What should you know about Opdualag for melanoma?

Opdualag combines nivolumab and relatlimab, medicines designed to help the immune system recognise and attack melanoma cells. It is given through an intravenous infusion when a specialist considers it suitable, often after reviewing the cancer’s stage, spread, previous treatment, general health, and other medicines.

Because the treatment changes immune activity, effects can involve organs that are not the original tumour site. Skin changes, diarrhoea, cough, tiredness, thyroid changes, liver inflammation, or other symptoms may need assessment. Not every symptom is caused by treatment, but early reporting helps the team decide whether to observe, test, pause treatment, or prescribe treatment for inflammation.

Before each infusion, tell the team about new symptoms, autoimmune conditions, transplant history, allergies, pregnancy or plans for pregnancy, and all medicines or supplements. Keep a simple record of changes between visits, including bowel habits, breathing, headaches, rashes, energy, and temperature.

Attend blood tests and scheduled reviews even when you feel well. Ask how long the infusion visit may take, which symptoms require a same-day call, and whether another clinician should be told about the immunotherapy. Treatment plans can change if scans, examination, or side effects show a different balance of benefit and risk.

Contact your oncology team promptly for worsening diarrhoea, blood in stool, severe abdominal pain, yellowing of the eyes, dark urine, a spreading rash, marked weakness, persistent headache, confusion, new cough, chest pain, or shortness of breath. Seek urgent help for severe breathing difficulty, fainting, sudden weakness, or confusion.

Ask which melanoma stage and treatment goal apply to you, how Opdualag compares with other options, how infusions and tests will be scheduled, and which symptoms should lead to an immediate call. You can also ask whether a skin examination, imaging, or another procedure is part of your plan.