Introduction to Opdyta 40mg Injection
Opdyta 40mg Injection consists of the active substance Nivolumab. It is indicated to treat cancers of the skin, lungs, kidney, lymph node, bladder, esophagus, and urinary tract. This medicine is indicated when the cancer has recurred after treatment using medicines, surgery, and radiation. It is a medication that helps the immune system fight cancer more effectively. It works by targeting and inhibiting specific molecules that can suppress or weaken the immune system’s ability to recognize and attack cancer cells. By blocking these molecules, it helps to enhance the immune response against cancer and potentially shrink or slow the growth of tumors.
One of the benefits of it and other immunotherapy drugs is that they can produce long-lasting responses in some patients, even after the treatment is stopped. This contrasts traditional chemotherapy and radiation therapy, which typically only provide temporary benefits and can have significant side effects. It is contraindicated in patients with a severe allergic reaction to the drug or its components. It is also contraindicated in patients with certain autoimmune disorders, such as lupus or rheumatoid arthritis because the drug can further stimulate the immune system and exacerbate these conditions. Additionally, it should be used cautiously in patients with a history of organ transplants.
Therapeutic Effects of Opdyta 40mg Injection
The therapeutic effect of Opdyta 40mg Injection is to enhance the body’s natural immune response to cancer cells. Cancer cells can often evade the immune system by producing proteins that bind to immune cells and prevent them from recognizing and attacking the cancer cells. It works by blocking the interaction between a protein called programmed death-1 (PD-1), found on the surface of immune cells, and its corresponding ligands. Doing so enables the immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells more effectively, helping to slow down or even stop cancer progression. In some cases, treatment with it can lead to long-lasting remission, even after treatment has ended. This is because the drug can stimulate the immune system to “remember” the cancer cells and continue to attack them even after the drug has been cleared from the body.
Interaction of Opdyta 40mg Injection with other drugs
Inform your healthcare provider about all the medicines you take, including prescription medications, over-the-counter medications, nutritional or vitamin supplements, and herbal products. Certain medications may interact with Opdyta 40mg Injection and reduce effectiveness by causing undesirable side effects.
More Information about Opdyta 40mg Injection
- Opdyta 40mg Injection is typically supplied in vials or pre-filled syringes and should be stored at controlled room temperature between 20-25°C (68-77°F).
- The drug should be protected from light and should not be frozen.
- Once the vial or syringe is opened, any unused portion should be discarded. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for handling and storage of it to ensure that the drug is effective and safe for use.
- Keep it out of reach from children and pets.
How to consume Opdyta 40mg Injection
Opdyta 40mg Injection is a medication a healthcare professional administers, typically in a hospital or clinic setting. The medication is given as an intravenous (IV) injection by healthcare professional. The infusion typically takes several hours. You will be closely monitored during and after the infusion to ensure the medication works effectively and to watch for any side effects. The dosage and frequency of administration will depend on the condition being treated and your circumstances. Your healthcare provider will determine the appropriate dosage and schedule for you.
Safety Advices for Opdyta 40mg Injection
Pregnancy
Opdyta 40mg Injection is unsafe for a developing foetus and is not recommended during pregnancy as it can cause harm to the developing foetus.
Breast Feeding
It is unknown whether Opdyta 40mg Injection is excreted in human breast milk, so breastfeeding women should discuss the potential risks and benefits of the medication with their healthcare provider before starting treatment.
Lungs
Opdyta 40mg Injection should be used cautiously in individuals with lung disease, as the medication can potentially worsen lung function. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely if you have lung disease and adjust your dosage if necessary. If you have lung disease or a history of respiratory problems, discussing the potential risks and benefits of the injection treatment with your healthcare provider is important. Your healthcare provider may recommend additional monitoring or testing to ensure the medication is not causing any adverse effects on your lungs.
Liver
Opdyta 40mg Injection should be used cautiously in individuals with liver disease, as the medication is primarily metabolized in the liver and could potentially worsen liver function. Your healthcare provider will monitor you closely if you have liver disease and adjust your dosage if necessary.
Alcohol
There are no known interactions between Opdyta 40mg Injection and alcohol. However, it is generally recommended to avoid consuming alcohol while being treated for a medical condition, as alcohol can potentially interfere with the effectiveness of the medication and increase the risk of side effects.
Driving
Patients receiving Opdyta 40mg Injection should be advised to avoid driving or operating machinery if they experience side effects such as fatigue, dizziness, or blurred vision, impairing a patient’s ability to drive or operate machinery safely.
Side Effects of Opdyta 40mg Injection
Side effects are unwanted symptoms caused by medicines. Even though all drugs cause side effects, not everyone gets them.
Serious:
- Pneumonitis (inflammation of lung tissue)
- Colitis (inflammation of the colon)
- Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
- Hypothyroidism
- Hyperthyroidism
- Adrenal insufficiency (a condition in which the adrenal glands do not produce enough hormones).
- Severe allergic reactions
- Infusion-related reactions
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Neuropathy
- Eye disorders (such as uveitis or iritis)
Common:
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Skin rash
- Itching
- Loss of appetite
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Joint pain
- Headache