Getting an infusion
for advanced
kidney cancer

For certain adults with previously untreated
kidney cancer that has spread (advanced renal
cell carcinoma)

For your treatment, you have the choice between an intravenous (IV) infusion and a subcutaneous injection. OPDIVO is an IV infusion that is given over 30 minutes. OPDIVO Qvantig is a subcutaneous injection of OPDIVO that is given in about 3-5 minutes. Please note, this refers only to the time it takes to give the injection or infusion and does not account for all aspects of treatment. Actual clinic time may vary.

Learn more about your options below so you can have informed discussions with your doctor about which is best for you.

Here’s what you can expect during your treatment with intravenous infusions

This treatment uses two medications: OPDIVO and CABOMETYX. OPDIVO is given as an intravenous (IV) infusion, meaning that it is delivered into your vein. CABOMETYX is an oral tablet taken once daily without food.

This is what your treatment plan may look like

There are two different infusion schedule options for OPDIVO, and your dose of OPDIVO may vary depending on how often you receive treatment. With each option, you will still take a once daily oral pill. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you and ask any questions you may have before starting treatment. Only your doctor can make specific recommendations about your treatment.

OPTION 1 – A LOWER DOSE EVERY 2 WEEKS

More regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with less time in between appointments

Lower dose OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) treatment schedule for advanced kidney cancer (RCC).

Your treatment will continue as long as it is working, and side effects are manageable. Treatment with OPDIVO may continue for up to 2 years. Your treatment with CABOMETYX will continue as long as it is working, and side effects are manageable.

OPTION 2 – A HIGHER DOSE EVERY 4 WEEKS

Regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with more time in between appointments

Higher dose OPDIVO® (nivolumab) + CABOMETYX® (cabozantinib) treatment schedule for advanced kidney cancer (RCC).

Tips for your treatment

Create a routine

To make it easier for your treatment to fit into your routine, try to schedule your appointments for the same day and time each week. You can also designate that time to talk with your healthcare team to let them know how you’re feeling and to ask questions.

Stay comfortable

Wear clothes and shoes that make you feel comfortable so it’s easier to relax. Think about bringing a light blanket or a travel pillow for even more comfort.

Bring activities

Help pass the time at your treatment by bringing a book, magazine, tablet, or using your phone. (And don’t forget to bring your chargers.)

Pay attention to how you feel

It’s important to pay close attention to how you feel during and after treatments and let your healthcare team know how you feel. During treatment, your healthcare team will also check you for side effects and may treat you with additional medications to help relieve them. Your healthcare team may also need to delay or completely stop your treatment if you have severe side effects.

We hope that the information on this page is helpful but be sure to communicate with your healthcare team because they are your best source of information. Talk to your healthcare team about anything you may be experiencing during your treatment. See below for possible side effects.

Here’s what you can expect during your treatment with subcutaneous injections

This treatment uses two medications: OPDIVO Qvantig and CABOMETYX. OPDIVO Qvantig is given as an injection by a healthcare professional under the skin in your stomach area (abdomen) or thigh area. CABOMETYX is an oral tablet taken once daily without food.

This is what your treatment plan may look like

There are two different injection schedule options for OPDIVO Qvantig, and your dose of OPDIVO Qvantig may vary depending on how often you receive treatment. With each option, you will still take a once daily oral pill. Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you and ask any questions you may have before starting treatment. Only your doctor can make specific recommendations about your treatment.

OPTION 1 – A LOWER DOSE EVERY 2 WEEKS

More regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with less time in between appointments

OPTION 2 – A HIGHER DOSE EVERY 4 WEEKS

Regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with more time in between appointments

Tips for your treatment

Wear loose-fitting clothing

Try to wear loose clothing to your injection appointment. That way, it’s easier for your healthcare team to easily access your stomach area (abdomen) or thigh area to give your injection. Some ideas include a large T-shirt, shorts, sweatpants, or something similar.

Try not to focus on the injection

For many people, needles can be scary, but there are ways to help cope when receiving your injection. Some tips include not watching the needle, keeping yourself distracted with a short video or your favorite music, practicing deep breathing by counting to four on each inhale or exhale, and relaxing the muscle where you’re receiving your injection.

Plan for your appointment to be longer than 3-5 minutes

The actual time you will spend at the clinic for your appointment may vary depending on decisions made by you and your healthcare team. Additional parts of your appointment, besides the injection, may include blood tests to check you for side effects before your injection and monitoring you for side effects after your injection.