nivolumab + relatlimab at a glance
Medicine class
Immune-checkpoint inhibitors targeting PD-1 and LAG-3
Licensed role
First-line treatment of unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older
Administration
Intravenous infusion by an experienced cancer team
Important safety point
Immune-related inflammation can affect several organs and may begin after treatment has stopped
What is nivolumab + relatlimab used for?
The selected product is licensed for:
First-line treatment of advanced melanoma that is unresectable or metastatic, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
How does nivolumab + relatlimab work?
T cells have checkpoint proteins that can restrain immune activity. Nivolumab blocks PD-1 and relatlimab blocks LAG-3, reducing two inhibitory signals and allowing greater T-cell activity against melanoma cells.
nivolumab + relatlimab preparations and strengths
Solution for infusion
Route: Intravenous
Strengths: 240 mg + 80 mg
How to take nivolumab + relatlimab
This treatment is prepared and given into a vein in a hospital or clinic. It is not taken by mouth, so meal timing is not relevant.
Carry the supplied patient card and show it to any healthcare professional treating you.
Tell the cancer team promptly about new or changing symptoms, including symptoms appearing after treatment has ended.
The infusion must not be given as an intravenous push or bolus.
nivolumab + relatlimab side effects
Common or expected effects
- Tiredness or fever
- Headache
- Cough or breathlessness
- Diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain or constipation
- Rash, itching or loss of skin pigment
- Muscle or joint pain
- Reduced appetite
- Underactive thyroid
- Changes in blood counts, liver or kidney tests, electrolytes or blood glucose
Get urgent medical advice
- Immune-related inflammation of the lungs, bowel, liver, kidneys, heart, brain, nerves, muscles or hormone-producing glands
- Severe skin reactions with blistering or peeling
- New diabetes or adrenal, pituitary or thyroid dysfunction
- Severe infusion or allergic reactions
- Myocarditis–myositis–myasthenia gravis overlap, which may cause chest symptoms with muscle weakness or rapid muscle fatigue
- Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, a rare severe inflammatory syndrome
nivolumab + relatlimab in pregnancy
The combination may harm a developing baby and is not recommended during pregnancy unless the expected clinical benefit outweighs the risk. People who could become pregnant should discuss effective contraception with their specialist and continue it for at least 5 months after their final treatment. Contact the oncology team promptly if pregnancy occurs or is planned.
nivolumab + relatlimab while breastfeeding
It is unknown whether nivolumab or relatlimab enters human milk. A risk to a breastfed baby cannot be excluded, particularly during the first days after birth. Later breastfeeding may be considered if clinically needed following an individual specialist assessment.
nivolumab + relatlimab interactions
Formal interaction studies have not been conducted. Clinically important CYP-mediated pharmacokinetic interactions are not expected, but the cancer team should review all prescribed, over-the-counter and complementary products.
Systemic corticosteroids and other immunosuppressants
Baseline use should generally be avoided because it may interfere with checkpoint-inhibitor activity, although these medicines are commonly used after treatment starts to manage immune-related reactions.
Medicines metabolised by CYP enzymes
A direct pharmacokinetic interaction is not expected because these antibodies are not metabolised through CYP pathways and do not significantly alter them.
Common questions about nivolumab + relatlimab
Answers are fully visible for fast scanning and source review.
What cancer is nivolumab + relatlimab licensed to treat?
It is licensed as first-line treatment for advanced melanoma that cannot be removed surgically or has spread, in adults and adolescents aged 12 years and older.
Is nivolumab + relatlimab chemotherapy?
No. It is immunotherapy made from two monoclonal antibodies that block the PD-1 and LAG-3 immune checkpoints.
How is nivolumab + relatlimab given?
It is prepared and given into a vein by an experienced cancer team in a hospital or clinic.
Sources
These sources were used to prepare and review this medicine page.
Prepared and reviewed by the iatroX editorial team.