Getting an infusion for
advanced bladder or
urinary tract cancer
For certain previously untreated adults with
bladder cancer or urinary tract cancer
(urothelial carcinoma) that has spread or
cannot be removed by surgery
Actor portrayals.
Here’s what you can expect during your treatment
This treatment uses three medications: OPDIVO and chemotherapy medicines cisplatin and gemcitabine. They are given on the same day as separate intravenous (IV) infusions, meaning that they are delivered into your vein.
This is what your treatment plan may look like
Talk to your doctor about your plan and ask any questions you may have before starting treatment. Only your doctor can make specific recommendations about your treatment.
PHASE 1: Start with OPDIVO + chemotherapy medicines cisplatin and gemcitabine
EVERY 3 WEEKS
UP TO 6 ROUNDS
You will start Phase 2. There are two different infusion schedule options for this phase.
Talk to your doctor about which option is best for you.
PHASE 2: Continue with just OPDIVO
Your dose of OPDIVO may vary depending on how often you receive treatment.
OPTION 1 – A LOWER DOSE EVERY 2 WEEKS
More regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with less time in between appointments
Your treatment will continue as long as it is working, side effects are manageable, or up to 2 years from the first dose.
OPTION 2 – A HIGHER DOSE EVERY 4 WEEKS
Regularly scheduled time with your healthcare team with more time in between appointments
Your treatment will continue as long as it is working, side effects are manageable, or up to 2 years from the first dose.
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.
Sign up for support
Learn more about the complimentary OPDIVO with You support program
Helpful patient resources
Explore resources to help you along your treatment journey
Clinical trial results
Explore findings from clinical trials with OPDIVO and OPDIVO-based combinations