This information was reviewed and approved by
Jesse Gross RN, BSN, Laurie L. Carr, MD (1/1/2017).
Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor Medicine (Nivolumab, Pembrolizumab, Ipilimumab)
How they work
Immune Checkpoints are hardwired pathways in your body. They help ensure that the immune system is able to discriminate between healthy and abnormal cells (such as cancer cells). Sometimes cancer cells are able to imitate healthy cells and avoid being recognized and killed by the immune system. A class of medicines known as Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors can help stimulate your immune system to kill cancer cells.
How they are given
These medicines are given IV (intravenously). The medicine is given over 30-60 minutes.
During an Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor infusion you will be monitored for an infusion reaction. Please tell your health care provider right away if you have any of the following symptoms: wheezing, itching, rash, dizziness, increased shortness of breath, fever, chills or shaking.
Most common side effects (occurring in greater than 30 percent of patients)
Fatigue
Diarrhea
Shortness of breath
Itching, rash
Nausea.
Less common side effects (occurring in 10-29 percent of patients)
Decreased appetite
Constipation
Increased serum creatinine
Increased liver enzymes
Electrolyte imbalances
Joint pain, muscle pain, pain in extremities, back pain
Vomiting
Weakness
Fever, chills
Swelling.
When the immune system is stimulated to attack cancer cells, healthy cells of different organ systems can receive damage also. This is known as an Immune Mediated Adverse Reaction. Adverse events will be monitored by your oncologist. Symptoms related to the area of the body that can be affected will be assessed.
The following are symptoms of which you NEED to notify your oncologist within 24 hours:
Diarrhea
Nausea (interfering with the ability to eat and unrelieved by medication)
Vomiting (more than 4-5 times in a 24 hour period)
Inability to eat or drink for 24 hours or signs of dehydration (thirst, tiredness, dry mouth, dizziness, decrease in the amount of urine, dark urine)
Sudden changes in eyesight
Urine that turns dark, tea colored or has blood in it
Blistering rash
Stools that are light colored, bloody, dark or tarry/sticky
Inability to pass urine or a change in the amount of urine passed
Sudden onset of shortness of breath, accompanied by cough and or fever
Skin or the whites of your eyes turning yellow
Stomach pain or upset stomach
Very bad muscle pain, joint pain or weakness
Big weight gain or swelling in your arms or legs.
The following are symptoms of which you need to notify your oncologist at you next clinic visit:
Sores in the mouth
Decreased appetite
Itching, rash
Bleeding or bruising more easily than normal
Cough with or without fever
Signs of trouble with your thyroid or pituitary gland (change in mood, change in weight, constipation, dizziness, deeper voice, feeling cold, hair loss, fainting, headache or loss of sex drive).
What to do:
Drink 2-3 quarts of water every 24 hours.
Avoid sun exposure. Wear SPF 30 or higher sunblock and protective clothing.
Keep drinking alcohol to a minimum or avoid it completely.
Get plenty of rest.
Maintain good nutrition.
What not to do:
Do not receive any kind of vaccine/immunization without your health care provider’s approval.
Do not get pregnant or conceive a child while receiving these medications.
Do not breast-feed while receiving these medications.