Ipilimumab

Patients who have melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body may receive an ipilimumab injection. This medication is an antibody that is used to slow the growth of cancer cells to stop them from spreading throughout the patient’s body.

Side Effects/Warnings

This medication can cause severe inflammation, leading to other serious complications. For example, inflammation of the intestines can lead to tears or holes in the stomach, while inflammation of the tissues around the eyes can cause blindness. There is a risk of paralysis if the nerves become inflamed.

Get immediate medical assistance if you experience symptoms such as:

• Brown urine or tarry black stools
• Jaundice
• Stomach pain
• Nausea and vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness or numbness
• Headaches
• Blurred vision
• Blood in the stool