Yervoy (ipilimumab)
Bristol Myers Squibb · CTLA-4 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor
What is Yervoy? Yervoy (ipilimumab) is a CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor by Bristol Myers Squibb. It is the first checkpoint inhibitor approved by the FDA, used in melanoma and in combination with nivolumab (Opdivo) for multiple tumor types.
About Yervoy
| Brand Name | Yervoy |
| Generic / INN | ipilimumab |
| Drug Class | CTLA-4 Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor |
| Manufacturer | Bristol Myers Squibb |
| Administration | Intravenous (IV) infusion |
| FDA Approval | 2011 |
FDA-Approved Uses for Yervoy
Indications are based on FDA approval. Your healthcare provider determines appropriate use based on your specific diagnosis, stage, biomarker status, and overall clinical picture.
- Unresectable or metastatic melanoma (with nivolumab or as monotherapy)
- Adjuvant melanoma after resection (with nivolumab)
- Renal cell carcinoma (with nivolumab)
- MSI-H or dMMR colorectal cancer (with nivolumab)
- Hepatocellular carcinoma (with nivolumab)
- NSCLC (with nivolumab ± chemotherapy)
- Malignant pleural mesothelioma (with nivolumab)
- Esophageal cancer (with nivolumab)
- Gastric/GEJ adenocarcinoma (with nivolumab and chemotherapy)
- Cervical cancer (with nivolumab and chemotherapy)
- Endometrial carcinoma (with nivolumab)
How Does Yervoy Work?
Ipilimumab blocks CTLA-4 (cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4), an immune checkpoint that down-regulates T cell activity. By blocking CTLA-4, ipilimumab removes the brakes on T cell activation in lymph nodes, producing a broader and stronger anti-tumor immune response — complementary to PD-1/PD-L1 inhibition.
Dosage & Administration
Varies by indication. Melanoma monotherapy: 3 mg/kg IV every 3 weeks × 4 doses. Combination with nivolumab: 1 mg/kg IV every 6 weeks (most regimens). Adjuvant: 10 mg/kg every 3 weeks × 4 doses, then every 12 weeks.
Dosing is individualized by the prescribing clinician. Never adjust your dose without consulting your healthcare provider. This information is educational only and does not replace the official prescribing information.
Warnings, Precautions & Side Effects
General Warning
Severe immune-mediated reactions — higher rates and severity compared to PD-1 inhibitors alone, especially when combined with nivolumab. Enterocolitis (can be fatal), hepatitis, dermatitis, neuropathy, endocrinopathies. Embryo-fetal toxicity.
- Immune-mediated enterocolitis — potentially fatal
- Immune-mediated hepatitis
- Immune-mediated dermatitis
- Immune-mediated neuropathy
- Immune-mediated endocrinopathies
- Embryo-fetal toxicity
Common Side Effects
- Fatigue
- Diarrhea
- Rash
- Pruritus
- Colitis
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Decreased appetite
- Headache
This is not a complete list. Always report new or worsening symptoms to your healthcare provider promptly.
Storage & Handling
Refrigerate at 2°C to 8°C (36°F to 46°F). Do not freeze. Protect from light.
BiologicHealthPlus provides temperature-monitored cold-chain specialty delivery for medications requiring refrigeration. Never use a medication if its storage conditions have been compromised.
Insurance Coverage, Prior Authorization & Patient Assistance
🛡️ Commercial Insurance
Yervoy is covered by most major commercial insurance plans when medically necessary and prior authorized. Coverage tier and cost-sharing vary by plan.
✅ Prior Authorization
Prior authorization is required by virtually all insurance plans for Yervoy. BiologicHealthPlus handles the complete prior authorization process at no cost to patients or providers.
🏥 Medicare Coverage
Medicare Part B covers this IV medication when administered in a clinical setting. Medicaid coverage varies by state.
🆓 Patient Assistance
Manufacturer patient assistance programs may be available for eligible uninsured or underinsured patients. Contact BiologicHealthPlus for a confidential eligibility review.
Prior Authorization Patient Assistance Insurance & Savings Medication Costs
Frequently Asked Questions — Yervoy
Yervoy is a CTLA-4 checkpoint inhibitor and the first immune checkpoint inhibitor FDA-approved (2011). It works differently from PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors — blocking CTLA-4 to amplify T cell activation in lymph nodes, and is most commonly used in combination with nivolumab.
Nivolumab and pembrolizumab block the PD-1 pathway on T cells in the tumor microenvironment. Ipilimumab blocks CTLA-4, amplifying T cell activation earlier in the immune response. Combined, they provide synergistic checkpoint blockade.
Immune-mediated enterocolitis (severe diarrhea) is particularly common, especially at higher doses or in combination with nivolumab. Immune-mediated hepatitis and endocrinopathies are also significant risks.
Yes — Yervoy is covered by Medicare Part B and commercial insurance for approved indications with prior authorization.
Related Medications & Conditions
Related Medications
Opdivo (nivolumab) · Keytruda (pembrolizumab) · Tremelimumab-actl (Imjudo)
Related Conditions
Melanoma · Renal cell carcinoma · Colorectal cancer (MSI-H) · NSCLC · Hepatocellular carcinoma