Opdivo (nivolumab)

Targeted Conditions

  • Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC)
  • Small cell lung cancer (SCLC)
  • Melanoma
  • Renal cell carcinoma (kidney cancer)
  • Hodgkin lymphoma
  • Urothelial carcinoma (bladder cancer)
  • Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC)
  • Esophageal cancer
  • Colorectal cancer (MSI-H or dMMR)
  • Gastric (stomach) cancer
  • Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)
  • Mesothelioma
  • Biliary tract cancer
  • Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)
  • Cervical cancer (in combination use)

Off-Label Usage

  • Certain rare cancer types
  • Investigational protocols involving combination immunotherapy or biomarker-driven treatment regimens

These uses should be directed by an oncology specialist.

Drug Classification Overview

Opdivo is a monoclonal antibody classified as a PD-1 immune checkpoint inhibitor.
It works by blocking the PD-1 protein on T-cells, enabling the immune system to detect and attack cancer cells more effectively.
It is part of a revolutionary class of cancer therapies designed to overcome immune suppression caused by tumors.

Manufacturer in the USA, Mexico, and Canada

USA: Bristol Myers Squibb
Mexico: Bristol-Myers Squibb de México, S. de R.L. de C.V.
Canada: Bristol Myers Squibb Canada

Available Strengths and Dosage Forms – United States, Mexico, and Canada

Country Comparison – United States vs Mexico and Canada

  • Opdivo is available in all three countries.
  • Canada and Mexico typically offer substantial cost savings compared to the U.S.
  • Cold chain logistics and infusion administration protocols are strictly required.
  • MedicalMex ensures coordination and safety throughout the process.

Average Retail Price (Monthly Treatment)

Canada: Approx. 30–45% savings compared to the U.S. retail price
Mexico: Approx. 25–35% savings compared to the U.S. retail price

Savings may vary depending on availability, prescription requirements, cold chain shipping, or limited distribution controls.

Where to Buy USA

  • CVS Specialty Pharmacy
  • Walgreens Specialty
  • Onco360
  • Cardinal Health Oncology
  • Optum Specialty
  • Costco
  • Walmart
  • Kroger
  • Rite Aid
  • Publix
  • Sam’s Club
  • Target (via CVS Pharmacy)
  • Online mail-order specialty care pharmacies

Availability may vary depending on provider networks, insurance, and oncology center requirements.

Storage Requirements

  • Store refrigerated at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F).
  • Do not freeze or shake.
  • Protect from light.
  • Strict cold chain handling required.

Key Benefits

  • Shown to significantly extend survival in multiple cancer types
  • Immunotherapy that enhances the body’s natural anti-cancer response
  • Fewer side effects compared to conventional chemotherapy in many cases
  • Can be used alone or in combination with other therapies
  • Approved for biomarker-based treatment strategies
  • Well-established safety profile with long-term survival data

Shipping from Canada

This medication is accessed through fully licensed Canadian pharmacies regulated by Health Canada.
All pharmacies included in the MedicalMex network undergo a rigorous review and verification process to ensure compliance, patient safety, and medication authenticity.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Prescription verification and fulfillment coordination
  • Secure, compliant medication logistics
  • Access to licensed Canadian pharmacists
  • Access to our network of certified physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Case management, payment handling, and personalized support
  • Cold chain shipping with temperature-monitored coolers
  • Refill tracking and adherence programs

Buying from Mexico

This medication is available through certified pharmacies in Mexico regulated by COFEPRIS.
All partners in the MedicalMex network must pass a rigorous review and certification process before being approved for patient access.

MedicalMex facilitates:

  • Transportation support to our affiliate clinic in Tijuana
  • Prescription handling through licensed physicians
  • Access to accredited physicians if a Telehealth consultation is needed
  • Travel coordination, including flights and hotel reservations when required
  • Travel insurance
  • Cold chain shipping with advanced coolers
  • Personalized, boutique-level service
  • Refill tracking and patient adherence support

Side Effects

  • Common: Fatigue; Rash; Nausea; Cough; Diarrhea; Decreased appetite; Muscle or joint pain
  • Serious: Immune-related adverse events (pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies); Infusion-related reactions; Severe inflammation of organs; Rare but serious autoimmune reactions

Close monitoring is essential under the supervision of an experienced oncology team.

Warnings and Precautions

  • Should only be used under the care of an oncologist
  • Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • May trigger autoimmune reactions affecting major organs
  • Requires regular lab monitoring and imaging
  • Risk-benefit evaluation critical in patients with prior immune disorders
  • May need discontinuation if life-threatening immune complications arise

Alternative Medications (by Indication)

Keytruda (pembrolizumab)
Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Tecentriq (atezolizumab)
Imfinzi (durvalumab)
Chemotherapy or radiation (monotherapy or in combination)
Targeted therapies (e.g., EGFR, ALK inhibitors)
CAR-T cell therapy (in hematologic cancers)

Medication FAQs

Opdivo is used to treat various cancers by boosting the immune system’s ability to fight tumors. It’s FDA-approved for more than a dozen types of solid and blood cancers.
No. Opdivo is an immunotherapy, not chemotherapy. It helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells by blocking the PD-1 checkpoint.
It is given as an IV infusion, typically every 2, 3, or 4 weeks depending on your condition and whether it’s used in combination with other therapies.
Yes. MedicalMex helps eligible patients access Opdivo from licensed pharmacies in both countries, with full cold chain handling and prescription coordination.
Yes. It must be kept refrigerated and protected from light. Shipping must meet strict cold chain compliance standards.
Yes. You must have a prescription from a licensed oncologist.
Patients can expect savings of approximately 25–45% through our licensed Canadian or Mexican pharmacy partners, depending on supply and logistics.
No. We do not practice medicine or offer treatment. We facilitate safe access through licensed pharmacies and providers in our trusted network.
Yes. We offer full concierge support, including transportation (for Mexico), physician coordination, refill tracking, cold chain logistics, and bilingual service.