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Trade name

Yervoy^® 50mg/Vial

What Ipilimumab is and what it is used for?

• Ipilimumab is a monoclonal antibody that binds to CTLA-4 (human cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4) on T cells. By blocking CTLA-4, ipilimumab helps strengthen the immune system by promoting the function and growth of T cells, thereby enhancing the immune system against cancer cells.
• Ipilimumab can be used either alone or with other medicines. This medicine usually is given after other cancer treatments did not work or is no longer working. Ipilimumab is indicated for the treatment of patients with liver cancer, melanoma, colorectal cancer, non-small cell lung cancer, and kidney cancer that has spread to other parts of the body, or cannot be removed by surgery.

How Ipilimumab is given?

• Ipilimumab is given as an infusion into a vein over 90 minutes.

What should I know while receiving Ipilimumab?

• Infusion reactions may happen during or shortly after the infusion, causing fever, chills, itching or rash, flushing, breathing difficulties, feeling like passing out, or dizziness. Tell your nurse right away if you feel unwell during an infusion.
• Do not receive this drug when you are pregnant. Effective contraception should be used during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not breastfeed during treatment and for at least 3 months after the last dose.
• Do not receive any kind of vaccination without doctor's approval.
• You will have regular blood tests to check that you have enough blood cells and have adequate organ functions to receive this drug. The timing of your treatment may be changed based on the test results or other side effects.
• The existing health problems may affect the use of ipilimumab. You should let your doctor know if you have any other medical problems, especially if you have an autoimmune disease, or have any types of infections.
• There are many drugs may affect how ipilimumab works, especially medicines which can weaken your immune system. Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking, including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements.

Common side effects

• Weakness and fatigue

Try to pace yourself and rest as much as possible. Seek medical advice if fatigue does not go away when you rest and sleep.

• Diarrhea

Talk to your doctor and ask for advice. Drinking plenty of water and dietary changes can improve diarrhea.

• Loss of appetite

Try to eat in small quantities and have frequent meals. If your appetite does not get any better after a few days, tell your doctor.

• Nausea and vomiting

Medicines may be given before the treatment to prevent it happening. Eating and drinking often in small amounts may reduce the discomfort.

• Rash

A rash can be itchy, red, or painful. Tell your doctor about any skin changes that you have, they can give you medicines and advices that help you feel better.

• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Treatments usually include lifestyle changes, medications, or a combination of both.

Uncommon but important side effects

Ipilimumab can cause your immune system to attack healthy organs and can affect the way they work. These problems can occur at any time during or even after treatment is over and can range from mild to life-threatening. Not all potential side effects are listed below. Seek medical help right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms.

• Inflammation of the liver

Seek medical help right away if you have yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark or brown urine, or pain in abdomen, as these can be signs that your liver is not working well.

• Hormone gland problems (especially thyroid, adrenal and pituitary glands)

The problems depend on which hormone glands are affected. Common signs and symptoms may include changes in mental status, nausea and vomiting, weakness, feeling cold, missed or no menstrual periods, passing urine more often than usual, weight loss or gain. Contact your doctor if you have any possible signs of an endocrine problem.

• Inflammation of the lungs

Contact your doctor right away if you notice a new or worsening cough, shortness of breath or chest pain.

• Inflammation of kidney

Seek medical help at once if you have trouble urinating, decreased urination, swelling in limbs, a big weight gain, or pain in lower back.

• Inflammation of eyes

Seek medical help right away if you have problems with vision, eye pain or redness while receiving ipilimumab.

• Inflammation of the bowel

Contact your doctor immediately if you have persistent watery or bloody diarrhea, or have severe abdominal pain.

• Skin inflammation

Possible reactions include rash, itching, and blisters. Most are mild and can be treated with topical steroids. Rarely, a life-threatening blistering may develop on the skin and lining of the mouth, nose, eyes or genital area. Patients with severe or life-threatening blistering may need to be hospitalized for further treatments.

• Inflammation of nerves

Ipilimumab may affect the spinal cord and nerves throughout the body, causing unusual pain or muscle weakness in the arms, legs, or face. It may also affects the eye muscles and neck muscles, causing eyelid drooping, difficulty swallowing or speaking. Seek medical help at once if you notice you have problems with speaking or swallowing, or have difficulty moving limbs or face.

• Encephalitis

Ipilimumab may cause inflammation of brain. Seek medical help at once if you notice you have headache, tiredness or weakness, confusion, memory loss, sleepiness, seeing or hearing things that are not really there, seizures, and stiff neck.

More Information

• Drink at least 6 to 8 glasses of water every day during treatment can help make your recovery a smoother process.
• Alcohol and cigarettes may interfere with certain medicines or worsen side effects from chemotherapy treatment. It is wise to avoid alcohol and cigarette smoking during cancer treatment. If you have any problem about drinking alcohol and smoking, you should check with your doctor.