Get an easy-to-use journal so you
can keep track of your loved one's
side effects and treatment
information.

Giving Support

You have the important job of helping your loved one with melanoma (a kind of skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery during their treatment with YERVOY (ipilimumab).

To get you started, you can find information below on side effects, how you can get involved in your loved one's treatment, and also some ways to take care of yourself—so you can be there for your loved one.

Think of this information as just a starting place. In the future, we'll be adding more information for caregivers. To be notified of any updates, please sign up now. Remember your doctor is the best source of information about your loved one's health.

Importance of reporting side effects

During treatment with YERVOY, it's important to help the person you care for remember to report their side effects to their healthcare provider.

Getting involved in your loved one's treatment

During your loved one's treatment, there's probably a lot of information you are trying to juggle. Here are some tips to help you stay on top of all the moving pieces related to treatment with YERVOY:

  • Write down all side effects your loved one is having—and be sure to report them right away
  • Make sure all important phone numbers are handy
  • Keep a list of all medications your loved one is taking
  • Start a running list of any questions or concerns that you can show your loved one's healthcare provider
  • Keep tabs on all appointments set up for your loved one
  • Store all information in a handy journal like our Caregiver's Treatment Journal (PDF)

Taking care of yourself

As a caregiver, it's important to take care of yourself so you can take better care of your loved one. Use the list below to get some ideas:

  • Go for a short walk—it's a great way to exercise, and helps reduce stress. It is important to talk to your doctor before beginning any new exercise routines.
  • Give yourself a break—sit down, close your eyes and listen to some calming music
  • Take some time to visit your friends and have fun
  • Let others help—whether running errands or making a meal, as a caregiver you should have people you can lean on too
  • Whoever said, "Laughter is the best medicine" got it right—try adding laughter to your day to help lift your mood
  • Communication is key—whether you're anxious, stressed or feeling guilty, sharing your feelings with someone helps

Think about joining a support group where you'll find people who can relate to what you are going through.

NEXT: Finding Support
 

Important Safety Information

YERVOY (ipilimumab) can cause serious side effects in many parts of your body which can lead to death. These serious side effects may include: inflammation of the intestines (colitis) that can cause tears or holes (perforation) in the intestines; inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) that can lead to liver failure; inflammation of the skin that can lead to severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis); inflammation of the nerves that can lead to paralysis; inflammation of hormone glands (especially the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands) that may affect how these glands work; and inflammation of the eyes.

These side effects are most likely to begin during treatment; however, side effects can show up months after your last infusion. Your healthcare provider should perform blood tests, such as liver and thyroid function tests, before starting and during treatment with YERVOY. Your oncologist may decide to delay or stop YERVOY.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any signs or symptoms or they get worse. Even seemingly mild symptoms can lead to severe or even life-threatening conditions if not addressed. Do not try to treat symptoms yourself.

Serious side effects may include:

  • Inflammation of the intestines (colitis) that can cause tears or holes (perforation) in the intestines. Signs and symptoms of colitis may include:
    • diarrhea (loose stools) or more bowel movements than usual
    • blood in your stools or dark, tarry, sticky stools
    • stomach pain (abdominal pain) or tenderness
  • Inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) that can lead to liver failure. Signs and symptoms of hepatitis may include:
    • yellowing of your skin or the whites of your eyes
    • dark urine (tea colored)
    • nausea or vomiting
    • pain on the right side of your stomach
    • bleeding or bruise more easily than normal
  • Inflammation of the skin that can lead to severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis). Signs and symptoms of severe skin reactions may include:
    • skin rash with or without itching
    • sores in your mouth
    • your skin blisters and/or peels
  • Inflammation of the nerves that can lead to paralysis. Symptoms of nerve problems may include:
    • unusual weakness of legs, arms, or face
    • numbness or tingling in hands or feet
  • Inflammation of hormone glands (especially the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands) that may affect how these glands work. Signs and symptoms that your glands are not working properly may include:
    • persistent or unusual headaches
    • unusual sluggishness, feeling cold all the time, or weight gain
    • changes in mood or behavior such as decreased sex drive, irritability, or forgetfulness
    • dizziness or fainting
  • Inflammation of the eyes. Symptoms may include:
    • blurry vision, double vision, or other vision problems
    • eye pain or redness

Pregnancy and Nursing:

  • Tell your healthcare provider if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. YERVOY may cause stillbirth, premature delivery, and/or death of your unborn baby. Before starting YERVOY, tell your healthcare provider if you are breast-feeding. It is advised that nursing mothers do not breast feed while taking YERVOY.

Tell your healthcare provider about:

  • Your health problems if you:
    • have an active condition where your immune system attacks your body (autoimmune disease), such as ulcerative colitis, Crohn's disease, lupus, or sarcoidosis.
    • had an organ transplant, such as a kidney transplant
    • have liver damage from diseases or drugs
    • have any other medical conditions
  • All the medicines you take including:
    • all prescription and non-prescription medicines
    • steroids or other medicines that lower your immune response
    • vitamins
    • herbal supplements

    You should not start a new medicine before you talk with your healthcare provider who prescribes you YERVOY.

Most Common Side Effects:

The most common side effects of YERVOY include: tiredness, diarrhea, itching, and rash.

These are not all of the possible side effects of YERVOY. If you have any questions about your health or medicines, talk to your healthcare provider.

Please see U.S. Full Prescribing Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated side effects, and Medication Guide for YERVOY.

The information provided on this website is not a substitute for talking to your healthcare provider. Your healthcare provider is the best source of information about your disease.

Models on this website are used for illustrative purposes only.

Some files on this website require Adobe Reader to be installed. If you do not have Adobe Reader on your computer, you can download it here.

Scroll down or click here for detailed Important
Safety Information.

Indication

YERVOY (ipilimumab) is a prescription medicine used in adults to treat melanoma (a kind of skin cancer) that has spread or cannot be removed by surgery.

It is not known if YERVOY is safe and effective in children less than 18 years of age.

Select Safety Information

YERVOY (ipilimumab) can cause serious side effects in many parts of your body which can lead to death. These serious side effects may include: inflammation of the intestines (colitis) that can cause tears or holes (perforation) in the intestines; inflammation of the liver (hepatitis) that can lead to liver failure; inflammation of the skin that can lead to severe skin reaction (toxic epidermal necrolysis); inflammation of the nerves that can lead to paralysis; inflammation of hormone glands (especially the pituitary, adrenal, and thyroid glands) that may affect how these glands work; and inflammation of the eyes.

These side effects are most likely to begin during treatment; however, side effects can show up months after your last infusion. Your healthcare provider should perform blood tests, such as liver and thyroid function tests, before starting and during treatment with YERVOY. Your oncologist may decide to delay or stop YERVOY.

Call your healthcare provider if you have any signs or symptoms or they get worse. Even seemingly mild symptoms can lead to severe or even life-threatening conditions if not addressed. Do not try to treat symptoms yourself.

Please see detailed Important Safety Information, including Boxed WARNING regarding immune-mediated side effects.