraindications

openFDA Drug Labeling

4 CONTRAINDICATIONS None. • None. (4)

Warnings and Cautions

openFDA Drug Labeling

5 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS • Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions: (5.1) • Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including the following: immune-mediated pneumonitis, immune-mediated colitis, immune-mediated hepatitis and hepatotoxicity, immune-mediated endocrinopathies, immune-mediated dermatologic adverse reactions, and immune-mediated nephritis and renal dysfunction. • Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. • Withhold or permanently discontinue based on severity and type of reaction. (2.3) • Infusion-related reactions: Interrupt, slow the rate of infusion, or permanently discontinue OPDIVO based on severity of reaction. (5.2) • Complications of allogeneic HSCT: Fatal and other serious complications can occur in patients who receive allogeneic HSCT before or after being treated with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. (5.3) • Embryo-Fetal toxicity: Can cause fetal harm. Advise females of reproductive potential of potential risk to a fetus and to use effective contraception. (5.4 , 8.1 , 8.3) • Treatment of patients with multiple myeloma with a PD-1 or PD-L1 blocking antibody in combination with a thalidomide analogue plus dexamethasone is not recommended outside of controlled clinical trials. (5.5) 5.1 Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions OPDIVO is a monoclonal antibody that belongs to a class of drugs that bind to either the programmed death-receptor 1 (PD-1) or the PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1), blocking the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway, thereby removing inhibition of the immune response, potentially breaking peripheral tolerance and inducing immune-mediated adverse reactions. Important immune-mediated adverse reactions listed under Warnings and Precautions may not include all possible severe and fatal immune-mediated reactions. Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which may be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue. Immune-mediated adverse reactions can occur at any time after starting treatment with a PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibody. While immune-mediated adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment with PD‐1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, immune-mediated adverse reactions can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Early identification and management of immune-mediated adverse reactions are essential to ensure safe use of PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies. Monitor patients closely for symptoms and signs that may be clinical manifestations of underlying immune-mediated adverse reactions. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate. Withhold or permanently discontinue OPDIVO depending on severity [see Dosage and Administration (2.3) ] . In general, if OPDIVO requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroid therapy (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reactions are not controlled with corticosteroid therapy. Toxicity management guidelines for adverse reactions that do not necessarily require systemic steroids (e.g., endocrinopathies and dermatologic reactions) are discussed below. Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis OPDIVO can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis, which is defined as requiring use of steroids and no clear alternate etiology. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1 blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who ha …

Adverse Reactions

openFDA Drug Labeling

6 ADVERSE REACTIONS The following clinically significant adverse reactions are described elsewhere in the labeling. • Severe and Fatal Immune-Mediated Adverse Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.1) ] • Infusion-Related Reactions [see Warnings and Precautions (5.2) ] • Complications of Allogeneic HSCT [see Warnings and Precautions (5.3) ] Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥20%) in patients were: • As a single agent: fatigue, rash, musculoskeletal pain, pruritus, diarrhea, nausea, asthenia, cough, dyspnea, constipation, decreased appetite, back pain, arthralgia, upper respiratory tract infection, pyrexia, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, and urinary tract infection. (6.1) • In combination with ipilimumab: fatigue, diarrhea, rash, pruritus, nausea, musculoskeletal pain, pyrexia, cough, decreased appetite, vomiting, abdominal pain, dyspnea, upper respiratory tract infection, arthralgia, headache, hypothyroidism, constipation, decreased weight, and dizziness. (6.1) • In combination with platinum-doublet chemotherapy: nausea, fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, constipation, decreased appetite, rash, vomiting, and peripheral neuropathy. (6.1) • In combination with ipilimumab and platinum-doublet chemotherapy: fatigue, musculoskeletal pain, nausea, diarrhea, rash, decreased appetite, constipation, and pruritus. (6.1) • In combination with cabozantinib: diarrhea, fatigue, hepatotoxicity, palmar-plantar erythrodysesthesia syndrome, stomatitis, rash, hypertension, hypothyroidism, musculoskeletal pain, decreased appetite, nausea, dysgeusia, abdominal pain, cough, and upper respiratory tract infection. (6.1) • In combination with fluoropyrimidine- and platinum-containing chemotherapy: nausea, peripheral neuropathy, decreased appetite, fatigue, constipation, stomatitis, diarrhea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and musculoskeletal pain. (6.1) Most common adverse reactions (incidence ≥30%) in patients were: • In combination with AVD: nausea, neutropenia, fatigue, anemia, constipation, leukopenia, musculoskeletal pain, peripheral neuropathy, transaminases increase, vomiting, and stomatitis. (6.1) To report SUSPECTED ADVERSE REACTIONS, contact Bristol-Myers Squibb at 1-800-721-5072 or FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or www.fda.gov/medwatch . 6.1 Clinical Trials Experience Because clinical trials are conducted under widely varying conditions, adverse reaction rates observed in the clinical trials of a drug cannot be directly compared to rates in the clinical trials of another drug and may not reflect the rates observed in practice. The data in WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS reflect exposure to OPDIVO as a single agent in 1994 patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-037, CHECKMATE-017, CHECKMATE-057, CHECKMATE-066, CHECKMATE-025, CHECKMATE-067, CHECKMATE-205, CHECKMATE-039 or a single-arm trial in NSCLC (n=117); OPDIVO 1 mg/kg with ipilimumab 3 mg/kg in patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-067 (n=313), CHECKMATE-040 (n=49), or another randomized trial (n=94); OPDIVO 3 mg/kg administered with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg (n=666) in patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-214 or CHECKMATE-142; OPDIVO 3 mg/kg every 2 weeks with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg every 6 weeks in patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-227 (n=576) or CHECKMATE-743 (n=300); OPDIVO 360 mg with ipilimumab 1 mg/kg and 2 cycles of platinum-doublet chemotherapy in CHECKMATE-9LA (n=361); OPDIVO 240 mg with cabozantinib 40 mg in patients enrolled in CHECKMATE-9ER (n=320); and OPDIVO 240 mg or 3 mg/kg with AVD in patients enrolled in CA209-8UT (SWOG 1826) (n=490). Unresectable or Metastatic Melanoma Previously Treated Metastatic Melanoma The safety of OPDIVO was evaluated in CHECKMATE-037, a randomized, open-label trial in 370 patients with unresectable or metastatic melanoma [see Clinical Studies (14.1) ] . Patients had documented disease progression following treatment with ipilimumab and, if BRAF V600 mutation positive, a BRAF inhibitor. The trial excluded patients with autoimmune disease, prior ipilimumab-related Grade 4 adverse reaction …

