Yervoy is manufactured in the United States and shipped by courier from our pharmacy in India. Bristol Myers calls this US made medicine Yervoi for this market.
Information about Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a prescription medication used to treat certain types of cancer. It is an immune checkpoint inhibitor that works by stimulating the body’s immune system to recognize and attack cancer cells. Specifically, it blocks the CTLA-4 protein, which normally prevents immune cells (T cells) from attacking the body’s own tissues, including cancer cells. By inhibiting this checkpoint, Yervoy enhances the immune response against tumors.
Product Highlights
- Yervoy is primarily used to treat unresectable or metastatic melanoma (a form of skin cancer that has spread to other parts of the body).
- It is used in combination with nivolumab to treat advanced or metastatic non-small cell lung cancer.
- Used for advanced kidney cancer in combination with nivolumab.
- Yervoy is also being investigated for use in other cancers, such as colorectal cancer and head and neck cancer, either alone or in combination with other immunotherapies.
Key Ingredient
Key Benefits
- Yervoy helps to activate the body's immune system, allowing it to more effectively target and destroy cancer cells.
- Some patients experience long-term survival benefits from Yervoy treatment, particularly in cases of melanoma.
- When used with other immunotherapies, such as nivolumab, Yervoy may provide enhanced benefits for patients with certain types of cancer.
- Yervoy has demonstrated effectiveness across various cancers, making it an important option in cancer immunotherapy.
Direction of Use
- Yervoy is given through an intravenous (IV) infusion in a healthcare setting. The infusion typically lasts about 90 minutes, and treatment is generally administered once every three weeks.
- The specific dose and treatment schedule depend on the type of cancer being treated, as well as the patient's individual medical condition. It is often administered as part of a combination regimen with other immunotherapy drugs.
- If a dose is missed, contact your healthcare provider for guidance on rescheduling.
Safety Concerns
- Yervoy can cause serious immune-related side effects due to the activation of the immune system. These side effects can affect various organs, such as the lungs, liver, colon, kidneys, and skin. Symptoms may include diarrhea, abdominal pain, rash, or shortness of breath. Prompt medical attention is required for any signs of these reactions.
- Common side effects include fatigue, rash, diarrhea, and fever. Some side effects may require dose adjustment or discontinuation of the medication.
- Because Yervoy stimulates the immune system, it may increase the risk of infections.
- Yervoy can affect the adrenal glands, thyroid, or pituitary glands, leading to hormonal imbalances, which should be monitored.
- Although rare, some patients may experience severe allergic reactions to Yervoy, including difficulty breathing, swelling, or a rash.
Avoid Yervoy (ipilimumab) If
- Yervoy should not be used if you have a history of severe immune-related adverse reactions, such as colitis (inflammation of the colon), hepatitis (liver inflammation), or pneumonitis (lung inflammation) caused by previous immunotherapy treatments.
- If you have an active infection, especially a serious infection, consult your doctor before starting Yervoy.
- If you have had an allergic reaction to ipilimumab or any of the ingredients in Yervoy, this treatment should be avoided.
- Yervoy should not be used during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary, as it can harm a developing fetus. It is not recommended for use during breastfeeding either, as it is unknown whether it passes into breast milk.
- Yervoy should be used cautiously in patients with severe liver dysfunction, as it may exacerbate liver-related complications.
This product requires special packaging to maintain its integrity during the shipping process. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICATION if the attached temperature indicator shows that the medication was exposed to temperatures below 2 degrees or above 8 degrees Celsius, and contact the pharmacy immediately.
