About YERVOY® Infusion Therapy
YERVOY® (ipilimumab) is a biologic immunotherapy known as a CTLA-4 blocking antibody, given as an intravenous (IV) infusion. It works by removing a brake on your T cells so your immune system can better recognize and attack cancer cells.
Dosing depends on your regimen. As a single agent for melanoma, it is commonly given at 3 mg/kg every three weeks for four doses, infused over about 30 to 90 minutes. In combination regimens, it is given alongside nivolumab.
Conditions treated by this therapy
YERVOY® is FDA-approved to treat several types of cancer, either on its own or in combination with nivolumab:
- Unresectable or metastatic melanoma in adults and pediatric patients 12 years and older
- Adjuvant treatment of melanoma after complete surgical removal, including lymph node involvement
- Advanced renal cell carcinoma, in combination with nivolumab
- MSI-H or dMMR metastatic colorectal cancer, in combination with nivolumab
- Hepatocellular carcinoma, in combination with nivolumab
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma, in combination with nivolumab
- Metastatic non-small cell lung cancer, in combination with nivolumab
- Esophageal squamous cell carcinoma, in combination with nivolumab
Your oncologist will confirm whether YERVOY® is right for you before treatment begins.
YERVOY® Price
The cost of prescription medications can vary depending on your insurance coverage. If you're concerned about the price of your medication:
- Contact your insurance provider to understand your coverage
- Ask your doctor or pharmacist about lower-cost alternatives
- Check with the drug manufacturer about financial assistance programs
- Explore patient assistance options if you're uninsured or underinsured
Remember, many resources exist to help patients access necessary medications. Don't hesitate to ask for help if you're struggling with medication costs. No patient should go without necessary treatment due to financial limitations. If you have questions about financial assistance opportunities, contact a member of our Violet Health team.
What to Expect During YERVOY® Infusion Therapy
When you arrive at your Violet Health location, you'll settle into a private, welcoming space designed with your comfort in mind. Our experienced team will:
- Review your current health status and any symptoms you've noticed
- Check your vital signs
- Place your IV using gentle, practiced technique
- Administer your YERVOY® infusion with our nursing team at your side
- Monitor you closely for any infusion-related reactions
- Protect your privacy and comfort throughout the visit
Your infusion takes about 30 to 90 minutes, depending on your regimen. For single-agent melanoma treatment, YERVOY® is usually given as a set course of four doses spaced three weeks apart.
YERVOY® Side Effects
As with any medication, YERVOY® may cause side effects. Because it blocks CTLA-4, immune-mediated reactions can be more pronounced than with some other immunotherapies. Being informed helps you know what to watch for and when to contact your healthcare team. Common Side Effects:
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Itching
- Nausea
- Decreased appetite
- Vomiting
- Fever
- Headache
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Thyroid problems
Serious immune-mediated side effects can occur and may become severe or life-threatening. Please alert our clinical staff or seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following symptoms:
- Immune-mediated enterocolitis, the most common serious reaction (severe or persistent diarrhea, blood or mucus in stool, severe abdominal pain, and bowel perforation in rare cases)
- Immune-mediated hepatitis (yellowing of skin or eyes, dark urine, severe nausea, right-sided abdominal pain)
- Immune-mediated dermatitis, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and toxic epidermal necrolysis (widespread rash, blistering, or peeling skin)
- Immune-mediated endocrine problems, including hypophysitis, thyroid disorders, and adrenal insufficiency (persistent headaches, unusual fatigue, dizziness, vision changes, low blood pressure)
- Immune-mediated neuropathies, including Guillain-Barre syndrome and myasthenia gravis (severe muscle weakness, numbness, tingling, difficulty breathing)
- Immune-mediated pneumonitis (new or worsening cough, shortness of breath, chest pain)
- Immune-mediated nephritis (decreased urine output, blood in urine, swelling)
- Myocarditis (chest pain, irregular heartbeat, severe shortness of breath)
- Infusion-related reactions (chills, flushing, itching, dizziness, fever)
YERVOY® can harm an unborn baby. Use effective contraception during treatment and for three months after your last dose, and do not breastfeed during treatment or for three months after.
YERVOY® Infusion Therapy at Violet Health
Your comfort during YERVOY® infusion therapy at Violet Health is our priority. Our patients enjoy walk-up parking, complimentary entertainment and snacks, and a team of highly trained providers during each treatment. Plus, Violet Health's evening and weekend hours and convenient city and rural locations make it easier to schedule your appointments.
Patient Forms
Before you attend your first appointment at Violet Health, please make sure to review the documents below. Please contact us if you have any questions!
Patient Consent Form
HIPAA Privacy Authorization Form
Notice of Privacy Practices
Patient Rights and Responsibilities
Appointment Lateness and Cancelation
Meet our Infusion Specialists
Jalal Thwainey M.D.
Medical Director
Emilie Wojcik, N.P.
Director of Clinical Services
For Provider
Simplify patient referrals and offer advanced treatment options with our infusion partnership program.
For Patient
There may be a better way to manage your condition – explore infusion therapy.