New Dosage

Forums General Melanoma Community New Dosage

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    Nick C
    Participant

      This morning I met with my onc before my schedualed infusion. He informed me that my dosage of Keytuda has been increased to 200mg from 155mg. He told me the FDA new recommedaton is for all Keytruda (and Opdivo) to be this new standard dosage regardless of a patient's weight.

      I have one more infuson before my next scan…hoping to be NED.

      Hang in there my friends…we are making progress!

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        Sharon93065
        Participant

          I hope that doesn't mean stronger side effects for some.  I don't know how strong my dosage is, i'll ask next I am there.

          jennunicorn
          Participant

            It's been 240mg for Opdivo (single agent, not in combo with Ipi) since September 2016, so probably staying the same for Opdivo.

            Jubes
            Participant

              I thought the dosage was relative to the patients weight?

              Bubbles
              Participant

                Per package insert, Opdivo (Nivolumab) is dosed at 1mg/kg when combined with ipi (in the ipi/nivo combo) every 3 weeks for 4 doses then followed with a straight dose or 240mg every two weeks.  When given alone for melanoma, Opdivo is dosed at 240mg every 2 weeks.  I have seen no notation of changes.

                Per original package insert Keytruda was dosed at 2mg/kg every three weeks.  It comes in 50 mg vials (just so happens).  In January Merck made an application to the FDA for a fixed dose of 200mg q 3 weeks, noting something to the effect that this was not substantially different from the dosage most adults were given anyway and alleviate drug waste.  At any rate, it appears that change was accepted in May and package inserts revised at that time now note the standard straight dose of 200mg q 3 weeks.

                https://www.merck.com/product/usa/pi_circulars/k/keytruda/keytruda_pi.pdf  

                For what it's worth.  Celeste

                  Nick C
                  Participant

                    Celeste, I may have misunderstood my onc concerning Opdivo, since I am on Keytruda. Thanks for explaining it better than I did.

                    Nick

                    Bubbles
                    Participant

                      No worries!!!  There's a lot to listen to when those folks start talking.  It was a great heads up for patients on this board.  Thanks for sharing!!  c

                    ed williams
                    Participant

                      Hi Nick, if you want to listen to some oncologist talking about the issue follow the link. Go to the 5:50 min mark. Best Wishes!!!Ed https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MiQFpVT1vvM

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