Yervoy (Ipilimumab Injection) Drug Information: Description, User Reviews, Drug Side Effects, Interactions

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May 27, 2012

Yervoy

Melanoma »

Introduction

Melanoma is a cancer that develops in melanocytes, the pigment cells present in the skin. It can be more serious than the other forms of skin cancer because it may spread to other parts of the body (metastasize) and cause serious illness and death. About 50,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed in the United States every year.

Because most melanomas occur on the skin where they can be seen, patients themselves are often the first to detect many melanomas. Early detection and diagnosis are crucial. Caught early, most melanomas can be cured with relatively minor surgery.

This article is written from the standpoint of the patient. In other words, instead of describing the disease in exhaustive detail, I will try to help answer the questions: "How do I know if I have melanoma?" and "Should I should be checked for it?"

Spots on the skin

Guideline # 1: Nobody can diagnose him- or herself. If you s...

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Yervoy

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YERVOY™
(ipilimumab) Injection, for intravenous infusion

WARNING

IMMUNE-MEDIATED ADVERSE REACTIONS

YERVOY (ipilimumab) can result in severe and fatal immune-mediated adverse reactions due to T-cell activation and proliferation. These immune-mediated reactions may involve any organ system; however, the most common severe immune-mediated adverse reactions are enterocolitis, hepatitis, dermatitis (including toxic epidermal necrolysis), neuropathy, and endocrinopathy. The majority of these immune-mediated reactions initially manifested during treatment; however, a minority occurred weeks to months after discontinuation of YERVOY (ipilimumab injection) .

Permanently discontinue YERVOY (ipilimumab injection) and initiate systemic high-dose corticosteroid therapy for severe immune-mediated reactions. [See DOSAGE AND ADMINISTRATION]

Assess patients for signs and symptoms of enterocolitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, and endocrinopathy and evaluate clinical chemistries including liver function tests and thyroid function tests at baseline and before each dose. [See WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS]

DRUG DESCRIPTION

YERVOY (ipilimumab) is a recombinant, human monoclonal antibody that binds to the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4). Ipilimumab is an IgG1 kappa immunoglobulin with an approximate molecular weight of 148 kDa. Ipilimumab is produced in mammalian (Chinese hamster ovary) cell culture.

YERVOY (ipilimumab injection) is a sterile, preservative-free, clear to slightly opalescent, colorless to pale yellow solution for intravenous infusion, which may contain a small amount of visible translucent-to-white, amorphous ipilimumab particulates. It is supplied in single-use vials of 50 mg/10 mL and 200 mg/40 mL. Each milliliter contains 5 mg of ipilimumab and the following inactive ingredients: diethylene triamine pentaacetic acid (DTPA) (0.04 mg), mannitol (10 mg), polysorbate 80 (vegetable origin) (0.1 mg), sodium chloride (5.85 mg), tris hydrochloride (3.15 mg), and Water for Injection, USP at a pH of 7.

What are the precautions when taking ipilimumab injection (Yervoy)?

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.

This medication may worsen certain types of immune system disorders (autoimmune type). Before using this medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any of the following disorders, among others: certain bowel diseases (Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis), Guillain-Barre syndrome, lupus, sarcoidosis.

Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products...

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Last reviewed on RxList: 4/1/2011
This monograph has been modified to include the generic and brand name in many instances.