Type of medicine: antineoplastic (anticancer); monoclonal antibody
Generic and brand names: ipilimumab, injection; Yervoy
This medicine is given by IV infusion (slow drip through a needle into a large vein) to treat skin cancer (melanoma) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Also tell your provider if you have recently had any kind of infection or if you are taking chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or steroid medicine.
Females of childbearing age: Talk with your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is not known whether this medicine will harm an unborn baby. Chemotherapy is usually not recommended during pregnancy because it may harm the baby. Do not breast-feed while receiving this medicine.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start this medicine and each time you get a treatment.
These infusions are given by your healthcare provider. They are given every 3 weeks (depending on your response to the medicine).
This medicine can cause serious side effects in your eyes, nerves, glands, intestines, liver, or skin which can lead to death. These side effects are most likely to start during treatment, but, side effects can show up weeks or months after your last infusion. Talk with your healthcare provider about this. You need regular lab tests to find out how this medicine is affecting you. Keep all your appointments for these tests.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Fever, unusual tiredness or weakness; numbness or tingling in hands or feet; black, bloody, or tarry stools; severe diarrhea; yellowing of your skin or eyes; dark urine; severe stomach pain, nausea or vomiting; pain on the right side of your stomach; unusual bleeding or bruising; skin rash with or without itching; sores in your mouth; blistering or peeling skin; unusual headaches or headache that won't go away; feeling cold all the time; changes in mood or behavior; dizziness or fainting; unexplained weight gain; vision problems; eye pain or redness; chest pain; trouble breathing; trouble urinating; stiff neck.
Other: Mild diarrhea, nausea, or vomiting.
No significant drug interactions have been reported.
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
