Hyaluronidase and nivolumab

Generic name: hyaluronidase and nivolumab [ HYE-al-ure-ON-i-dase-and-nye-VOL-ue-mab ]
Brand name: Opdivo Qvantig
Dosage form: subcutaneous solution (nvhy 10,000 units-600 mg/5 mL)
Drug class: Anti-PD-1 and PD-L1 monoclonal antibodies (immune checkpoint inhibitors)

Medically reviewed by Drugs.com on Feb 24, 2025. Written by Cerner Multum.

What is hyaluronidase and nivolumab?

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab is used in adults either alone or in combination with other medicines to prevent or treat certain types of cancers of the skin, esophagus, stomach, lung, liver, colon, rectum, bladder, urinary tract, kidney, or head and neck.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab is often given when the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastatic), has come back after prior treatment, cannot be surgically removed, or when other cancer treatments did not work or have stopped working.

Your doctor will make sure you have the correct tumor type to be treated with hyaluronidase and nivolumab.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab may also be used for purposes not listed in this medication guide.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab side effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction (hives, difficult breathing, swelling in your face or throat) or a severe skin reaction (fever, sore throat, burning eyes, skin pain, red or purple skin rash with blistering and peeling).

Seek medical treatment if you have a serious drug reaction that can affect many parts of your body. Symptoms may include skin rash, fever, swollen glands, muscle aches, severe weakness, unusual bruising, or yellowing of your skin or eyes.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab may cause serious side effects. Call your doctor at once if you have:

• severe or ongoing diarrhea, severe stomach pain, bloody or tarry stools;

• confusion, drowsiness, memory problems, neck stiffness, muscle pain, weakness, muscle cramps, balance problems, irregular heartbeat;

• eye pain, numbness or tingling in your arms or legs;

• (if you have had a stem cell transplant) feeling sick or uneasy, with pain or swelling;

• low red blood cells (anemia)--pale skin, tiredness, feeling light-headed, cold hands and feet;

• skin problems--rash, peeling, blistering, swollen glands, fever or flu-like symptoms, painful sores in your mouth, nose, throat, or genital area;

• liver problems--loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, itching, easy bruising or bleeding, dark urine, clay-colored stools, jaundice (yellowing of the skin or eyes);

• lung or kidney problems--new or worsening cough, chest pain, swelling, urinating less, feeling tired or short of breath, blood in your urine; or

• signs of a hormonal disorder--frequent or unusual headaches, vision problems, fast heartbeats, dizziness, fainting, mood or behavior changes, hunger, increased thirst or urination, constipation, hair loss, hoarse or deepened voice, sweating, feeling cold, weight gain or loss.

Your cancer treatments may be delayed or permanently discontinued if you have certain side effects.

Common side effects of hyaluronidase and nivolumab may include:

• muscle, joint, back, or bone pain;

• feeling weak, tired, or short of breath;

• numbness, tingling, or burning pain in your hands or feet;

• diarrhea, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting, constipation, loss of appetite, altered sense of taste;

• skin rash, itchy skin, mouth sores;

• redness, rash, or blisters on the palms of your hands or the soles of your feet;

• cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

• increased blood pressure;

• fever, cough, headache;

• low levels of thyroid hormone;

• pain and burning when you urinate; or

• liver problems.

This is not a complete list of side effects and others may occur. Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

Related/similar drugs

Warnings

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab causes your immune system to attack tumor cells, but it could also attack healthy organs and tissues in your body, causing serious or life-threatening side effects. Some side effects may need to be treated with other medicines, and your cancer treatments may be delayed.

Call your doctor at once if you have: a cough, shortness of breath, chest pain, vision changes, muscle pain or weakness, stomach pain, diarrhea, blood in your stools, urinating less, dark urine, yellowing of your skin or eyes, frequent headaches, dizziness, confusion, increased thirst or urination, skin problems, numbness or tingling, feeling cold, or weight gain or loss.

Before taking this medicine

Tell your doctor if you have or have ever had:

• an autoimmune disorder (lupus, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis);

• to receive or plan to receive a stem cell transplant that uses donor stem cells;

• to receive an organ or tissue transplant, including corneal transplant;

• radiation to your chest; or

• a nervous system disorder such as myasthenia gravis or Guillain-Barré syndrome.

May harm an unborn baby. You may need a pregnancy test to make sure you are not pregnant. Use effective birth control while using hyaluronidase and nivolumab and for at least 5 months after your last dose. Tell your doctor if you become pregnant.

Do not breastfeed while using hyaluronidase and nivolumab, and for at least 5 months after your last dose.

How is hyaluronidase and nivolumab given?

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab is injected under the skin in the stomach or thigh area. You will receive this medicine in a medical setting.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab is usually given once every 2 to 4 weeks. Your doctor will determine the right treatment schedule for you.

You may be given other medications if you have certain conditions. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You will need frequent blood tests before and during treatment with hyaluronidase and nivolumab. Your treatment may be delayed or permanently discontinued based on the results.

Hyaluronidase and nivolumab can cause side effects in different parts of your body. You may also be given medication to treat certain side effects.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Call your doctor for instructions if you miss an appointment for your hyaluronidase and nivolumab injection.

What happens if I overdose?

In a medical setting an overdose would be treated quickly.

What should I avoid while receiving hyaluronidase and nivolumab?

Follow your doctor's instructions about any restrictions on food, beverages, or activity.

What other drugs will affect hyaluronidase and nivolumab?

Tell your doctor about all other cancer treatments you are receiving.

Tell your doctor about all your other medicines, especially:

• lenalidomide, pomalidomide, or thalidomide; or

• dexamethasone.

This list is not complete. Other drugs may affect hyaluronidase and nivolumab, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal products. Not all possible drug interactions are listed here.

Hyaluronidase/nivolumab Biosimilars

Biosimilar and interchangeable products are biological products that are highly similar to and have no clinically meaningful differences from the reference product.

Reference products

These are biological products that have already been approved by the FDA, against which biosimilar products are compared. There is 1 for hyaluronidase/nivolumab.

Further information

Remember, keep this and all other medicines out of the reach of children, never share your medicines with others, and use this medication only for the indication prescribed.

Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on this page applies to your personal circumstances.

Medical Disclaimer

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