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What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before receiving ipilimumab (Yervoy)?

You should not receive ipilimumab if you are allergic to it.

To make sure you can safely receive ipilimumab, tell your doctor if you have any of these other conditions:

• liver damage (caused by disease or by using certain medicines);
• an autoimmune disorder such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) or sarcoidosis;
• Crohn's disease or ulcerative colitis; or
• if you have received an organ transplant.

FDA pregnancy category C. It is not known whether ipilimumab will harm an unborn baby. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant while using this medication.

In animal studies, ipilimumab caused stillbirth, premature delivery, low birth weight, miscarriage in the third trimester, and infant death. However, very high doses are used in animal studies. It is not known whether these effects would occur in people using doses recommended for human use. Ask your doctor about your individual risk.

It is not known whether ipilimumab passes into breast milk or if it could harm a nursing baby. You should not breast-feed while you are receiving ipilimumab.

How is ipilimumab given (Yervoy)?

Ipilimumab is injected into a vein through an IV. You will receive this injection in a clinic or hospital setting. Ipilimumab must be given slowly, and the IV infusion can take about 90 minutes to complete.

Ipilimumab is usually given every 3 weeks for up to 4 doses. Follow your doctor's instructions.

You may be given other medications to treat or prevent certain side effects of ipilimumab.

To make sure this medication is helping your condition and not causing harmful effects, your blood will need to be tested often. Your cancer treatments may be delayed based on the results of these tests. Do not miss any follow-up visits to your doctor.

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