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Opdivo vs Opdivo Qvantig: What is the Difference?

Medically reviewed by Carmen Pope, BPharm. Last updated on Jan 20, 2025.

Official answer

by Drugs.com

Key Takeaways

  • Opdivo is administered via 30-minute IV infusion; Opdivo Qvantig via 3-5 minute subcutaneous injection
  • Both contain nivolumab but Opdivo Qvantig includes hyaluronidase
  • Opdivo has broader FDA approvals including pediatric use and more combination therapies
  • Opdivo Qvantig offers faster administration but has more restricted approved uses.

What is Opdivo and Opdivo Qvantig?

Opdivo and Opdivo Qvantig are both immunotherapy treatments containing nivolumab that help fight cancer by interfering with cancer cell growth and spread. However, they have several key differences in their administration method, approved uses, and patient eligibility.

Administration Differences

The most significant difference lies in how these medications are administered:

Traditional Opdivo (nivolumab):

  • Intravenous (IV) infusion
  • 30-minute administration time
  • Given every 2 to 4 weeks.

Opdivo Qvantig (nivolumab and hyaluronidase-nvhy):

  • Subcutaneous injection (under the skin)
  • 3-5 minute administration time
  • Contains additional ingredient hyaluronidase.

Approved Cancer Types

Both medications are approved to treat:

  • Melanoma
  • Bladder cancer (urothelial carcinoma)
  • Stomach and esophageal cancer
  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Colorectal cancer
  • Kidney cancer (renal cell carcinoma)
  • Liver cancer
  • Head and neck squamous cell cancer.

Only Opdivo (not Qvantig) is approved for:

  • Classical Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Malignant pleural mesothelioma
  • Pediatric patients (12 years and older for certain cancers).

Related questions

Combination Therapy Options

Opdivo can be combined with:

Opdivo Qvantig is approved for:

  • Monotherapy
  • Combination with chemotherapy
  • Combination with Cabometyx
  • Maintenance after IV Opdivo/Yervoy therapy.

Treatment Selection

Both immunotherapy medications require specific genetic marker testing for certain cancers. The choice between them depends on:

  • Patient age
  • Cancer type and stage
  • Required combination therapies
  • Administration preferences
  • Individual patient factors.

Recent Developments

Opdivo Qvantig, approved by the FDA in December 2024, represents a newer option in cancer immunotherapy. Its primary advantage is the significantly shorter administration time, offering greater convenience for eligible patients.

References

Read next

What is the difference between Opdivo and Keytruda?

Opdivo (nivolumab) and Keytruda (pembrolizumab) are two immunotherapy drugs for various cancers. Both are monoclonal antibodies, known as PD1 inhibitors, first approved in 2014. Opdivo is from Bristol Myers Squibb, and Keytruda is from Merck & Co. The main differences lie in dosing, combination therapies, and approved cancer types. Continue reading

Pembrolizumab vs. nivolumab: How do they compare?

Pembrolizumab and nivolumab are both prescription medications used to treat various types of cancers, including solid tumors and blood cancers. They may be used alone or in combination with other medicines for cancers that are more advanced, have spread in the body, or are no longer responding to previous treatments. Continue reading

How long does Opdivo stay in your system?

Opdivo stays in your system for a very long time, up to 3 to 4 months (100 to 125 days). This is based on the half-life of Opdivo, which is 25 days. The half-life is the time it takes for half of a drug to be removed from the body, and experts have agreed it takes 4 to 5 half-lives for a drug to be completely removed from the body. This calculates out to 100 to 125 days for Opdivo. This means that side effects can still occur because of Opdivo a few months after you stop taking the drug. Continue reading

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