Yervoy

Ipilimumab is used to treat various cancers (such as skin, kidney, liver, lung, colorectal). Ipilimumab belongs to a class of drugs known as monoclonal antibodies. It works by slowing or stopping the growth of cancer cells. However, it can have serious side effects in other parts of your body (see also Warning section).

Read the Medication Guide and Patient Wallet Card provided by your pharmacist before you start using ipilimumab and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Carry the Patient Wallet Card with you at all times. Show the card to all of your health care providers to let them know that you are being treated with ipilimumab.

This medication is given by injection into a vein as directed by your doctor, usually by slow injection over 30 or 90 minutes. The injection is given by a health care professional. The dosage and treatment schedule are based on your medical condition, weight, and response to treatment.

To decrease the risk of side effects, your doctor may prescribe other medications to take along with this medication. Carefully follow your doctor's directions for all your medications.

Use this medication regularly to get the most benefit from it. It may help to mark your calendar with a reminder.

See also Warning section.

Tiredness, nausea, or vomiting may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

People using this medication may have serious side effects. However, your doctor has prescribed this drug because he or she has judged that the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Careful monitoring by your doctor may decrease your risk.

A very serious allergic reaction to this drug is rare. However, get medical help right away if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including: rash, itching/swelling (especially of the face/tongue/throat), severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

This is not a complete list of possible side effects. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

In the US - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088 or at www.fda.gov/medwatch.

In Canada - Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to Health Canada at 1-866-234-2345.

Before using ipilimumab, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. This product may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details.

Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of: history of organ transplant, immune system disorders (such as Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, sarcoidosis, Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis).

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products).

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. You should not become pregnant while using ipilimumab. Ipilimumab may harm an unborn baby. Ask about reliable forms of birth control while using this medication and for 3 months after stopping treatment. If you become pregnant, talk to your doctor right away about the risks and benefits of this medication.

This medication passes into breast milk. Because of the possible risk to the infant, breast-feeding is not recommended while using this drug and for 3 months after stopping treatment. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

Not applicable. This medication is given in a clinic and will not be stored at home.

Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval.

A product that may interact with this drug include: vemurafenib.

If someone has overdosed and has serious symptoms such as passing out or trouble breathing, call 911. Otherwise, call a poison control center right away. US residents can call their local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center.

For the best possible benefit, it is important to receive each scheduled dose of this medication as directed. If you miss a dose, contact your doctor or pharmacist right away to establish a new dosing schedule.

Laboratory and/or medical tests (such as liver function tests, thyroid function test) may be performed periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details.