Use in Specific Populations

openFDA Drug Labeling

8 USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS • Lactation: Advise not to breastfeed. (8.2) 8.1 Pregnancy Risk Summary Based on data from animal studies and its mechanism of action [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.1) ] , OPDIVO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. In animal reproduction studies, administration of nivolumab to cynomolgus monkeys from the onset of organogenesis through delivery resulted in increased abortion and premature infant death (see Data) . Human IgG4 is known to cross the placental barrier and nivolumab is an immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4); therefore, nivolumab has the potential to be transmitted from the mother to the developing fetus. The effects of OPDIVO are likely to be greater during the second and third trimesters of pregnancy. There are no available data on OPDIVO use in pregnant women to evaluate a drug-associated risk. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to a fetus. The background risk in the U.S. general population of major birth defects is 2% to 4% and of miscarriage is 15% to 20% of clinically recognized pregnancies. Data Animal Data A central function of the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway is to preserve pregnancy by maintaining maternal immune tolerance to the fetus. Blockade of PD-L1 signaling has been shown in murine models of pregnancy to disrupt tolerance to the fetus and to increase fetal loss. The effects of nivolumab on prenatal and postnatal development were evaluated in monkeys that received nivolumab twice weekly from the onset of organogenesis through delivery, at exposure levels of between 9 and 42 times higher than those observed at the clinical dose of 3 mg/kg (based on AUC). Nivolumab administration resulted in a non-dose-related increase in spontaneous abortion and increased neonatal death. Based on its mechanism of action, fetal exposure to nivolumab may increase the risk of developing immune-mediated disorders or altering the normal immune response and immune-mediated disorders have been reported in PD-1 knockout mice. In surviving infants (18 of 32 compared to 11 of 16 vehicle-exposed infants) of cynomolgus monkeys treated with nivolumab, there were no apparent malformations and no effects on neurobehavioral, immunological, or clinical pathology parameters throughout the 6-month postnatal period. 8.2 Lactation Risk Summary There are no data on the presence of nivolumab in human milk, the effects on the breastfed child, or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in the breastfed child, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment and for 5 months after the last dose of OPDIVO. 8.3 Females and Males of Reproductive Potential Pregnancy Testing Verify the pregnancy status of females of reproductive potential prior to initiating OPDIVO [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Contraception OPDIVO can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman [see Use in Specific Populations (8.1) ] . Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with OPDIVO and for 5 months following the last dose. 8.4 Pediatric Use The safety and effectiveness of OPDIVO have been established in pediatric patients aged 12 years and older for the following indications: as a single agent and in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma, as a single agent for the adjuvant treatment of completely resected Stage IIB, Stage IIC, Stage III, or Stage IV melanoma in combination with ipilimumab for the treatment of MSI-H or dMMR unresectable and metastatic CRC, and as a single agent for the treatment of MSI-H or dMMR mCRC that has progressed following treatment with a fluoropyrimidine, oxaliplatin, and irinotecan. Use of OPDIVO for these indications is supported by evidence from adequate and well-controlled studies in adults with melanoma or MSI-H or dMMR mCRC and additional pharmacokinetic data in pediatric patients. Nivolumab exposure in pediatric patients 12 years and older …

