A New Job for Opdivo

The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has expanded the use of Opdivo (nivolumab).

Nivolumab received FDA approval to be used to treat patients with squamous cell carcinoma of the head and neck (SCCHN). 

Opdivo was previously approved to treat lung, skin, kidney and blood cancer. 

Now, the FDA has approved it to treat SCCHN that continues to return or is metastatic, which means it has spread to other parts of the body. It's also approved for those whose cancer continues to progress after a platinum-based therapy. 

Nivolumab is available as an injection and is administered by a health care professional. 

Common side effects of nivolumab include pain in the bones, muscles and joints, feeling tired and a cough. It can also cause more serious side effects, such as liver, lung and kidney problems, as well as problems in the intestines. 

Speak with your doctor about what treatment is best for you.

Bristol-Myers Squibb markets Opdivo.