Ipilimumab

Ipilimumab

Why is it prescribed?

In Saskatchewan ipilimumab is used to treat lung cancer - both non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and mesothelioma. 

This is the criteria for use of ipilimumab in NSCLC:

  • Locally advanced (not amenable to curative-intent therapy), metastatic or recurrent, squamous or nonsquamous, non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in combination with nivolumab and 2 cycles of platinum doublet chemotherapy in previously untreated patients who have no known actionable driver mutations, including patients who:
    • have stable brain metastases (if present)
    • have large cell neuroendocrine tumors if treatment is planned using a NSCLC regimen
    • have any PD-L1 expression or unknown PD-L1 expression

Products that have this ingredient include •Yervoy® injection •

See other drugs used in the treatment of •non-small cell lung cancer •

The following are the most common side effects:

  • Fatigue
  • Diarrhea
  • Itching
  • Rash
  • Nausea/vomiting

These side effects are less common side effects (occurring in about 10-29%) of patients receiving ipilimumab:

  • Decreased appetite
  • Constipation
  • Cough
  • Headache
  • Abdominal pain
  • Shortness of breath
  • Anemia
  • Fever

Ipilimumab affects the body's immune system and by doing so, may have negative effects on the bowels, liver, skin, nerves and the endocrine system. These can occur during treatment but can also be seen weeks or months after discontinuation of treatment. Contact your health care provider right away if you have any new or worsening symptoms.


Ipilimumab is an immunotherapy drug - a monoclonal antibody - which is a type of protein designed to help the body’s immune system target cancer cells to stop them from growing. It may also be called a checkpoint inhibitor.


Do not use ipilimumab if:

  • you are allergic to any ingredients in this medication
  • you have a severe, active autoimmune disease
  • you have received an organ transplant

Ipilimumab should be used with caution if you:

  • have an active autoimmune disease, such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn’s disease, lupus, or sarcoidosis
  • have hepatitis
  • are taking steroids or other medicines that lower your immune response
  • had a severe skin reaction with a previous cancer therapy which works with your immune system
  • take anticoagulants
  • have received a bone marrow (stem cell) transplant that uses donor stem cells (allogeneic)

Drug Interactions:

  • any medications that affect the immune system
  • anticoagulants - medications that stop the blood from clotting

Safety in pregnancy: Ipilimumab may harm a developing baby. Women who could become pregnant must use effective contraception while on this medication and for at least 3 months after the last dose.

Safety in breastfeeding: Ipilimumab may be present in breast milk.  At this time, women on ipilimumab should not breastfeed.