Mechanism of Action

openFDA Drug Labeling

12.1 Mechanism of Action Binding of the PD-1 ligands, PD-L1 and PD-L2, to the PD-1 receptor found on T cells, inhibits T-cell proliferation and cytokine production. Upregulation of PD-1 ligands occurs in some tumors and signaling through this pathway can contribute to inhibition of active T-cell immune surveillance of tumors. Nivolumab is a human immunoglobulin G4 (IgG4) monoclonal antibody that binds to the PD-1 receptor and blocks its interaction with PD-L1 and PD-L2, releasing PD-1 pathway-mediated inhibition of the immune response, including the anti-tumor immune response. In syngeneic mouse tumor models, blocking PD-1 activity resulted in decreased tumor growth. Combined nivolumab (anti-PD-1) and ipilimumab (anti-CTLA-4) mediated inhibition results in enhanced T-cell function that is greater than the effects of either antibody alone, and results in improved anti-tumor responses in metastatic melanoma and advanced RCC. In murine syngeneic tumor models, dual blockade of PD-1 and CTLA-4 resulted in increased anti-tumor activity.

Description

openFDA Drug Labeling

11 DESCRIPTION Nivolumab is a programmed death receptor-1 (PD-1) blocking antibody. Nivolumab is an IgG4 kappa immunoglobulin that has a calculated molecular mass of 146 kDa. It is expressed in a recombinant Chinese Hamster Ovary (CHO) cell line. OPDIVO is a sterile, preservative-free, non-pyrogenic, clear to opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow liquid that may contain light (few) particles. OPDIVO (nivolumab) injection for intravenous use is supplied in single-dose vials. Each mL of OPDIVO solution contains nivolumab 10 mg, mannitol (30 mg), pentetic acid (0.008 mg), polysorbate 80 (0.2 mg), sodium chloride (2.92 mg), sodium citrate dihydrate (5.88 mg), and Water for Injection, USP. May contain hydrochloric acid and/or sodium hydroxide to adjust pH to 6.

How Supplied / Storage and Handling

openFDA Drug Labeling

16 HOW SUPPLIED/STORAGE AND HANDLING OPDIVO ® (nivolumab) Injection is a clear to opalescent, colorless to pale-yellow solution in a single-dose vial available as follows: Carton Contents NDC 40 mg/4 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial 0003-3772-11 100 mg/10 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial 0003-3774-12 120 mg/12 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial 0003-3756-14 240 mg/24 mL (10 mg/mL) single-dose vial 0003-3734-13 Store under refrigeration at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Protect from light by storing in the original package until time of use. Do not freeze or shake.

Adverse event reports

Source: openFDA FAERS
96,645
FAERS reports mentioning this drug
as of 2026-09-25T03:42:24+00:00
A report count is not a risk measure. FAERS accepts voluntary and mandatory reports without establishing causation, and reporting is influenced by how widely a drug is used, how long it has been marketed, and media attention. FDA states that reports “do not prove that the drug caused the event”. Compare rates, not totals.

Attributed to this product's most-reported active ingredient: NIVOLUMAB. Combination products with more than six active ingredients are not attributed, because a report count summed across a long ingredient list measures the list, not the medicine.

Packaging and NDCs

Source: NDC Directory
Every National Drug Code package associated with this medication. The NDC is the identifier used for dispensing, billing and pharmacovigilance in the United States.
Package NDC Product NDC Labeler Description Marketing start
0003-3734-13 0003-3734 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0003-3734-13) / 24 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE December 8, 2017
0003-3756-14 0003-3756 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0003-3756-14) / 12 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE August 30, 2021
0003-3772-11 0003-3772 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0003-3772-11) / 4 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE December 22, 2014
0003-3774-12 0003-3774 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE in 1 CARTON (0003-3774-12) / 10 mL in 1 VIAL, SINGLE-DOSE December 22, 2014
0003-3734 0003-3734 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — December 8, 2017
0003-3756 0003-3756 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — August 30, 2021
0003-3772 0003-3772 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — December 22, 2014
0003-3774 0003-3774 E.R. Squibb & Sons, L.L.C. — December 22, 2014

Sources for this page

Every dataset that contributed a fact to this page.
Dataset Agency Used for
NDC Directory FDA Identity, ingredients, strengths, forms, routes, labelers, packages
Drugs@FDA FDA Application, sponsor, submissions, review documents, marketing status
Drug Labeling FDA / NLM Prescribing information reproduced above
FAERS FDA Adverse event report counts
Purple Book FDA Biologic licence classification

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