Understanding Potential Complications with Yervoy and Mitigation Strategies
Yervoy, a biologic drug used to treat various types of cancer, is known for its potent immune-boosting properties. However, these properties can lead to a range of side effects, some of which may persist or arise months after treatment.
When Yervoy is used in conjunction with Opdivo, common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, fatigue, itching or skin rash, muscle, joint, or bone pain, fever, cough, decreased appetite or weight loss, abdominal pain, headache, difficulty breathing, dizziness, and hypothyroidism.
Muscle or bone pain can occur during Yervoy treatment, and over-the-counter pain medications such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin) may be recommended. A skin rash can be a symptom of an infusion-related reaction during Yervoy treatment, and it can be mild or severe. Symptoms of a mild skin rash due to Yervoy can include itchiness and flushing. Symptoms of a severe skin rash due to Yervoy can include fever, peeling of the skin, fatigue, body aches, and blistering of the skin.
Allergic reactions, though not reported in clinical trials, are possible with Yervoy, and symptoms can include skin rash, itching, flushing, and swelling. If an allergic reaction occurs, it's important to call a doctor right away, and if symptoms are severe, immediate medical attention may be necessary.
Long-term side effects of Yervoy in adults and children mainly stem from its immune-related adverse effects. These effects can affect various organs and may persist or arise months after treatment. Common long-term issues may include chronic diarrhea due to colitis, persistent rash or skin changes, hormone imbalances such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and rarely, autoimmune diabetes.
Colitis, inflammation in the colon, can be a side effect of Yervoy, especially in clinical trials. If symptoms of colitis occur during Yervoy treatment, a doctor may recommend medication such as a corticosteroid (e.g., prednisone) or a pause in treatment.
Yervoy is also approved to treat certain forms of melanoma and colorectal cancer in children ages 12 years and older. However, due to the lack of extensive data, immune-related side effects in children generally parallel those seen in adults. Careful monitoring is essential in both populations during and after treatment to detect these delayed effects.
Due to the risk of severe immune-related adverse events, patients receiving Yervoy must have ongoing follow-up with clinical assessments, imaging, and blood tests to promptly identify and treat late-onset side effects, which can be serious and sometimes life-threatening if untreated.
It is recommended that pregnant women do not receive Yervoy due to potential risks to the fetus, and breastfeeding should also be avoided during treatment. Additionally, if you have had an organ transplant, Yervoy may increase the risk of your body rejecting the new organ. A certain stem cell transplant, hematopoietic stem cell transplant using donor cells, may increase the risk of developing graft-versus-host disease during Yervoy treatment.
Drinking alcohol during Yervoy treatment may increase the risk of side effects and liver problems. Yervoy is administered as an IV infusion, an injection into a vein over a period of time. It is not available in a biosimilar version.
In summary, the long-term side effects of Yervoy involve immune-related inflammation affecting multiple organs, endocrine dysfunction, and chronic fatigue or neurological symptoms, requiring vigilant and prolonged monitoring in both adults and children. It is crucial for patients to discuss potential risks and management strategies with their healthcare providers before starting treatment.
- In some medical-conditions, long-term use of Yervoy can cause immune-related adverse effects that can affect various organs, leading to chronic diarrhea due to colitis, persistent rash or skin changes, hormone imbalances such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism, and rarely, autoimmune diabetes.
- While Yervoy is known for its side effects like nausea, vomiting, and skin rash, certain severe effects such as allergic reactions, colitis, and graft-versus-host disease, can be life-threatening if untreated and require immediate medical attention.
- In the realm of health-and-wellness, it is important to discuss potential risks and management strategies for Yervoy treatment with healthcare providers, considering factors like pregnancy, organ transplants, and certain stem cell transplants that may increase risks or interact with the drug.
