Has anyone had bad side effects from O... - Lung Cancer Support

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Has anyone had bad side effects from Opdivo? Im getting just one dose for my oral cancer before surgery.

Jackbenimble profile image
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Scared oral cancer person.

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Jackbenimble
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I take an additional immunotherapy drug, so it is difficult to discern what is related to the Opdivo and what is related to the Yervoy that I take. I did initially have very scary fluid buildup in my abdomen after my first immunotherapy, and only patience and time determined that this was actually due to the immunotherapy doing exactly what it was supposed to do: sending a rush of immune cells and activity to a location of active cancer.

following that fluid buildup, my primary side effect is fatigue. I could sleep all day if I didn’t choose to get up for my children and family. I also developed a very annoying (sometimes painful) itching. This is currently being managed with a change in the allergy medication I have taken for season allergies: switching to Claritin has helped that, but it is still a side effect that is frustrating.

Compared to the chemotherapy treatments prior to switching to immunotherapy only, the current Opdivo plus Yervoy is much more tolerable after 3 treatments.

janiceowens1957 profile image
janiceowens1957

My husband was on Opdivo for a couple of years and he did well while he was on it.

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Jackbenimble in reply to janiceowens1957

Many thanks!